JOHN LEE HOOKER Mr Lucky (2010 issue UK 10-track CD album. Whenever an old pop, rock or blues artist is joined by an all-star cast of guest musicians, it's usually to safe assume that the artist in question is pretty much a spent force. Fortunately, that is not the case with this wonderful 1991 album by blues legend John Lee Hooker. Even though the guest list includes Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Van Morrison, Nick Lowe, Keith Richards and Carlos Santana, Hooker is the driving force on this album from start to finish. With his voice stronger and more assured than ever and his guitar playing right on the money, 'Mr. Lucky' is arguably the best of Hooker's latter-day recordings. Even though Nick Lowe and Jim Keltner provide a serious groove on 'This Is Hip' and Van Morrison and Hooker ooze bluesy soul on 'I Cover The Waterfront', Hooker shows that he can deliver the goods without his all-star supporting cast on the down-and-dirty boogie of the opening track 'I Want To Hug You' and the stark acoustic blues of 'Highway 13', fold-out credits picture sleeve insert ORECD519)