Lucky Peterson - Best Of (2020)

A prodigy in blues and R&B, Lucky Peterson matured from being a boy wonder to a respected veteran musician over the course of a half-century. Making his professional debut at an age when most kids are in kindergarten, Peterson matured into a skillful instrumentalist with a sharp, incisive attack on guitar and a funky keyboard sound that splits the difference between soul and gospel, as well as a rich, flexible voice that's passionate but doesn't overplay its hand. While his earliest recordings are more than capable novelties, 1989's Lucky Strikes was the work of a grownup making the most of his talent, and 1990's Triple Play doubled down on the confidence of the earlier set. 1996's Spirituals & Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson was a powerful, reverent collaboration with vocalist Mavis Staples, while Lifetime, issued the same year, added contemporary funk and hip-hop accents to his mix. 2003's Black Midnight Sun was a tough blowing session with co-stars Bill Laswell and Jerome "Bigfoot" Brailey, and 2010's You Can Always Turn Around allowed him to show off his take on Mississippi Delta-style acoustic steel guitar.