Aside from quite likely being the best-known blues cornet player on the planet, Al Basile rates as one the most prolific songsmiths in the contemporary genre.  This retrospective provides a rich sampling of Mr. B’s wares, displaying both the variation in his style choices and the constancy of his ground-level lyrical observations.  And, of course, his tasty and tasteful, understated horn play.  Also showcased is the first-class company he’s kept throughout his career; longtime colleague Duke Robillard’s splendid guitar is found in abundance here as are appearances by The Blind Boys of Alabama, keyboardist Bruce Katz and harpmeister Jerry Portnoy among others.  Standouts include “You Showed Me Something”, “Lie Down In Darkness” and “Hooray For Me (and to Hell with You)”.