It’s just about a given that a few real gems show up at year’s end and Mr. Earl and company could likely find their way onto ‘17’s “Best Of” lists with this effort.  The leader’s brightly-toned guitar work, fluid with a perfect touch of bite, shares the spotlight with Diane Blue’s headliner-worthy vocals.  Standing out among Ms. Blue’s powerhouse work here are the leadoff track, the Bobby Bland-popularized “Ain’t That Loving You”, the Little Willie John hit “Heartbreak (It’s Hurtin’ Me)" and a particularly haunting rendition of Rev. Gary Davis’ “Death Don’t Have No Mercy”.  Instrumental standouts include a slow blues, “Blues For Magic Sam” and a ballad departure, “Sweet Miss Vee”.  Roomful Of Blues alum Sugar Ray Norcia’s guest vocal on “Long Lost Conversation” scores high as well.