by Cub KodaAt the end of 1997, several members left the band, leaving their ranks decimated. But the remaining members brought in new blood, regrouped, and opened up their musical outlook to start auditioning new material (rather than just covering old standards and obscure items), and 1998 saw the new Roomful of Blues hit the racks and the road. New vocalist Mac Odom brings along his "Backseat Blues" and turns in great versions of Duke-Peacock Records staples like "I Tried" and "I Smell Trouble," while guitarist Chris Vachon emerges from the Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl shadows to contribute a pair of strong originals in "Blue, Blue World" and "Just Like Dynamite." Strong versions of "The Comeback," "Lost Mind," and Duke Ellington's "Rocks in My Bed" and new material from Doyle Bramhall and the Cate Brothers complete the package.