# Boz Scaggs – Out Of The Blues Review
Boz Scaggs has maintained a reputation as one of America's premier blues interpreters throughout his decades-long career, and his 2018 release Out Of The Blues demonstrates that his command of the genre remains undiminished. Released on the prestigious Concord Records label, this vinyl offering showcases Scaggs' continued dedication to authentic electric blues while maintaining the sophistication and musicianship that have defined his career since the 1960s.
Out Of The Blues captures Scaggs performing across a modern electric blues landscape, blending traditional rhythm and blues sensibilities with contemporary production values. The album spans a diverse selection of tracks that highlight both his original compositions and carefully chosen interpretations. The opening track, Rock And Stick, immediately establishes the album's energetic tone before Scaggs strips things down on I've Just Got To Forget You, a compact track showcasing his vocal phrasing and emotional restraint. The mid-tempo groove of Radiator 110 and the extended instrumental exploration of On The Beach demonstrate Scaggs' willingness to push beyond standard blues formats, while the soulful Down In Virginia and Those Lies provide intimate moments that reveal the depth of his blues foundation.
What distinguishes this collection is Scaggs' ability to inhabit each song with conviction and authenticity. Little Miss Night And Day stretches past five minutes with unhurried sophistication, while The Feeling Is Gone delivers poignant emotional weight. The inclusion of I Ain't Got You, a blues standard, serves as a statement of his commitment to the genre's roots, while Jump closes the album with infectious energy that suggests vitality rather than nostalgic reflection.
The vinyl format serves this material particularly well, with the extended playing time across the four sides allowing for dynamic shifts and space within the arrangements. Scaggs' band provides thoughtful accompaniment throughout, never overshadowing his vocals but providing essential textural and harmonic support. For collectors seeking contemporary electric blues from an artist steeped in authentic tradition, Out Of The Blues represents a rewarding addition to any collection. This is seasoned blues performed by someone who understands both the genre's history and its possibilities for continued artistic expression.
