Music Review: John Hiatt-Jerry Douglas collaboration clicks

John Hiatt with the Jerry Douglas Band, 'œLeftover Feelings'ť (New West Records)

On 'œLeftover Feelings,'ť the powerhouse pairing of John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas starts by introducing a new musical form: the 12-bar blues gone green.

'œI've got a long black electric Cadillac,'ť goes Hiatt's opening verse. 'œShe'll go a thousand miles on a charge.'ť

Such is the spark created by this smart collaboration. Hiatt remains at the top of his game at age 68, his unvarnished tenor still a fount of wit and wisdom, while Douglas and his crack combo elevate the already charming melodies and buttress the rustic grooves. No drummer needed. The sweet twang of Douglas' Dobro and lap steel season the set, which he produced.

It helps that Hiatt brought excellent material to the recording sessions, held in Nashville's historic RCA Studio B. Hiatt sings about a colicky baby on 'œLittle Goodnight,'ť offers love counsel on 'œBuddy Boy'ť and gives the term 'œhollow roots'ť new meaning on 'œSweet Dream.'ť The spirited 'œKeen Rambler'ť echoes a Chuck Berry car song, but it's about walking.

Eyes will well in response to 'œLight of the Burning Sun,'ť a wrenching remembrance of Hiatt's eldest brother and the life he led before committing suicide in the early 1960s.

'œDoing his job, doing his best,'ť Hiatt sings, 'œselling burnt orange and avocado green kitchens all across the Midwest.'ť

'œLeftover Feelings'ť shows the blues can come in any color.