From the moment Buddy Guy lays down his first searing lick, you know he's in top form.

Guy also turns in a strong vocal performance, starting off with his impression of soul great Curtis Mayfield's falsetto on The Impressions' Now You're Gone and emulating Wilson Pickett's fiery howl on Ninety Nine and a Half (one of the few tracks where the band really kicks in); his declamatory shouts on Cut You Loose are also a treat.

The lion's share of Bring 'Em In is covers -- classics of soul and the blues like I Put a Spell On You and I've Got Dreams to Remember.

Guy also gets some high-powered help.

Carlos Santana, soul singer Anthony Hamilton and Tracy Chapman all add a special touch to the numbers they take part in. John Mayer, Keb' Mo, Keith Richards and slide wizard Robert Randolph don't have quite the same impact.

Unfortunately, Guy's sizzling performance and high-powered friends aren't echoed by his studio band's lukewarm assist.

Experienced pros like bassist Willie Weeks, drummer Kevin Jordan, guitarist Danny Kortchmar and keyboardist Bernie Worrell should turn in a performance that's better than okay.

Despite that, Guy provides all the evidence a blues fan could want that he's as tough as ever.

Track Listing:

1. Now You're Gone
2. Ninety Nine and One Half
3. What Kind of Woman Is This
4. Somebody's Sleeping in My Bed
5. I Put a Spell on You
6. On a Saturday Night
7. Ain't No Sunshine - Carlos Santana
8. I've Got Dreams to Remember
9. Lay Lady Lay
10. Cheaper to Keep Her/Blues in the Night
11. Cut You Loose
12. Price You Gotta Pay
13. Do Your Thing - Keith Richards