Tony Joe White - The Shine (2010)

That's the cover.
I need to tell you about this album, friends. Came out about a month ago and it is definitely the best work he's done in almost 20 years.
Others have made his early songs into worldwide superhits so let's not go there. The royalties from those alone were probably enough for Tony Joe to buy up half the properties in his home state of Louisiana.
During the 80's he only made a few albums that were not up to par with his earlier work but then he got a second break. Tina Turner recorded a couple of his new songs ('Steamy windows' anyone?) and suddenly TJ got a new management and recording deal out of it.

That's his 1991 comeback album and worth every cent it was too. His own version of 'Windows', 'Undercover agent for the blues' and two of the best songs he ever wrote: 'Tunica motel' and 'Closer to the truth'.
After that a steady stream of recorded work followed with another highlight being:

 
 where TJ duets with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Jessie Colter, Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and daughter Michelle.
All of his work has that swamp sound, hot and brooding and in his guitar parts you can clearly hear where Mark Knopfler got his ideas from.
But back to 'The Shine'.
There's something real special about this album. While the sound is warm and direct you'll have to listen close to hear the voice. White almost whispers his lyrics and the sparse backing is even further in the background.
Some songs have just an acoustic guitar and harmonica, there's hardly any electric lead to be heard.
I counted exactly one up tempo ('Strange night')  the rest are formidable in their laid backness.
The best here? 'Season man', classical Tony Joe White. 'Roll train roll', Delta folk blues. 'Ain't doin' nobody no good', a swamp blues drone.
A most satisfying album from the 67 year old Swamp Fox.