Luther Dickinson’s first solo album away from the North Mississippi All-Stars was the instrumental acoustic set Hambone’s Meditations, which earned a GRAMMY® nomination. Such strong notice might tempt a less adventurous spirit to follow things up with another set of instrumentals, but the Dickinson pedigree demands progress and exploration. Working with upright bassist Amy LaVere and drummers Sharde Thomas and Lightnin’ Malcolm (who all sing backup when necessary), Dickinson has a tight-knit ensemble who understand intuitively what’s required of them here, and together they work it out without fuss and plenty of genuine grooves to complement these vocal numbers. “Goin’ Country” features intense slide guitar licks and claims that the rock ’n’ roll thing might not pan out, while “Blood ’n Guts” is an autobiographical account of just what a lifer like Dickinson is in for. “Mojo, Mojo” puts everyone’s voices together with a solid, whistling lead fife from Thomas for a tune that flows as naturally as water. Rock ’n’ Roll Blues is an easygoing masterpiece that pretends it doesn’t care that it wants to be just that.