Rob Paparozzi - Etruscan Soul - Honeydripper Records 2009

And, Paparozzi is no slouch, either. The Harp playing frontman has spent time with his own band, as the lead for the Original Blues Brothers Band (2000-2007), and most recently, as the fronman for the newly reformed Blood, Sweat, and Tears. You've probably heard Rob on any number of TV Ads he's provided the music for, like this spot for Scotch Blue Painter's Tape.

On Etruscan Soul, though, Paparozzi gets to do his thing, and he does it incredibly well. The disc, which is an extremely well put together album of instrumental and vocal covers, begins with a boogeying instrumental take on The Beatles' "Ticket To Ride," and it never looks back.

Paparozzi spans the musical landscape, recording his versions of favorites ranging from Country Blues (Keb Mo's "Keep It Simple"), to Jazz ("Body and Soul"), to Soul ("In the Heat of the Night"). His harmonica playing is stellar, and stands front and center on Steely Dan's "Peg," where he lays it down with three different harmonicas. There's also a gorgeous version of Elton John's "Border Song (Holy Moses)."

Paparozzi's voice is rich, soulful, and incredibly powerful. His vocals on Randy Newman's "I Think It's Going To Rain Today" are understated, and form a spot on pairing with only Paparozzi's acoustic piano playing to accompany them.

Then there are Paparozzi's fellow musicians on Etruscan Soul. John Korba's piano on "Border Song" is beautiful, providing a fantastic foundation for Paparozzi's vocals on what is easily my favorite track on the album. Hugh McCracken provides dobro work on "Keep It Simple," a great version of one of Keb Mo's signature tunes, and he also trades harmonica licks with Paparozzi on Cream's "Strange Brew."

Etruscan Soul provides a great snapshot of what Paparozzi loves to do, perform his favorite songs with friends. I first heard Paparozzi singing on a bootleg of "Can't Play the Blues" with The Original Blues Brothers Band somewhere online, and I loved his voice from the jump; so when I put two and two together, and realized this CD was from the same guy, I got really excited to throw it on and listen. I'm glad I did, because Etruscan Soul is well worth it: A fantastic combination of vocal tracks and instrumentals that allow you to kind of trace one man's musical voyage. This is a great CD.

Standout Tracks: "In the Heat of the Night," "Border Song (Holy Moses)," "I Think It's Going To Rain Today"

Preview and purchase songs from the album Etruscan Soul by Rob Paparozzi.