LESLIE WEST

Unusual Suspects

[Provogue Records]

Mountain frontman Leslie West will forever be known for “Mississippi Queen,” a classic-rock staple that continues to inspire countless guitar wannabes with its searing intro and crushing riffs. Nothing on West’s new solo disc rises quite to that level, but his grasp of hard-hitting blues-rock remains as formidable as ever. Accompanied by a who’s who of guitar heroes including Joe Bonamassa, Billy Gibbons and Slash, the 65-year-old veteran demonstrates why these players and others consider him a giant of the instrument. High points include “Mudflap Momma,” a down-and-dirty slide romp featuring tasty solos from Slash, and “Third Degree,” a walking-blues number that finds West and Bonamassa pushing one another to celestial heights. West underwent a diabetes-related leg amputation this past June, but the procedure has done nothing to cut back his busy touring schedule. With new songs as strong as these to share with fans, it’s easy to understand why. –RH

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