If you're not Canadian or an acoustic blues aficionado, you might not know Ken Whiteley. This is his 37th album, and he might be forgiven for phoning it in. But if you play music in this style, that just doesn't work. Whitely has said that he gained inspiration from breaking a bone in his ankle and being forced to remain (relatively) stationary. Wherever or however inspiration came, it struck home.

Ken Whiteley Keep Going (self-released)

There are a few electronic elements (past his National resonator, he plays electric guitar, electric bass and Hammond organ), but these songs are nonetheless largely acoustic. Often it's just him and his National, musing on something or another.

Whiteley also plays gospel, and that classic feel (and content) is omnipresent here as well. Whitely is less a preacher than an inspirational singer, but he has the confident holler of old-fashioned gospel. And that feel adds layers to his songwriting. Even when just a guitar, the sound is almost overwhelming.

And despite being Canadian, Whiteley has a deft touch with the Delta blues. He strays a bit, but so does everyone else these days. That's the only way for music to move forward. And despite this being his 37th effort, Whiteley is still moving the needle in the positive direction. A fun and inspiring set.

Jon Worley