Tinsley Ellis (in the Supper Club)

Veteran bluesman Tinsley Ellis inked a deal with Alligator Records some 30 years ago and has steadily churned out records and toured ever since. His latest effort, Winning Hand, commences with the simmering "Sound of a Broken Man." Ellis effectively alternates between ballads such as "Gamblin' Man" and gritty rockers like "Kiss This World." His cover of Leon Russell's "Dixie Lullaby" serves as a tribute to his favorite guitarist, Freddie King. (Niesel)