Personnel: Buddy Guy (vocals, guitar); Jack Holder, Steve Cropper, Jonny Lang (guitar); Reese Wynans (keyboards); David M. Smith (bass); Richie Hayward (drums); David Z (percussion).

Recorded at Sound Kitchen, Nashville, Tennessee.

HEAVY LOVE was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Following a trilogy of records that solidified Buddy Guy's early 90's comeback, HEAVY LOVE shows off the funkier side of this blues legend, with a few modern touches tossed into the mix. With former Prince sideman David Z as a producer, Guy's updated touches include using a syncopated, hip-hoppy rhythm track on the blues standard "I Just Want To Make Love To You." Although he's known for playing with a ferocity that's influenced everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton, Guy's playing is more economical this time out.

Much like Steve Cropper (who contributes guitar throughout), BG's fluid licks bob and weave whether it's off the percolating rhythm of the title track or on the equally bubbly "I Got A Problem." Elsewhere, Guy returns to his roots for a swinging version of Louis Jordan's "Saturday Night Fish Fry" and a bouncy cover of the soul chestnut "Are You Lonely For Me Baby." Guy also plays mentor to teenage prodigy Jonny Lang when both trade licks and vocals on "Midnight Train."

Entertainment Weekly (6/5/98, p.85) - "Blues wild man Guy tones down the fretboard fireworks on his most consistent effort since 1991's DAMN RIGHT, I GOT THE BLUES, focusing instead on tight songs, concise, off-kilter solos, funk-tinged grooves, and impassioned vocals..." - Rating: B+

Vibe (6-7/98, p.179) - "...HEAVY LOVE keeps things fresh by embracing ZZ Top, acoustic balladry, jump blues, even dance music textures without sounding...gratuitously eclectic..."