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A funny thing happened during John Popper’s third decade on the music scene – the Blues Traveler front man and harmonica returned to his roots. This self-titled release is an inspired and surprising solo venture featuring guitarist/producer Jono Manson (who Popper played with in clubs in New York in the ‘80s), bassist Steve Lindsay, drummer Mark Clark and guitarists Kevin Trainor and Aaron Beavers. It features an amazing amount of melodic touchstones ( “What Can I Do for You” ) served with soul ( “Something Sweet” ), resonance ( “Hurt So Much” ) and driving force ( “Leave It Up to Fate” ). Popper’s Duskray Troubadours rock, but, best of all, it doesn’t sound like a side project – it sounds like an original band with true promise.