FREEWAY BLUES

In case you thought the modern-day blues scene was being overrun by blues-rockers, you need to hear this. Not that blues rock is necessarily a bad thing, but if you prefer your blues a little closer to the roots -- particularly the Detroit roots -- then the Hastings Street Blues Band is the sound of choice among the newer groups. Few other young bands are as true to the tradition as Hastings Street. Those who know anything about the history of Detroit blues will recognize the symbolism of the band’s name right away. Back in the day, before there was an I-75, Hastings Street was the heartbeat of the city’s black club scene. Live music joints were plentiful and jumpin’ ’round the clock. Hastings Street Blues Band has worked hard at capturing -- and updating -- the good time-hardtime sounds of that era. The results -- captured on its first CD -- are good to ear.