Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud Records

It has been 17 years since the Steve Miller Band has set foot in a studio and made a record. The group’s newest album, Bingo! is something Miller has waited decades to make. Recorded at film producer George Lucas’ famous studios, Skywalker Ranch, Bingo! features a collection of blues covers that stay true to Miller’s roots and classic rock and roll tradition.

Bingo! starts off with Jimmie Vaughan’s “Hey Yeah,” one of many songs Miller has selected that focus on fun as opposed to delivering a history lesson. “Come On (let the good times roll)” showcases Miller’s good clean guitar work while
Joe Satriani joins in for B.B. King’s classic “Rock Me Baby.” The album stays upbeat and avoids slower blues songs, while offering such tunes as Otis Rush’s “All Your Love (I Miss Loving)” and Jimmy Reed’s “You Got Me Dizzy.”

What is striking is how many of these songs feel compatible with Miller’s original music. If you are expecting a drastic change in the Steve Miller Band style you will be disappointed. Instead, this is a fun record, if not a classic one, and there’s nothing wrong with that.