Ian McLagan & The Bump Band – Best Of British

This is not, as the title might suggest, an anthology of hits — although the British-born McLagan is certainly entitled! But as his recent autobiography All The Rage handily chronicles his years with the Small Faces and beyond (including working with the Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Dylan and Springsteen), the CD spotlights the present. In fact, the term “best of British” is a salutation — think, “best to you and yours” — and Best Of British is the twangy, boozy leadoff track on McLagan’s first solo recording in 19 years.

Relocated from London to Austin, Texas, McLagan has assembled a trio of Austinites and, as produced by local stalwart Gurf Morlix, serves up a getting-back-to-roots affair. Elements of funky R&B surface alongside traditional pub-rock, gospel and blues, and the whole package is delivered in a relaxed, low-key manner, with many of the tunes sneaking up on you like a shot of fine whiskey.

Chief among them: the slinky, reggaefied soul of “Hope Street”, in which McLagan offers a simple, heartfelt plea for the homeless; the rollicking stomp of “This Time”, a buoyant breakup song that reunites barrelhouse piano player McLagan with his old bandmate Ron Wood, who guests on guitar; and the Dr. John-like tribal rock of “Big Love”, a semi-bawdy number spotlighting lead guitarist Scrappy Jud Newcomb. Worth noting, too, are cameos on the album from Billy Bragg and members of Damnations TX.

More musical director than frontman, McLagan isn’t a classic singer, but he makes up for his vocal limitations by piling on extra layers of heart and soul. By album’s end you can’t help but want to ring him up and wish him a “best of British” yourself. Just something inspiring about watching one’s heroes growing older gracefully and still making fine music, I suppose.