Witnessing Cool John Ferguson's performances provokes a number of disquieting thoughts, ranging from "I should just quit playing guitar" to "It's entirely too big of a world if this guy goes unremarked." Live, he's likely to deliver a still-steaming slab of blues barbeque carved with precision, but his albums showcase greater depth, with smoldering ballads and juke-joint jive alongside jazzy cabaret sway and gospel-driven exultation. His vocals are nearly as versatile as his playing, veering from low basso rumble to a smooth baritone purr. In the land of talent, Ferguson whoops that ass. —Chris Parker