Robert Plant continues his exploration into the music that inspired him in his youth.

With a name derived from his pre Led Zeppelin band which he shared with John Bonham, Robert Plant continues his exploration into the music that inspired him in his youth with 'The Band Of Joy,' a sort of unofficial sequel to his highly acclaimed collaboration with Alison Krauss, 'Raising Sand.' As a young man, Plant wasn't only interested in the American blues masters of the immediate pre and post war years like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters but folk, country and bluegrass artists too and it shows in his latest album, which has won just as many rave reviews as its predecessor. Plant is at a high point in his career and while some loathed the pseudo Americana of 'Raising Sand,' there's no doubt Plant has come up trumps with this little beauty. It won't appeal to all Fireworks readers but 'The Band Of Joy' has some delightful tunes though, admittedly, it is an acquired taste.

His take on the traditional folk song 'Cindy' – which is renamed 'Cindy, I'll Marry You Someday' – is one of the album's highlights as is the Richard Thompson penned track 'House Of Cards.' Plant's voice has never sounded better; throughout much of the album it is simply majestic. And he has roped in some wonderful players too, including Bekka Bremlett, Buddy Miller, Darrell Scott and Patty Griffin. Plant is a different artist from the young man that fronted Led Zeppelin all those years ago. These days he is more interested in connecting with the music that continues to fascinate him. He's something of a musical journeyman; it'll be interesting to see where he'll go next. 

Neil Daniels