THE NIGHTHAWKS "Blue Moon in Your Eye" Rolling Storm Communications

RECORDED LIVE AT THE Barns at Wolf Trap in April 2005, the latest release by the Nighthawks succeeds for a variety of reasons. For starters, the double-disc set, which includes a full-length DVD version of the concert, serves as a vibrant showcase for the quartet's new lineup, featuring two recent recruits (and seasoned players): guitarist Paul Bell and bassist Johnny Castle.

Then there's the set list to consider, which is representative of the band's diverse tastes and numerous recordings. Beginning with the "The Sopranos"-inspired "Woke Up This Morning," the 'Hawks pay soulful tribute to Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Charles Brown, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon and Electric Flag -- not to mention Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Etta James and sundry rockabilly influences. It's a lot of ground to cover, especially for a guitarist, but Bell has no trouble evoking the right mood, whether playing the minor-key lament "Black Night" or recalling Waters's searing slide work on "Same Thing."

In the end, though, what really stands out is how quickly the new lineup jells. Mark Wenner, on diatonic and chromatic harp, blows hot and cool with customary authority and convincingly handles most of the vocals. Drummer Pete Ragusa's singing, however, is particularly expressive on "Soul of a Man," while bassist Castle helps shore up the vocals and the bottom end. The crowd at Wolf Trap certainly got its money's worth -- and then some.

-- Mike Joyce

Appearing Friday at Chick Hall's Surf Club, Wednesday at the 8x10 club in Baltimore and Dec. 30 at the State Theatre.

Listen to an audio clip of the Nighthawks