Oct 30, 2025 By Clinton Rhodes 2 min read

The prolific career of Boz Scaggs has certainly made a few directional changes since his days with the Steve Miller Band and a solo career that has produced scores of hits.

On his latest musical journey, Scaggs takes an unexpected left turn on his first album since 2018’s “Out of the Blues.”

“Detour” finds the 81-year-old singer easing soulfully into arrangements from the Great American Songbook.

Originally starting out as a casual vehicle for exploring different vocal styles with Seth Asarnow, the recording demos later expanded into an engaging example of the Ohio native’s versatility and unique sound on songs previously recorded by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Irma Thomas and Lonnie Johnson.

In addition to the exemplary vocals, the album features the stellar musicianship of Asarnow (piano, arrangements), Hans Trowsea (bass), Jason Lewis (drums), Jim Cox (piano, synth bass, strings), Jeremy Cohen (violin, viola) and Michael Miller and Ashra Weston (guitars).

“It’s Raining” instantly sets the mood with Scaggs masterfully interpreting the loneliness described on this Allen Toussaint classic when declaring, “I’ve got the blues so bad/I can hardly catch my breath/The harder it rains, the worse it gets.”

The heartache continues with Scaggs channeling Sinatra on “Angel Eyes.” Just close your eyes and let the vibe transport you back to a smoke-filled bar where sorrow surrounds the random patrons looking to quietly escape reality for a few hours.

Scaggs revisits “I’ll Be Long Gone” from his self-titled 1969 solo album. The track stands the test of time and fits perfectly on the album with its tender moments of renewal and a brighter perspective moving forward as Scaggs confidently proclaims, “I’m gonna get up and make my life shine.”

Scaggs brings things to a comforting close on a 1945 classic previously recorded by the likes of Billie Holiday and Rosemary Clooney. “We’ll Be Together Again” ties the entire collection of songs neatly together and extends a reassuring invitation that more is still to come.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Scaggs on stage several times over the years and he never disappoints. Fans will have the opportunity to hear his hits as well as some of the new material when he visits Greensburg for an intimate show on Nov. 25.

Clinton Rhodes is a Belle Vernon-based freelance writer.