Bill McKay

Nick Hutchinson February 25, 2010 4:00AM

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Anyone who's enjoyed a Leftover Salmon show over the years should be very familiar with standout keyboardist Bill McKay. While "Papa Bill," as Salmon frontman Vince Herman sometimes refers to him, tinkles the keys infectiously in just about any genre, he drops jaws when he unleashes one of his legendary blues-based rockers, such as the opening track here, "Railroad Highway," or the powerhouse, key-fueled "Fat Cat." McKay's range is not limited to sharp-hooked anthems, though, as evidenced by "Thunder in the Rain," a softer, reflective ballad, or the funk-meets-jazz of the tersely titled yet thoroughly explorative "Newt." This solo platter, which comprises material that he mostly performs with the Bill McKay band and some that he delivers in other outfits, such as Leftover Salmon, will thrill longtime devotees while reeling in new fans.

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