The late Long John Baldry was a pioneer of the '60s British blues movement. In the States, he became better known as a musical mentor for Rod Stewart and Elton John than for his own diverse catalog as an artist. The Best of the Stony Plain Years provides a balanced overview of his latter-day recordings released prior to his passing in 2005. Baldry’s gravelly vocal style gave his work a streetwise authenticity, whether he was rendering contemporary tunes or traditional material. On this collection, he displays both his rough-hewn and polished sides with the easy touch of a musical master. His skill at interpreting folk tunes can be heard on “Midnight Special” and “Gallows Pole” (both from his LP Remembering Leadbelly), as well as on “Black Girl,” a stunning duet with Kathi McDonald. “Easy Street” and “Midnight in New Orleans” reveal his rascally charm as a jazz singer, while blues tunes like “I’m Shakin’” and “Dimples” find him full of swagger and sass. A special treat is “Time’s Gettin' Tougher Than Tough,” featuring Jimmy Witherspoon and The Duke Robillard Band. Baldry’s legacy is well served by this excellent compilation.