David Bromberg is one of those great musicians whose music defies easy categorization. Combining elements of blues, bluegrass, jazz, country and western, and rock ‘n’ roll, he studied guitar with the Rev. Gary Davis, and has performed live with Jerry Jeff Walker, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Willie Nelson, Jorma Kaukonen, and co-wrote “The Holdup” with George Harrison, who appeared on his 1971 self-titled album. He produced the legendary John Hartford album “Aereo-plain,” and the riff from his classic “Sharon” was sampled by the Beastie Boys for the song “Johnny Ryall” on their album “Paul's Boutique.”

Bromberg emerged from a 17-year recording hiatus in 2007 with his album “Try Me One More Time,” a solo, acoustic traditional folk/blues album that was met with critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. Reinvigorated by the success of the album, Bromberg decided to approach the follow-up in an entirely different way – he asked his favorite singer/songwriters to write (or choose), produce and perform on songs tailored to his distinctive style and skills. An amazing array of artists responded to his call, including Keb' Mo', John Hiatt, Dr. John, Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, Levon Helm, Vince Gill, Tim O'Brien, Widespread Panic and The Butcher Brothers, who provided the inspiration for the title cut, “Use Me,” a sultry rhythm-and-blues take on Bill Withers' classic.

Other standouts include “Old Neighborhood,” with the triple jamband guitar attack provided by Widespread Panic, the dark blues of “Diggin' in the Deep Blue Sea”, co-written by Keb' Mo' and Gary Nicholson, the New Orleans' voodoo of “You Don't Wanna Make Me Mad” with Dr. John, and the only Bromberg original tune on the album, “Tongue,” featuring Levon Helm on drums.

Though produced by so many, “Use Me” holds together remarkably well and truly showcases Bromberg's many talents, adding another classic to his eclectic discography.