Two years back, touring pro and studio ace Jeff Golub’s optic nerves collapsed, leaving him permanently blind. Now he’s back, with a twelfth solo album, getting a little help from jazz-rock keyboard pioneer Brian Auger.

This is a smooth jazz record with blues, funk, and rock overtones. It’s full of nifty cover tunes, swingin’ instrumentals, pro performances, and clear production. With Golub and the Grammy-nominated Bud Harner in the producer’s chair, they get an assist from drummer Steve Ferrone, bassist Derek Frank, and percussionist Luis Conte. Guests include Christopher Cross, David Pack of Ambrosia, and vocalist Alex Ligertwood, formerly of Santana.

Train Keeps A Rolling takes on material as wide-ranging as “Walking On The Moon” by Sting, “Pusher Man” by Curtis Mayfield, and “I Love The Life I Live” by Willie Dixon, and cleans and polishes them up for the waiting room/restaurant crowd.

Golub and Auger play with professionalism and industry standard chops. A variety of upscale guitar tones overflow with tasteful dexterity throughout. Despite a sound that leans toward bland and white bread, the combination of Golub, Auger, and Ligertwood crackles.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s December. ’13 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.