Music Review: Roy Book Binder’s ‘Goin’ Back to Tampa’

Roy Book Binder is as attached to the music of bygone eras as, say, Leon Redbone; but unlike that artist, Book Binder never sounds anachronistic or lifeless. Offering particularly strong evidence of his ability to inject immediacy and excitement into laid-back vintage music, Goin’ Back to Tampa follows the ragtime/blues tradition pioneered by such Book Binder cohorts as Pink Anderson and the late Rev. Gary Davis, both of whom are represented in the well-chosen program here. Expect consummate guitar work, an amiably low-keyed vocal approach, lots of swing and shuffle, and just enough humor to keep traces of a smile on your face.