Jon Cleary is one of those rare artists who is capable of transcending his geographical background to seamlessly embody a completely foreign musical style. In Cleary’s case, the roots are England and the style is New Orleans blues. On Moonburn, the pianist comes off as Dr. John’s long lost musical soulmate, blending country-blues phrasing with the lazy piano rhythms of the bayou. “Unnecessarily Mercenary” and “Fool’s Game,” in particular, sparkle with a mischievous gleam that shows Cleary to be a musical peer of the New Orleans style rather than an imitator. – Steve Kurutz