Although his energy and spirit of commitment have dropped off considerably since the demise of his original band, the Youngbloods, the main ingredients of Jesse Colin Young's musical personality have remained intact: a deep affection for and an ability to gently fuse blues, good-time rock and light jazz.

On the Road, recorded live at various concert halls in the West, finds Young fronting a band that allows him to move comfortably and effectively into just about any area he chooses. Despite a rather misplaced and misguided treatment of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On/Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," there are many fine touches here. Young's own compositions highlight the proceedings, from a fine reworking of the beautiful "Sunlight" to the moving gentleness of "Ridgetop" and "Peace Song." Horn player Jeff Rothermel is impressive on a number of tracks, especially in a long and moving solo on "Ridgetop," and Young's guitar work helps propel T-Bone Walker's "T-Bone Shuffle." (RS 214)

BILLY ALTMAN