Shang-a-Lang

There's no doubt that Jonny Lang's blood runs blue. And not just because, you know, human blood is blue before it reacts to oxygen... but because he gets the blues. Maybe that's why old-timers like B.B. King lined up to record a tribute album to Lang in 2004 even though Lang was (a) only 23 years old and (b) not dead yet. Ordinarily, Lang should have been the guy playing on tribute albums to these guys, but that's just it: He's that good. Lang's latest album, Turn Around, represents a conversion of multiple sorts, including the religious kind. But it's Lang's blues-flavored pop à la John Mayer that's most concerning. Hopefully, Lang will get back to his roots soon or he'll end up being mentioned in past tense before he's 28 — without overdosing or falling out of the sky.

Jonny Lang and Eric Johnson perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, at Hard Rock Live, 5747 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Tickets cost $35 to $65. Call 954-523-3309, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.