Brad Absher’s sixth album seeks to introduce the Houston-based singer-songwriter and guitarist (along with his tight touring band Swamp Royale) to a wider audience. After building a solid fan base along the Gulf Coast with his melodic and easygoing blend of organ-and-sax-based blues and soul, Absher emerged as a top-10 finalist at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. Lucky Dog shows off Absher’s laid-back voice, which recalls Bill Withers and the late Jeff Healey, and he even covers Withers’ “Same Love.” But the man relies too much on other people’s material; among the 12 tracks, only six are originals. And those are the better songs here.
