By Paul Liberatore, Marin Independent Journal

Slide guitarist Roy Rogers reaches deep down into the emotions of his instrument on “Into the Wild Blue,” his first solo recording in five years, an 11-track collection of vocal songs and instrumentals dedicated to his younger brother, Robert, who died last year.

On “Song for Robert (A Brother’s Lament),” the heartfelt instrumental that ends the album, Rogers sketches a solemnly beautiful melody over a lovely ensemble sound graced by Carlos Reyes’ celestial harp. MORE...