It's difficult to listen to this album without recalling that Lankester was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer the day before he was due to mix its final track.

Lankester is one of those hard-working musicians whose CV includes everything from supporting BB King to busking in Ibiza and playing piano for Linda Gail Lewis. Originally a medical school drop-out, he later qualified as an osteopath - he's seen life. Song In A Minor Key is his moment, and he doesn't let go.

The 12 bluesy cuts feature Lankester singing and playing piano alongside a hugely experienced band plus a three-man horn section. It's classy blues for the most part, heartfelt and instantly accessible, with guitarists Mark Hawkins and Derek 'Del' Mandel in great form, especially on the slow-burning final track, Closed Doors, which erupts into a fierce Santana-style guitar workout.

Other stand-outs include an atmospheric reading of In My Time Of Dying (one of only two songs not penned by Lankester here) and the stirring title track. Catch him at Glasgow's ABC on December 9. Word is that alternative medicine has reduced his tumour by half.