Guitarist Derek Trucks doesn't play like a 26-year old. But, then again, he didn't play like an 18-year old when his first album came out, either.

Even given Trucks' prodigious talents, which had guitar fans gasping by the time he was 12, "Songlines" is a vastly mature effort that shows real artistic growth for the Florida-born artist.

Part of Trucks' greatness, one might venture to guess, is that he is either fearless or oblivious. Either way, he's seemingly never thought twice about what might be expected of him, and has always just gone where his fingers lead him. That's what brought about the blues-rock covers of Miles Davis' "So What" and John Coltrane's "Naima"--two tracks that are hardly friendly for rookies--that were both highlights of the first album.

That adventurous spirit can be clearly heard on "Songlines" as the guitarist--who splits time between leading his own band and performing as part of the Allman Brothers--melds an array of different styles into one fluid sound.

He goes Deep South for the hardcore blues tune "Volunteered Slavery" and then samples some Middle Eastern flavors on the great "Sahib Teri Bandi/Maki Madni." He revs up his engine for the bluesy slide-guitar moaner "Chevrolet" and then grooves on reggae beats for "Sailing On."

In all, it's such an impressive and mature outing that it's nearly impossible to believe it was delivered by a 26-year old. Somebody check his birth certificate.