T-Bone Burnett is a great producer. When he has the opportunity to work with ultra-talented musicians---as he did on the soundtrack to "O Brother Were Art Thou"--he delivers amazing results. Now, add "Thunderbird," the latest release from jazz chanteuse Cassandra Wilson [ tickets ], to Burnett's list of accomplishments.

Eschewing the jazzy arrangements of Wilson's past for a more modern sound and style, Burnett bridges the gap between the blues of yesterday and the blues of tomorrow. Admittedly, some of these neo-blues tunes can wade too far out into the swamp. "Strike A Match" is drenched in electronics, courtesy of Mike Elizondo, whose work certainly seems more appropriate for Fiona Apple than it does for Cassandra Wilson. Nevertheless, Burnett coaxes the most from this cast, which includes renowned session players like drummer Jim Keltner and guitarists Colin Linden and Mark Ribot.

"Go to Mexico" is a revelation that melds electronic loops, piano and samples with Wilson's timeless, husky vocals. Wilson comes closer than ever to the mainstream sound of Sade and latter-day Sting throughout much of "Thunderbird," but especially on "It Would Be So Easy," a close cousin to Peter Gabriel's "Digging in the Dirt"; and album closer "Tarot," which is punctuated by Keltner's eerie, shuffling rhythm.

As always, Wilson includes a few covers, this time dialing up The Wallflowers' "Closer to You," the traditional "Red River Valley" and Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Easy Rider." The latter song is seven minutes of pure blues heaven, beginning with sinewy slide guitars and Wilson’s startling vocals, ultimately exploding into a full-throttle blues epic.

With "Thunderbird," T-Bone Burnett once again harnesses the power of a remarkable talent. The result is a wondrous set that finds Wilson reaching new heights even as she explores some of the deepest blues of her career.