Rod Stewart’s blend of pub-rock pugilism and soul-man tenderness takes cues from the R&B legends and rock titans saluted on this 1995 covers album. “Leave Virginia Alone”, originally by American troubadour Tom Petty, gives Stewart the opportunity to play protector; Tom Waits’ twisted blues plea “Hang On St. Christopher” gets a brassy revamp. Stewart’s lone original, the sparkling “Muddy, Sam and Otis”, is a love letter to the three soul stars whose captivating voices spurred Stewart to pursue a music career of his own.