Even after a stroke compromised Les McCann’s ability to play piano — his first love — his determination and gloriously gritty attitude shines through on Pump It Up. Even though he is a jazzman by training, McCann has always been a funk player at heart. His feel for nasty, gutbucket funk is both ancient and strikingly modern. Without his keyboard to lead him, McCann looks to the burly, low-end playing of bassist Marcus Miller, whose instrument is upfront on “Pump It Up,” “Let It Ride (The Train),” and “Tryin’ to Make It Real,” the last of a which lifts a phrase from McCann’s most famous song (“Compared To What”) and works as a summarization of the musician’s ethos. The guest list is a reflection of McCann’s diverse sphere of influence. James Brown’s horn man Maceo Parker shows up to blow on “Funk It (Let the Music Play),” while Dianne Reeves duets with McCann on Bill Withers’ beautiful ballad “You Just Can’t Smile It Away.” The starring turn belongs to Bonnie Raitt, who is at her very best on “The Truth,” a revival of a 1964 McCann original. It’s the best gospel recording of the year, burnished by homemade ambiance.