Help

Hello Dave, I'm returning from a 9 year hiatus. I've played off and on for 30+ years and until last year never took lessons to learn to read music. My problem is, I can create grooves but can't solo worth a damn. I can make 'em dance all nite but when the keyboardist nods at me I get knots and I just sit in the pocket, add a couple of fills and go hide behind the drummer. How can I get my left hand to play those beautiful melodic lines you guys play. Books, dvds,...help!