There are few bona fide blues artists around these days; Otis Taylor reigns supreme in terms of veracity. His foreboding voice, style and attitude are apparent on this disc that has him in mix and match bands that include Todd Edmunds/b, Larry Thompson/dr, Anne Harris/fiddle, Ron Miles/cornet and Brian Juan/organ along with various vocalist and percussionists. The wide palate of sounds between songs can be a bit disconcerting, as Taylor sounds most authentic with minimal support as on “Yell Your Name” where the leader is teamed nly with drums and cornet. While the color tones may vary, the mood remains the same, with Taylor’s ominous vocals telling stories custom made for late night campfires or after hours on the porch. Singing like he’s lived it, and he has, Taylor takes you into worlds like no one else these days except maybe Tom Waits. A true weaver of tales.
Telarc Records