OTIS TAYLOR

Clovis People, Vol. 3

2010-05-30

You have to approach an Otis Taylor record with more than an ear for the music. He's always reaching into the past and coming up with stories -- many based on fact, his own life or others from the rich history of African-Americans -- and bringing them into a context relevant for today. He calls his music "trance blues," described by one reviewer as full of "chugging, hypnotic rhythms, slowly changing harmonic patterns and passionate lyrics." This set is named after the Clovis People, so-named after an archeological find just yards from Taylor's property near Boulder, Colorado. The Clovis People apparently lived 13,000 years ago and then mysteriously vanished. The scientific discovery launched Taylor on another journey into the past, which he links to today's society. Great banjo and guitar playing with exquisite cornet lines by Ron Miles making appearances in strategic places. I think he;s one of the finest blues musicians in America today; he certainly has to be the among the most thoughtful. Some highlights are "Rain So Hard" (#1), "Little Willie" (#2), "She's Ice in the Desert" (#6), "Harry, Turn the Music Up" (#8) and "Babies Don't Lie" (#10). 05/10 MJVD B-Roots (Electric)

Quick Links:

• Otis Taylor home page
• Otis on Myspace