“Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs”: An Interview with Otis Taylor

By Stephen Humphries

The critically acclaimed bluesman talks to PopMatters about his musical path, bringing the banjo back to its roots in black music, and his new album Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs that marks his return to the guitar. [21 July 2009]

Otis Taylor: Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs

By Justin Cober-Lake

Taylor's best record in about half a decade, and a memorable development in his sound. [9 July 2009]

Otis Taylor: Recapturing the Banjo

By Lou Friedman

Many people would be surprised that the banjo's origin came from Africa, not the Appalachians. Otis Taylor, along with a cadre of fellow blues musicians, is here to remind you of that. [13 March 2008]

Otis Taylor: Definition of a Circle

By Justin Cober-Lake

Taylor sounds like he's struggling for a new sound, but he still delivers some quality performances. [27 February 2007]

Otis Taylor: Below the Fold

By Justin Cober-Lake

Taylor dazzles with a new album that makes feeling blue something very special. [1 November 2005]

Otis Taylor: Double V

By Justin Cober-Lake

Otis Taylor: Respect the Dead

By Barbara Flaska

Sound Affects: 20 Questions: Otis Taylor

Multi-instrumentalist and respected bluesman, re-imagines the banjo on his latest work, Recapturing the Banjo, released in February on Telarc Records. Collaborating with the likes of Guy Davis, Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Keb’ Mo’ and Don Vappie, Recapturing the Banjo got an 8 from PopMatters back in March. Our very own Lou Friedman said: "Otis Taylor is the only "modern day" bluesman who can make the blues sound primitive without being phony or contrived. And it really doesn’t matter what weapon he’s using to fire his musical provocations. In this case, he’s chosen a banjo as the primary cannon from his arsenal. Something way better than Recapturing the Banjo is going to have to come along to knock this off the pedestal as the best blues release of 2008. [9 May 2008]