Features
Tuesday, July 21 2009
"Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs": An Interview with Otis Taylor
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.
Reviews
Friday, February 22 2013
Otis Taylor: My World Is Gone
Talented Colorado bluesman once again overrates his voice and underrates his instrumental texturing. To say that the depth of lyrical commentary here centers on the treatment of Native Americans only extends to the cover photo would be wrong, but it's depressingly not far off.
Wednesday, February 22 2012
Otis Taylor: Otis Taylor's Contraband
A stumble from a master still has plenty of rewards on it, but isn't essential.
Thursday, July 22 2010
Otis Taylor: Clovis People, Vol. 3
Propelled first and foremost by Taylor’s extraordinary vocals, this is a welcome addition to Taylor’s discography, even if it doesn’t wildly diverge from earlier records.
Thursday, July 9 2009
Otis Taylor: Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs
Taylor's best record in about half a decade, and a memorable development in his sound.
Thursday, March 13 2008
Otis Taylor: Recapturing the Banjo
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.
Blogs
Friday, May 9 2008
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.
