CD Review: Otis Taylor “Contraband”

Blue Barry – Smoky Mtn. Blues Society

Just in time for Christmas, and New Years, well anytime, is the new CD from Blues Master Otis Taylor “Contraband.” True to his phenomenal presence, and layered sounds, Otis delivers another great CD. This is his 8^th so far, and ranks up there with his best. Some call his style “Trance Blues.” It is melodic, methodical, calculated, yet free form, and deep as the ocean. Not a screaming high wire guitar act to foil the brain, but a sincere, get into your heart and head kind of blues. Not all blues either. We have ballads, slow, and even a couple of up tempo pieces. Personally I like the slow drifting stuff that makes you think, and urges you to listen again because you know you missed something the first time. So let’s talk about it…

There are 14 original cuts on the CD with 6 or 7 acoustic pieces. Every one of them cannot be heard in one sitting. I have played it about 10 times so far, and will continue to do so. Otis has some fabulous musicians with him on the “Contraband” CD. Ron Miles on cornet, pedal steel guitarist Chuck Campbell, djembe player Fara Tolno, ace fiddle player Anne Harris, and the Sheryl Renee Choir. Otis’s daughter, Cassie, plays bass, Larry Thompson drums, Brian Juan on organ, and Jon Paul Johnson on guitar. Needless to say, quite an array of musicians. But they don’t get in each other’s way. That is the best part, producing some fine listening here. The arrangements, and free flow of the musicians, are some of the gifts Otis has in store for us on every CD, including this one.

Otis doesn’t just sing and play he tells stories, and if he makes a musical mistake, or otherwise, he just leaves it in there. You probably won’t notice. The album gets its name from runaway slaves during the Civil War that made their way to the Northern lines. They were known as “contraband” and expecting a much better life than on the plantation, were disappointed many times in their new roles. But everybody has disappointments, and this CD sings about many of them. From the opener “The Devil’s Gonna’ Lie” to “Contraband Blues” to “Yellow Car, Yellow Dog” it’s just one fine song after another, getting better all of the time. This CD would make a great Christmas present. If you already know Otis, then just add this one of your collection. If you have never heard of him it’s about time. Look around there may be a copy of “Pentatonic Wars” and “Recapturing the Banjo” there somewhere. Pick those up too. Thanks Otis for some more great music. Your friend, blue barry – smoky mountain blues society