White African

Otis tells the Truth:
This is about testimony, people, and you will not turn your back and say, "That's not my problem." It's about legacies...of violence, pain, hate, suffering...in the name of heritage; in the name of raw apathy...in the name of ignorance. In Otis Taylor's big hands, plucking and strumming on an electric banjo, mandolin, or acoustic guitar, it's a way to cry out for justice-and mercy and forgiveness. They don't make prophets like this anymore-they did once upon a time, but that was back in biblical days. If there was a reason to listen to this man's songs, it's because he wears the dust of history on his physical body and within his heart, and along with that, the crimes of passion that have been done in the name of righteous intention. These songs are about commitment: a way to remind us that we have choices to make in our lives, both individually and as a social unit. The actions that we make can come back with a sword or an olive branch-and thankfully, Otis has a gentle way with his power, especially from a man who can stare into your soul from the cover photo of White African. His companions are right beside him like avenging angels: Kenny Passarelli's thudding, plodding bass, holding the chains and shackles of generations, daughter Cassie Taylor's ghostly backup vocals that moan through the leaves on the trees on a hot moonless night, and Eddie Turner's tortured slide and lead guitar. Yes, the obvious comparison is to John Lee Hooker-but Otis's strength is that he's doing it his way. You'll feel it too, once Otis lays his music on you.

not the same old blues crap:
I stole the intro from Fat Possum, but if any blues recording in the new century deserves to be noticed, its Otis Taylor. This CD just blows me away with its honesty, sincerity and punch in the gut realism. Listening to this recording is like being back in the 30's when the blues giants were walking the earth and forever changing the music. However Otis Taylor brings the sound and sound quality to the 21st century. In additon, his musicianship is up there with the best. The modern blues players who cry and complain about poor sales should take their cue from Otis Taylor and Magic Slim. I love this CD and all his music. ...

Indescribable, Haunting, and Perfect!:
I had the great fortune of recently meeting Kenny Passarelli, Otis Taylor's producer and bass player. After a fascinating stroll down rock & roll memory lane recounting Kenny's storied career as a musician (Mannassas, Joe Walsh, Elton John, et al), Kenny mentioned his new ventures in producing. "White African" was a parting gift from Kenny - I was and still am blown away by the talent, technical elements, and social commentary featured in this opus. Otis Taylor's storytelling coupled with his instrumentals and vocals left me wanting more. "White African" is a must for any devoted blues fan and any emerging fans who seek something "different". Thank you, Kenny.

Good guitar, great voice, so so material:
I bought this cd for the song, My Soul's in Louisiana. None of the others quite measured up. On the bright side, though, this one song was worth the price of the whole cd.

Dark, moody, introspective and piercing like a howl at night:
One of the most original CD's I have heard in a long time! Takes acoustic Blues, Folk and even some banjo music to darker realms while creating landscapes of storytelling with his voice, which some times howls, whispers and just pierce's your Soul. "My Soul's in Louisiana", "Resurrection Blues" and "3 Days and 3 Nights" are favorites. Every track is well crafted and flows well together. Thumbs up to Northern Blues Records in Canada for capturing such a sound. Simon Aguilar KYNR Crazy Coyote Blues