Eddie Taylor Jr.
Mind Game
Wolf 120.813 CD
The Taylor family is a Chicago blues dynasty. Eddie Taylor Sr.’s multipurpose rhythm guitar drove the majority of Jimmy Reed’s
1950s and 1960s hits. The senior Taylor would sit in front of Reed in the studio, coaching him when to sing, blow harmonica and
play guitar. Taylor Sr.'s records did not sell as well as Jimmy Reed’s did, so he spent the vast majority of his career as a sideman.
He died in 1985 leaving behind an American music legacy as well as his seriously talented offspring. "We’re proud of our heritage",
states his third son, Eddie Jr., who is now in his 30’s. On his 2nd CD, Eddie (guitar, vocals) is assisted by several siblings who include
the drumming of Tim (a shuffle king) and Larry along with the singing of Brenda, Demetria and Edna. Aided by rhythm guitarists, bass
and piano, they perform traditional electric Chicago blues.
An accurate account of what Chicago’s modern blues scene has to offer can be heard on Mind Game. “Pink Champagne” contains
Detroit Jr.’s rollicking keyboard and a guitar twang that listeners will associate with Jimmy Reed. More informed listeners will realize
this sound was originated by Eddie Taylor, Sr.
Magic Sam’s "That’s All I Need" is an urban groove that I dare say can only be achieved by Chicago blues bands. "I’ve Made Nights
By Myself" is a basic shuffle groove with big, fat sounding notes plucked succinctly on guitar in the vein of the song’s writer Albert
King. "Forty-Four" is one of my all time favorite blues standards, but Taylor Jr. only gives it a tolerable reading. There are two songs
which were written by Eddie Jr. On one, the rhythm of his "Trying To Play A Mind Game" is simple, but it’s heartfelt and soulful.
Too many cover songs are included, but this CD does feature authentic Chicago blues bar music. I love the absence of excessive
guitar solos which feature too much in today’s blues music. If flamboyance was added to the mix, this disc could have grabbed
international attention.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - July 2007
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