Recapturing the Banjo

Amazon.com As the title indicates, this release attempts to "recapture the banjo" as an integral part of the African-American musical tradition from its more familiar associations with country radio appropriations of bluegrass and folk music. Far from an exercise in academic anachronism or nostalgic purity, the results bristle with vitality. Among the banjo buddies recruited by bluesman Taylor are kindred spirits Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Keb' Mo'--all of whom sing and write material for the album--along with virtuosic banjoist Don Vappie. Amid the inspired arrangements, the harmonious call-and-response vocals of Taylor's daughter, Cassie, and the judicious employment of Ron Miles' cornet contribute to a musical interplay that is rooted in time and place--the deep South, in general, and New Orleans in particular--but not confined by them. Taylor's rendition of "Hey Joe" evokes an aura of Jimi Hendrix, while "Five Hundred Roses" and "Ten Million Slaves" channel the spirit of John Lee Hooker. "Les Ognons" transforms a Haitian children's song into a communal romp, and "Absinthe" conjures musical madness that predates psychedelia. The rendition of "Walk Right In" restores the jug-band raucousness to a song that has been a pop hit and a commercial staple. --Don McLeese Product Description Otis Taylor has found a unique niche in the blues continuum, dubbing his music "Trance Blues". Having played professionally for 30 years in Europe and the U.S., Otis has eight releases to date. His fifth Telarc release RECAPTURING THE BANJO, focuses on the Banjo, tracing the history of the instrument to it's African origins. Review "...bluesman Otis Taylor releases a very early contender for Best Record Of 2008. A record that oozes sincerity and moves musical mountains, `Recapturing The Banjo,' is NOT just 10 versions of `Foggy Mountain Breakdown.' Taylor's point here is to show that the banjo and the music played on this instrument did not originate from Kentucky or the Carolinas, but in Africa... Please don't let `Recapturing The Banjo' slip through the cracks." -- The Huffington Post, Jan 30, 2008 "Bluesman Otis Taylor gathers an all-star cast of fellow blues revivalists and banjoists--Keb' Mo', Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Guy Davis, Don Vappie--to pay brilliant tribute to the instrument rooted in the legacy of African-American music. Spurning banjo stereotypes (from minstrelsy to bluegrass) and keying in on the instrument's rhythmic versatility, Taylor covers a broad swath of stylistic ground..." -- Billboard, Feb. 4, 2008 "Recapturing the Banjo remains very much an Otis Taylor release, full of the kind of driving, modal trance tunes that he has always done so strikingly well...Taylor has yet to make a disappointing album, and Recapturing the Banjo is yet another striking example of how he combines the past and the present in a powerful contemporary cultural statement that informs and instructs even as it keeps the feet moving. So don't expect "Orange Blossom Special." This is the banjo in its original habitat given a 21st century twist while still paying tribute to its African past, and that's quite an impressive hat trick indeed." -- All Music Guide, February 2008 "There may not be a better roots album released this year or decade than Recapturing the Banjo...In sum, beauty and darkness go hand in hand on this singular and uncompromising album of devotion to past black banjoists, among them Gus Cannon, Ikey Robinson and Etta Baker." -- Downbeat, March 2008 "There's a history lesson to be learned here, but Recapturing the Banjo doesn't aim to be a musicologist's wet dream-banjos (even in the hands of Bela Fleck) have never sounded this vibrant." -- Harp, Feb 2008 From the Artist "The banjo has become so closely associated with folk singers and bluegrass players," says Otis Taylor. "Over the years, the instrument just lost touch with its roots, and I'm just trying to re-establish that connection." "I wanted to make an album that was historically significant," says Taylor, "but at the same time, I didn't want to make a record that that was too academic. It's not a history lesson that needs to be pushed in anyone's face. We just wanted to reconnect the music back to the people who brought it here in the first place." "This recording gives the listener the opportunity to understand that the banjo is more than the toe-tapping, happy and smiling stereotypical production of the minstrel era," says Weissman. "Freed from racial stereotypes and ignorance, it offers opportunities for black musicians to recapture their heritage. This recording is a step in that direction, from a group of artists who have already made their mark as black blues revivalists." About the Artist OTIS TAYLOR With Otis Taylor, it's best to expect the unexpected. While his music, an amalgamation of roots styles in their rawest form, discusses heavyweight issues like murder, homelessness, tyranny and injustice, his personal
ASIN: B0010VD7FS
VSKU: DBV.B0010VD7FS.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Otis Taylor
Binding: Audio CD
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Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!