Otis Taylor - Recapturing The Banjo [Audio CD]

Bluesman Otis Taylor sheds new light on the historical roots of the banjo that are much deeper than the American folk and bluegrass traditions with which it is commonly associated. Originating in Africa (the ngoni of West Africa) it made its way to America with the African slaves as early as the 1700s. Recapturing the Banjo, features riveting performances by Taylor along with some of the most accomplished banjo players on the current blues/roots music scene: Guy Davis, Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Keb' Mo' and Don Vappie - a group that collectively boasts an impressive array of Grammy Awards, Handy Awards, Blues Music Awards and numerous other accolades. "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." "Otis Taylor is a singular talent...innovative yet traditional and able to demonstrate the blues' apparently endless ability to reconstitute and rejuvenate itself in a way that links old and new, Africa and America, in an intercontinental union of the spirit" - The Independent Personnel: Otis Taylor - (vocals, banjo, guitar, mandolin, piano, percussion), Guy Davis - (banjo, mandolin, harmonica, vocals), Corey Harris - (banjo, vocals), Alvin Youngblood Hart - (banjo, lap steel, guitars, vocals), Keb' Mo' - (banjo, vocals, bass), Don Vappie - (banjo, vocals), Cassie Taylor - (bass, vocals), Ron Miles - (cornet), Kevin Moore Jr. - (drums) Review (4 stars) A fine celebration of the instrument's roots in Africa...Guy Davis' clawhammer version of "Little Liza Jane" is outstanding. -- Uncut, (Rob Hughes), May 2008 (4 stars) A satisfying mix of traditional tunes alongside a spikey "Hey Joe"...razor-sharp banjo riffs. -- The Knowledge (The Times), (John Clarke), April 5, 2008 (4 stars) Inspired...What gives the disc its edge is the mouth-watering list of accomplices...it works brilliantly. -- The Sunday Times, (Clive Davis), March 23, 2008 (4 stars) Taylor continues to enthrall...roots music allied to an exploration of America's past race problems and social injustices. -- MOJO, (Fred Dellar), April 2008 (5 stars) Authoritative and compelling. It sets the banjo in historical context without a trace of mustiness. -- Financial Times, (David Honigmann), March 29 2008 (Album Of The Week) 14 powerful tracks, ranging from a great "Hey Joe" to traditionals such as "Deep Blue Sea". -- The Information (The Independent), (Tim Cumming), April 5, 2008 Definitely one of the must-hear records of the year. -- The Times, (Clive Davis), April 30, 2008 The eclectic US bluesman brings his keen eye to the banjo's part in black musical history...it's a fascinating group foray. -- The Observer, (Neil Spencer), March 23, 2008 The most compelling track is "Ran So Hard...", an account of lynch-mob terror delivered in Taylor's haunting monotone. -- The Independent, (Andy Gill), February 29, 2008 The results are nothing short of stunning...grittier than an Alabama dirt-track. Mission accomplished, we feel. -- Classic Rock, (Henry Yates), April 2008