Contraband

Whether he’s singing about relationships, racial injustices, or political topics, Otis Taylor’s voice is compelling, strong and deep. This album finds Taylor laying down some mesmerizing and hauntingly unique stylings, blurring the lines of rock, blues, funk, soul, gospel, roots. Instrumentation of guitar, bass, percussion, organ, fiddle, banjo. Solid throughout. No FCC’s.

*My Favorites*: All.

1. (3:58) Mid. Rockin’, soulful, funky. Organ, female backing vocals, steady beat.
2. (3:32) Mid. Beautiful cornet and percussion, with understated guitar. Mellow. Yearning vocal delivery.
3. (4:42) Mid. Hypnotic banjo (which sounds like a guitar), jazzy drums. Easy going.
4. (4:13) MId. Upbeat with some great percussion, driving organ, nice electric guitar. Yeah…
5. (3:35) Slow / Mid. Sublime dirge with fiddle, cornet, organ, percussion.
6. (4:34) Mid / Fast. Driving with banjo, pedal steel, female chorus. Great vocal by Otis. Solid.
7. (3:43) Slow / Mid. Quiet and sparse with guitar, bass, drums. Eerie and beautiful.
8. (4:30) Mid. Fiddle, guitar, great percussion, bass. Driving and jamming.
9. (2:34) Mid / Fast. Banjo lead, with drums and organ. A bit ominous.
10. (3:56) Mid. Trance, with banjo, pedal steel, djembe drum. Killer.
11. (6:30) Slow / Mid. Sparse with only guitars and bass; echoey vocal. Very ominous.
12. (4:03) Slow / Mid. Banjo, fiddle and bass. Trancey and spacey. Cool.
13. (3:48) Mid. Strummed acoustic guitar, drums, bass, organ. Song about a soldier’s experience. Very well done.
14. (4:48) Mid. Rockin’ with electric guitars, heavy drumbeat. Killer.