LARRY TAYLOR

They Were in This House

2011-04-22

A great German import release featuring the West Side Chicago blues of little-known (outside of the Windy City) Larry Taylor and his family. Little Larry grew up in a literal house of the blues as famous bluesmen such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed and Elmore James were regular visitors, jamming with Larry's stepdad and chowing down on his mom's legendary soul food cooking. Larry got the blues deep down and played as a kid and young man, in bands led by other Chicago greats. In 2000, he began to lead his own bands. This release is a bit of "greatest hits" package, pulling from Taylor's work from 1987 to today. With all of the hype South Side Chicago blues music gets, it is easy to overlook the West Side -- just as gritty, just as soul-stirring, just as excellent. Check out the Howlin' Wolf tune "I Didn't Want to Hurt Your Feelings," "Knocking at Your Door" and "Green Line Blues" (I took that same "L" train line as a kid). Cool blues from an amazing house. 04/11 B-Electric (Chicago) Michael J.

Quick Links:

• Larry's house at 1131 S. Mozart in Chicago
• Larry Taylor on Youtube