Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

When I listen to a Koko Taylor CD for the first time I know two things are going to happen. First, she will put a smile on my face with her lyrics – “I think I’m gonna buy me a mule to take the place of you”. Second, she will get me on my feet dancing. If my wife is around, I’ll grab her for a partner. If she is not there, I belong to the school that promotes, “Dance like nobody’s watching”. The real test comes on “Black Rat” just try to stay in your seat for this one.

Knowing her physical problems, I wasn’t sure she was up to another CD. We saw her at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival and she was close to 100%. Koko is without question one of the greatest singers in blues. She kicks your butt and pulls at your heartstrings, all while attacking her music like a bulldog. Ms. Taylor is still raw and intense.

The CD is straight out of the Chicago Blues mold. Koko writes five of the songs herself and they match up well with the covers by the likes of Willy Dixon, Sam Maghett, and E. G. Kight. Musicians on this CD include Bob Margolin, Billy Branch, and longtime sidekick Criss Johnson. Johnson’s guitar work on “All Your Love” is superb. Her vocals are as gravely as ever. The “Queen of Blues” is not only back but she is as good as ever.

-- Jim Weber