As he explains in this conversation, his blues is more closely related to African tribal rhythms, which don’t rely on chord changes, something we take for granted with Chicago Blues, for example. The result is something akin to John Lee Hooker’s repetitive, insistent approach, which itself has echoes of the earliest Blues players like Charlie Patton.
Taylor uses banjo prominently in his music, an instrument that originated in West Africa, and went on to become a vital part of American folk and bluegrass. The banjo’s droning fifth string also contributes sonically to his primal sound.
For this tour, Taylor is working with one of Blues-Rock’s most exciting lead guitarists, Mato Nanji, the driving force behind the band, Indigenous. He also has been a part of the Experience Hendrix Tour since 2002, playing with Billy Cox, Luther Dickinson (N. Miss All-Stars) and David Hidalgo (Los Lobos).
Also providing rock-solid accompaniment were bassist Nick Amadeo and drummer Kid Cage. Their driving and interlocking rhythms are an essential part of the Trance-Blues sound of Otis Taylor.
