White African - Otis Taylor
This is about testimony, people, and you will not turn your back and say, “That’s not my problem.” It’s about legacies…of violence, pain, hate, suffering…in the name of heritage; in the name of raw apathy…in the name of ignorance. In Otis Taylor’s big hands, plucking and strumming on an electric banjo, mandolin, or acoustic guitar, it’s a way to cry out for the horrors of injustice—and mercy and forgiveness.
They don’t make prophets like this anymore—they did once upon a time, but that was back in biblical days. If there was a reason to listen to this man’s songs, it’s because he wears the dust of history on his physical body and within his heart, and along with that, the crimes of passion that have been done in the name of righteous intention.
These CDs are about commitment: a way to remind us that we have choices to make in our lives, both individually and as a social unit. The actions that we make can come back with a sword or an olive branch—and thankfully, Otis has a gentle way with his power, especially from a man who can stare into your soul from the cover photo of White African.
His companions are right beside him like avenging angels: you have to listen to Kenny Passarelli’s thudding, plodding bass, holding the chains and shackles of generations, daughter Cassie Taylor’s ghostly backup vocals that moan through the leaves on the trees on a hot moonless night, and Eddie Turner’s tortured slide and lead guitar. Yes, the obvious comparison is to John Lee Hooker—but Otis’s strength is that he’s doing it his way. You’ll feel it too, once Otis lays his music on you.
