Search - Otis Taylor :: Definition of a Circle

Definition of a Circle
Otis Taylor
Definition of a Circle
Genres: Country, Blues, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

Crackling with hypnotic energy, Otis Taylor's eighth album infuses his cutting-edge blues with a dose of rock'n'roll exuberance. The blasting opener "Little Betty" gets some rocket fuel from blues-rock legend Gary Moore's ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Otis Taylor
Title: Definition of a Circle
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Telarc
Original Release Date: 1/1/2007
Re-Release Date: 2/27/2007
Genres: Country, Blues, Pop
Styles: Contemporary Blues, Electric Blues, Acoustic Blues, Modern Blues
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 089408365928

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Crackling with hypnotic energy, Otis Taylor's eighth album infuses his cutting-edge blues with a dose of rock'n'roll exuberance. The blasting opener "Little Betty" gets some rocket fuel from blues-rock legend Gary Moore's marvelously expressive, raw guest guitar as well as from drummer John Kelly, whose propulsion ignites several of these dozen tunes. Ultimately, though, Taylor's one-chord magic comes from his knack for repeating catchy riffs until they become a seductive blur--a hip-shaking platform for his colorful explorations of love, war, joy, deprivation, and racial struggle. He's also got a way with textures, spinning dirty guitar, prickly electric mandolin, his daughter Cassie's haunting alto singing, and his own appealingly hoarse baritone into mesmeric arrangements for tunes like the Hurricane Katrina contemplation "They Wore Blue" that owe as much to Pink Floyd as to Muddy Waters. Taylor also pushes the envelope hard with "Long Long Life," which blends jazz star Hiromi Uchara's manic piano improvisations with Ron Miles's free-form cornet as Taylor intones a curse on a disdainful lover. It's a brilliant collision of styles and yet another fiery testimonial to Taylor's unique artistic vision. --Ted Drozdowski

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CD Reviews

Deep Blues for the 21st Century
Joe Kessler | Washington DC | 07/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Otis Taylor, on this recording in particular, seems to combine vast influences that come from around the globe and across time. All of this is funneled through his soul and into his music.



Now what does that mean? Otis does not follow convention. Consider the instruments used here, many from the past: electric cello; cornet; mandolin; lap steel and banjo - not your typical blues band!



Do you like more modern blues and rock, that's mixed in here too and is my favorite part of the new CD. European rock and blues guitar master Gary Moore (former Thin Lizzy member and now bluesman supreme, though not well known in the states) on overdriven electric guitar.



No one that I listen to except for Otis Taylor mixes these elements together, then Otis adds his deeply felt lyrics and vocals (with background by daughter Cassie and "Operatic Vocals" by others - see, there's another examples of far ranging influences).



Otis Taylor Band - part Jam Band, part Trance, part history lesson, part World Music, all BLUES. This compelling music gets better with each listen. Thanks to XM radio, I heard a few cuts repeated before buying the CD. Love it."
At least it's different
MPQ | San Diego, Ca. United States | 04/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a big fan of blues but not so much the acoustic type. I've liked Otis Taylor's music but not enough to buy an entire disc. That said, after hearing "Definition Of A Circle", I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. His songs are personal and from the heart. The band is great, and the trumpet is a nice touch on some songs. This is a different type of blues and it really takes a few listens to digest and understand where Taylor is coming from. He is making music on his own terms, not for mass consumption. If you are looking for something different from the "she done me wrong" blues, this is it."
One of The Best Albums This Year!
John W. Mitchell | Colorado, United States | 06/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was so impressed with this album - especially "A Few Feet Away From You"; "Mexican Cowboy"; and "Maharaja's Daughter". The album title is apt - this music is very circular without much story line in the lyrics, but the effect is unique - even brilliant. Beautiful use of trumpet lines on this album to create both pleasing dissonance and harmony. Buy it!"