In the tradition of great musical families like the Jacksons and the Staples Singers, Chicago blues band leader Larry Taylor will unveil an album featuring his siblings and son.
A CD release party for Generations of Blues, featuring live music by the Taylors, will be held Sunday, June 18 at Fitzgeralds in Berwyn, just in time for Juneteenth weekend during Black Music Month.
The family also will be appearing together (for the first time in the Chi Blues Fest since 2008) on Rosa’s Lounge stage at Millennium Park from 3:45 to 4:45 pm on Friday, June 9.
On the CD from Nola-Blue Records, the family honors the 100th birthday of their father, Chicago blues pioneer Eddie Taylor, and their mother, blues singer-songwriter Vera Taylor.
Born near the banks of the mighty Mississippi River in Benoit, Mississippi, and directly influenced by Robert Johnson and Charley Patton, Eddie Taylor (1923-1985) taught himself to play guitar. He shared his skills with many, including childhood friend Jimmy Reed.
It was Taylor who put his rhythms of blues boogie and “lump” behind Reed’s hit songs on VeeJay Records. His distinctive guitar graces records with Snooky Pryor, John Lee Hooker, Floyd Jones, Elmore James and many more.
In Taylor’s biography on AllMusic.com, Bill Dahl summarizes, “When he died in 1985, he left a void on the Chicago circuit that remains apparent even now. They just don’t make ‘em like Eddie Taylor anymore.”
Taylor’s children chose to advance family legacy with their own talents, staying true to their heritage and musical roots. Larry, the eldest, was a 2-year old in 1957 when his mother Vera, (1943-1999) a blues singer, piano player and songwriter from Clarksdale, Mississippi, met Eddie Taylor in Douglass Park.
The couple’s first born, Brenda, later became a singer; brother Tim, a drummer; then singers Edna, Valicia (deceased), guitarist Eddie Jr., singer Demetria — now touring and recording internationally — and baby brother Milton, an enthusiastic and supportive fan.
Larry Taylor’s role as big brother, caregiver and protector began early and remains strong as today’s family patriarch. Inspired by drummers on Maxwell Street and musicians visiting their West Side apartment, at age 5 he created his first drum set from cardboard boxes and pot tops.
He and Brenda watched through a hole in the roof above the Blue Flame lounge as their parents performed with Howlin’ Wolf. By the late 1970s and through the 1990s, Larry played and recorded with Chicago Blues royalty including John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, Albert Collins, Albert King, Otis Clay and, of course, Eddie Taylor Sr.
Larry formed his own band in 2004 and has made it a point to bring blues back to the neighborhoods where it started.
The passage of time and fragility of musicians weigh heavy in the 13 old-school songs of Generations of Blues. Five of the songs come from Eddie Taylor Sr., one was written by Vera, four by Larry. Brenda and Demetria personalized songs from post-war blues classics. Eddie Jr. plays on nine tracks recorded before his untimely death in 2019, and the late Sleepy Riley, nephew of Eddie Shaw, holds down the bass.
Guests include the late Killer Ray Allison on guitar and Matthew Skoller on harmonica. Just this year Larry’s son, Lil’ Jet2X, added “No Shine,” his rap on life in today’s hood, backed by veteran West and South Side musicians.
All tracks were recorded at the West Side’s Joyride Studio.
“It is truly an honor to be working with Larry Taylor on this historic recording,” said Sallie Bengtson, Nola- Blue Records president, whose Lancaster, Pennsylvania, label boasts other noted heritage blues artists like bass player Benny Turner and the late guitarist Cash McCall.
Larry Taylor says: “We’ve been working on this record for a while. I’m glad Nola-Blue can help us get it out for our friends and fans around the world. People will be able to appreciate the talent and the spirit not only in our family but in our community.”
The $15 CD can be purchased on Bandcamp.