OLD SCHOOL - KOKO TAYLOR
Koko Taylor’s latest release is destined to be remembered as one of the top blues albums of 2007, and, no doubt, as one of the best projects in her illustrious discography. “Old School” reaffirms Taylor’s status as the queen of Chicago blues. The disc delivers a dozen killer tunes, including five Taylor originals, and presents her in fine voice. Half of these powerhouses, including “Bad Avenue” and Memphis Minnie’s “Black Rat,” feature the righteous guitar and slide guitar of Muddy Waters Band vet Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin. Opener “Piece of Man,” one of the original numbers, is classic, raucous Taylor, and features Billy Branch on harmonica. Also make note of her bruising cover of Willie Dixon’s “Young Fashioned Ways,” which Taylor tracked with her band, the Blues Machine. Billboard
