Hudspeth & Taylor – Ridin’ The Blinds
Hudtone Records
12 songs – 38 minutes
Brandon Hudspeth and Jaisson Taylor, under the moniker Hudspeth & Taylor, take listeners on a captivating journey through the roots of blues with their second album, "Ridin' The Blinds." A delightful collection of 12 classic acoustic blues tracks, the duo showcases their technical virtuosity, emotional commitment, and a profound love for the genre.
Hudspeth's mastery of the guitar is immediately evident, as he effortlessly recreates sounds reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s. Taylor complements the musical landscape with his joyously traditional singing and skillful percussion work. The album pays homage to pre-war acoustic blues, featuring both well-known classics like "Hey Hey" and "Can't Be Satisfied" and hidden gems such as Otto Virgial's "Little Girl In Rome" and Willie Borum's "Lonesome Home Blues."
The duo's enthusiasm and 21st-century energy breathe new life into traditional numbers like "Blues In The Bottle" and "Write Me A Few Of Your Lines." Taylor's urgent percussion adds a modern bite to the timeless sound, creating a blend that feels both authentic and contemporary. The album's production, handled by Hudspeth and Taylor and engineered by Duane Trower, captures crisp and aurally captivating performances that transport listeners back a century.
"Ridin' The Blinds" benefits from modern recording techniques, including subtle instrument layering and arrangement tweaks, while preserving the essence of the original recordings.
Hudspeth's intricate finger-picking and slide guitar work showcase his technical prowess, especially on tracks like "You Gotta Walk The Lonesome Valley." Taylor's voice serves as a beautiful instrument, reaching its peak on the emotionally charged rendition of "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues."
What sets "Ridin' The Blinds" apart is the delicate balance struck by Hudspeth and Taylor. They pay homage to the original songs with deference and skill, infusing them with a modern sheen through contemporary recording techniques. The duo's energy and aggression inject a fresh vitality into the timeless tunes, creating an album that bridges the gap between eras.
The clever arrangement tweaks on several tracks, such as combining Mance Lipscomb's finger-picked lines with slide licks reminiscent of Blind Willie Johnson on "Run Sinner Sun," showcase the duo's creativity. Even on Muddy Waters' "I Can't Be Satisfied," played at an elevated pace, they retain the curious frustrated joviality of the original.
"Ridin' The Blinds" is a highly enjoyable release that not only pays homage to the roots of blues but also injects a contemporary spirit into the timeless genre. Hudspeth & Taylor's mastery and love for the music make this album a must-listen for blues enthusiasts. Highly recommended.
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