| CD REVIEW (This review was also published at www.701.com and in the WBS Bluesletter) |
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| Wicked West Coast wildman Tim "Too Slim" Langford has once again regrouped his Taildraggers for this brand-new recording in their long-running career. Apart from his solo career as an interpreter of acoustic roots-based blues, especially boogies, this versatile vocalist-guitarist-harp player has a rockin' side to him that compares favourably with his own delta slide guitar and blues-rock peers. The Taildraggers, from Spokane, Washington, are comprised of long-time drummer John "Midnight" Cage and "New Guy" Dave Nordstrom, whose bass lines, while not quite as prominent as those of predecessor Tom Brimm, blend in very tastefully. You can't get better-suited sidemen than these two guys! Seemingly possessed by the demons inherent in a rock'n'roll lifestyle, Too Slim has penned these 11 original songs testifying to the trials and tribulations he has experienced, but with salvation, hopefully everlasting, close at hand. While I would hardly classify this collection of songs as "Christian rock" (a seemingly defamatory category that sticks in my craw), it is still very spiritual and introspective in nature. For example, "Walk on Water", the percussively-introduced opening track, tells of the guidance accepted by an older and wiser mentor who philosophizes about the limitations of mortal men, however exalted they are perceived to be. In other words, let the immortals perform the miracles and keep yourself in check. (continued on next page) |
| TALES OF SIN & REDEMPTION - TOO SLIM & THE TAILDRAGGERS |
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