Otis Taylor

Otis Taylor's tenth album (issued locally this Thursday, June 25, at the Toad Tavern, in the company of John-Alex Mason) explores more love and its myriad aspects across thirteen tracks than most songwriters have or will in an entire career. And he does so with the soulful and colorful storytelling that has made his past efforts so noteworthy. Some of the most powerful moments on the album come from its gentle sections, such as the mournful "Lost My Guitar" and the tail end of "I'm Not Mysterious." Elsewhere, "Talking About It Blues" is reminiscent of mid-'70s Gil Scott-Heron, and Ron Miles's almost atonal cornet work in the background is utterly haunting. Fusing blues and jazz with solid results throughout, this may be Taylor's finest hour.