Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band - Bang That Bell (2000)

For something less traditional but no less killing, try Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band’s Bang That Bell. A post-Hendrix exercise in funky-blue wah-wah wailing, this one has more allusions to Prince and the Isley Brothers than Muddy and the Wolf. In the course of a single tune (“Another Bad Day”) he can blend jazzy, Wes Montgomery-styled octaves with over-the-top wah-wah work and metalesque speed picking. But in spite of all the virtuosic six-string technique, Taylor can also get up into some nasty real-deal shuffles and earthy funk, as he proves so convincingly on “It’s Later than You Think,” which features some brilliant harmonica playing by Sugar Blue, and on a super-funky updating of the Earl King classic “Trick Bag.” And he digs into a slow blues, “A Quitter Never Wins,” with fangs bared. The closer, “Even Trolls Love Rock & Roll,” is a wild fretboard scorcher featuring guest guitar slinger Eric Gales. A tremendous guitarist and soulful singer, Taylor is a major versatile talent on the crossover blues-rock circuit that includes the likes of Robert Cray, Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. In a just world, Melvin’s name would be on the top of the marquee above all those other names.

Review by Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes.com

This is Melvin Taylor's 5th CD (not counting his appearance on the Living Chicago Blues anthology). His first 2 CDs were recorded at sessions in France, included Lucky Peterson on keyboards, and were very close to Jazz, or a nice combination of Jazz and Blues. The next two CDs (Slack Band and Dirty Pool) contained several songs recorded by Stevie Ray Vaughan, including Texas Flood, Voodoo Child, and Dirty Pool. The move to a blues/rock sound was evident. This new CD does not contain any Stevie Ray songs, but still continues in the blues/rock vein, with a touch of R'N'B. There are no original songs, but Taylor's covers are well chosen and beautifully performed. He continues his frequent use of Wah-Wah guitar.

He has to be considered one of the extraordinary blues guitarists on the scene. The first thing that strikes you is the speed and fury with which he plays. Unlike many guitar slingers, there are equal amounts of taste and tone to go with the speed. When you guitar freaks listen to the flurries of notes he lets loose, I guarantee they will bring a knowing smile to your face. One of the outstanding tracks is "It's Later Than You Think," which features Sugar Blue on harp. Sugar Blue is to the harp what Melvin Taylor is to the guitar. Both have that rare mix of speed, taste, and tone. To hear both musicians perform together is an emotional and aural treat. Another guest who acquits himself nicely on two tracks is Eric Gales. Again, a well thought-out pairing of musical talent.

The CD is one of Evidence's HDCD recordings, which result in the best sound quality I have heard for blues recordings. The vocals and every instrument come through "hot and clear."

This CD rates as a must-have for blues/rock and guitar lovers. I can't think of another bluesman more desrving of wider recognition than Melvin Taylor.

Review by Al Kaplan, Amazon.com

Taylor continues to change with each new album, and Bang That Bell continues the forward look of 1997's Dirty Pool. Taylor is undoubtedly blues-oriented, but his music is also fueled by bursts of jazz, R&B, funk, and distorted wah-wah-inflected rock. While this will be off-putting to most blues diehards, Taylor forges his own path, and the result is an album with strong blues ties that doesn't fall into one comfortable roots bag or another. A strong effort, albeit one not suited to every blues fan's taste.

Review by Cub Koda, Allmusic.com