Melvin Taylor – “Plays The Blues For You” – Isabel Records 200.520

This 1987 12-song CD release of an original 1984 nine-cut LP collection was the follow-up to Taylor’s 1982 outing entitled Blues On The Run, also for the French Isabel Records label.  With a recording band that included talent aplenty including “Killer” Ray Allison on drums, Lucky Peterson on both piano and organ, and Titus Williams on bass, along with Taylor’s silky vocal phrasings and liquid, frenetic-yet-stirring guitar expressions makes this an eye-opening and, highly pleasing, blues junket.

A mix of Taylor originals and covers from the likes of Sir Mack Rice, Lonnie Brooks, and Big Joe Turner, among others, it is Taylor’ ease with his dynamic fretwork that is startling.  Purists may say it’s a bit frantic; to this reviewer, they’re missing the point.  Taylor’s guitar work is at once just who he is as a guitar stylist, and his six-string approach complements his laid-back vocal panache.

There is an almost early-hours-in-the-club feel to this collection, one that suggests Taylor is playing purely for the joy of playing, for only himself, with only his contemplations driving him.  The whole is greatly satisfying.

Taylor should be more hallowed than he is in blues circles.  His style and the excitement his music carries are distinguished art.  I find myself returning to this CD over and over again.  It’s that good.

Highly recommend!