Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Out Of My Mind reviewed by Dennis Barker



Out Of My Mind
Cassie Taylor
Yellow Dog Records
www.yellowdog-records.com
13 tracks/49:56

The talented Cassie Taylor, vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, has released her second CD, "Out Of My Mind", consisting of a dozen tunes all written and arranged by Taylor. Joining Cassie on all twelve tracks is guitarist Steve Mignano and drummer Larry Thompson. Although additional musicians appear on some of the cuts, Steve Vidak on organ, Owen Tharp on bowed bass, Jon Gray on trumpet, and Todd Edmunds on tuba, the disc does not stray far from the power trio format that Cassie tours with. Although recorded in a studio, these songs have not been over produced.

The opener, "Ol'Mama Dean Parts one and two", is a tale of a battered woman and her revenge inspired by a documentary about a womens' correctional facility. Following is "Spare Some Love", an easy going bluesy tune, written after an appearance at a benefit, "Stomp The Blues Out Of Homelessness", with some great guitar work from Mignano that compliments Taylor's soulful voice. On another highlight of this CD, "New Orleans", the feel of that great city has been captured by the drumming of Thompson, the guitar of Mignano, and the excellent trumpet of Jon Gray, with Cassie's vocal leading the way over a rock solid bass line.

"No Ring Blues", a large hint to her then boyfriend-now husband, has more great guitar from Mignano. On "That's My Man" Cassie loosens the reins and lets go, a definite rocker. On "Again" we find Cassie at her piano singing her heart out with more nice guitar from Mignano, a fine closer to a well done group of tunes from Cassie and the boys.

Cassie blends blues and rock into an enjoyable and original set of tunes that her fans will enjoy.  It will give those new to her music a good sampling of what this young artist is all about.  I enjoyed this CD and think that you will, too!

Reviewed by Dennis Barker

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