Hound Dog Taylor And The House Rockers

 

“When I die they’ll say, ‘He couldn’t play shit, but he sure made it sound good!” — Hound Dog Taylor

Hound Dog Taylor was all about making the blues screech: $50 Japanese guitars with a wicked slide, cheap amps from Sears, an extra guitarist, a raucous drummer, and no bass. It sounds like a recipe for an earache, and to certain tastes, that might be true. But if you like the blues served so raw it’s still bleeding, here’s something you should own.

Hound Dog was heavily influenced by the powerful slide guitar playing of Elmore James, but Hound Dog upped the ante and played his own ragged boogie versions. He played loud, fast, and often very sloppy, Brewer Philips played a distorted "bass" on a 6-string guitar as well as rhythm guitar, (some guitar solos, too) and Ted Harvey provided an often manic backbeat. Together, they kicked out the jams in an unconventional, minimalist way.

Hound Dog Taylor's debut album was the debut album for Alligator Records in 1971. The label was started by his manager and producer Bruce Iglauer as a vehicle to get Hound Dog's sound out to a wider audience. So before I talk about Hound Dog's work here, equal kudos to Bruce Iglauer for helping the Dog's music get recorded and released in the first place.

From the first chords, Hound Dog's distinctive six-fingered (he was born with 6 fingers on each hand) slide guitar work pierces with a raw, electrifying tone that commands attention. His ability to weave gritty riffs and solos into a cohesive musical narrative testifies to his considerable talent. What sets the album apart is its intentional lack of finesse. Instead of polished production, the album relies on the sheer power and authenticity of its performances. This is the blues in its purest form, stripped of unnecessary frills and ornamentation, pulsating with the raw, earthy energy of its roots.

The band's interplay is another highlight of the album. Hound Dog and his band demonstrate a remarkable musical unity, their instruments coming together in a harmonic exchange with rhythmic precision. This synergy, paired with their individual talents, makes for an intense listening experience that transports us to the heart of a bustling Chicago blues club. "Hound Dog Taylor And The House Rockers" is a must-listen for any blues fan. It showcases Hound Dog Taylor, one of the genre's most recognizable talents, in full swing, effortlessly combining his musicianship with an unwavering enthusiasm for performance. This album is a testament to the raw, pulsating spirit of Chicago's blues scene during the 1970s.

For the freeload, tell us about ragged and raw music you like.