tag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:/blogs/what-s-up?p=5What's Up?2024-03-28T00:09:02-05:00Larry Taylorfalsetag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/73736322024-03-28T00:09:02-05:002024-03-28T00:09:02-05:00VOTE HERE! Larry's "I Paid My Dues" reaches Blues songwriting finals<p>VOTE HERE for Larry Taylor's “I Paid My Dues,” from the Nola-Blue CD “Generations of Blues.” You can vote every day til the “People's Voice” song contest ends: 11:59 p.m <a class="no-pjax" href="https://songwritingcompetition.com/peoplesvoice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"><u>https://songwritingcompetition.com/peoplesvoice</u></a></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391865/1a260fd10078876809fe6c1c95699cf028e07d03/original/isc2023ppl-voice-button.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="1000" width="1000" />Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/73736302024-03-28T00:01:46-05:002024-03-28T00:01:49-05:00Fans Enjoy Soft Chicago Premiere of "The Rhythm and the Blues"<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Larry and his sister Brenda, and Leon the actor, were on hand March 4 at Chicago's CineCity viewing theater for the soft premiere of “The Rhythm and the Blues.” Producer/Director Darryl Pitts told the enthusiastic crowd, “This is just the beginning!” Actors Greg Ging and Dev Kennedy, pllaying the music industry bad guys, drew playful boos during the Q& A session after the movie.</p><p>Pictured is Larry Taylor, right, with Bonni McKeown, original script writer, and Leon.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391865/49ad8c5cf38fe8d32db6486789453a80a7529a37/original/leonbonni-larrytaylor.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="1546" width="2320" />Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/73401782024-01-25T17:22:29-06:002024-01-25T18:17:31-06:00Pan African Film Fest to Screen Taylor family story "The Rhythm and the Blues"<p>Actor Leon and actor/musician Guy Davis capture the audience in this 1960s period film based on Larry Taylor's story about his musical family. The feature film, in production since 2015, produced and directed by Darryl Pitts, is to be screened in the February 2024 Pan African Arts and Film Festival in L.A.. Bonni McKeown is the initial screenwriter and producer. Check out the trailer <a class="no-pjax" href="https://paff2024.eventive.org/films/659bbad8041a39007c3d5744" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>HERE</strong></a><a data-link-type="url"><strong> .</strong></a></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/72434192023-07-17T20:34:19-05:002023-10-16T09:55:44-05:00Taylor Family album wins Global Music Award<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391865/2d64b5ec71312fd2171e144fc5abd689ea5d1214/original/global-music-award-symbol.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p> </p><p>Growing up in a house filled with postwar blues masters, plus grounding in Chicago Public School music programs during the 1960s and 70s, has paid off for Larry Taylor, producer of the Taylor family CD “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://larry-taylor.bandcamp.com/album/generations-of-blues-west-side-legacy?fbclid=IwAR0eKIWM13q-dyKszTSGLI49IszPGa9dvd5t6VOx5RNP9Gjf4mWVvZuww" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Generations of Blues</a>” on Nola-Blue Records.<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.globalmusicawards.com/" target="_blank"> Global Music Awards</a> has given the album a 2023 Silver Award for Outstanding Achievement.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Global awards are not based on popularity, but rather on “creativity and quality of musical craft.” <span> </span>The awards span all genres, from classical to indigenous, jazz to modern techno, with instruments from flutes to zithers. Taylor is one of very few blues musicians to qualify. <o:p></o:p></p><p>Says Larry, who recruited his brothers and sisters plus fellow West and South Side musicians and directed<span> </span>“Generations of Blues” in the studio: “To be a master you got to learn from the masters. I want my blues to sound the way they showed me.”<span> </span>Early music mentors included his Mississippi-born parents,<span> </span>singer/songwriter Vera Taylor and master guitarist Eddie Taylor; plus Howlin’ Wolf’s drummers Cassell Burrow, Winehead Willie Williams and S.P. Leary; and Chicago music teacher John Watson. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p>From 1979 through 2003, Taylor played drums in the bands of local and world-known bluesmen and soul singers including John Lee Hooker, A.C. Reed, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, Otis Clay, Little Milton and more. <span> </span>He began singing in front of his own band in 2004, producing his first critically-acclaimed album “They Were in This House” reissued by Wolf Records in 2011. <span> </span>While the sounds of electric guitar and bass stand out in Chicago blues, he asserts, “The drums and the voice are what drives the music.” <o:p></o:p></p><p>On “Generations of Blues,” five Taylor brothers and sisters sing and play traditional Chicago blues including songs by their parents: Larry on vocals and drums, Tim on drums, the late Eddie Jr. on guitar, and the vocals of Demetria and Brenda. The third generation debuts “No Shine,” a rap composition by Larry’s son, Liljet 2x, backed by Larry’s band live in the studio.<span> </span></p><p>For the crisp, clear sounds on the recording, he thanks Joyride Studio, a West Side business, and its engineer Brian Leach. Nola-Blue CEO Sallie Bengston and Betsie Brown of the publicity firm Blind Raccoon brought the album to the attention of Global Music Awards <o:p></o:p></p><p>Larry Taylor, known as the “Ambassador of West Side Blues,” received an “Esteemed Artist Award” for 2020-21 from Chicago’s Department of Culture and Special Events. <span> </span>He and his brothers and sisters performed in the 2023 Chicago Blues Festival. <span> </span>This summer, as in 2022, he ‘s leading a series of free West Side neighborhood concerts sponsored by DCASE and local nonprofit groups. <o:p></o:p></p><p>On Saturday July 29, Larry Taylor and his band the Soul Blues Healers are featured in the Third Unitarian Church Garden Raspberry Festival in Larry’s current Austin neighborhood.<span> </span>On Aug. 13, the band is to play at the North Lawndale popup spot on Douglass Boulevard, in a history celebration in the neighborhood where Larry and siblings grew up. <span> </span>The nonprofit Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures will sponsor three Wonderful Wednesdays with Larry’s band at Austin Town Hall Park Aug. 16, 23 and 30, plus the GhanAgain African-based festival Sept. 9, where Larry’s fellow Esteemed Artist Katherine Davis will also sing with the Soul Blues Healers. <span> </span>Larry aims to restore blues music in Black communities where it was popular half a century ago and help new generations discover it.<o:p></o:p></p><p><span>“African Americans created blues to deal with the hardships we go through,” he says. “Blues is a tradition that changes hard times to good times. It’s the root of all American popular music. Blues tells a human story with feelings that bring everyone together.” </span></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/72297472023-06-20T17:58:55-05:002023-06-27T03:14:18-05:00Larry's new Individual Arts Project: Blues Bizness Boosters<p>Beginning in winter of 2023-24 Larry plans some cooperative shows with neighborhood businesses and music venues, thanks to a Chicago Dept. of Cultural and Special Events grant he was awarded June 20. Larry's Individual Arts Project, one of several dozen given by DCASE, will be known as “Blues Bizness Boosters.” More info to come. In the 2020-21 round of these DCASE grants, Larry and fellow blues singer Katherine Davis were named as two of 13 “Esteemed Artists” in all arts disciplines. Its nice to be recognized by your hometown city hall! Thanks </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391865/3f0b44963b4fda1ccf87d3b1682a1bee0060d97d/original/i-got-a-cultural-grant-iap-2023-1080x1080-social-tile-01small.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/72022132023-05-03T11:58:14-05:002023-09-11T21:10:25-05:00TAYLOR FAM performs at 2023 Chicago Blues Fest!<p>Chicago's Annual FREE ALL AGES <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival.html" data-link-type="url">Blues Festival</a> featured Taylor Family on June 9, 2023</p><p>See Rosa's <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/iH4SMvVDSmY?feature=share" data-link-type="url"><strong>LIVE STREAM</strong></a> of that day<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391865/e3498d8836a9ebde556f98ad8d327a16ad453117/original/rosasloungestage-promo-meme.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/71578462023-02-21T11:30:02-06:002023-06-27T03:11:58-05:00Nola-Blue Releases Larry and the Taylor fam "Generations of Blues"<p>Larry and his siblings are featured on a CD released June 16, 2023 by Nola-Blue Records.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-taylor-family-celebrates-eddie-fitzgeralds-nightclub-tickets/13114105?REFID=clientsitewp" data-link-type="url"><strong>CD RELEASE PARTY</strong></a><a data-link-type="url"><strong> was held</strong></a> JUNE 18 at Fitzgeralds</p><p>Chedk it out! <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.prlog.org/12952167-nola-blue-records-signs-larry-taylor.html">Nola Blue Records signs Larry Taylor -- Nola Blue Records | PRLog</a></p><p>BUY the CD or Digital Album: <a href="" data-link-type="url">https://larry-taylor.bandcamp.com/album/generations-of-blues-west-side-legacy</a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391865/1832a06465c3d18bb9d1b2176eb952480df0f6b5/original/gens-of-blues-taylor-cover-thumbnail.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/71260142022-12-20T17:26:28-06:002023-01-13T21:32:13-06:00Larry and siblings to lead Antone's 100th birthday party for Eddie Taylor <p><span class="font_large">At Antone’s club in the music city of Austin, TX : master Chicago blues guitarist Eddie Taylor Sr. brought the place down in the 1980s. His kids plan to do the same for his 100th heavenly birthday Jan. 27, 2023. Featuring Larry and siblings: singers Brenda, Edna and Demetria, brother Tim on drums with very special guest John Primer on guitar, special guest Steve Bell on harp, and others. Also in memory of Vera Taylor and Eddie Taylor Jr. <a contents="Get tickets&nbsp;early!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/eddie-taylor-100th-birthday-celebration-austin-texas-01-27-2023/event/3A005D7CEEE55E52" target="_blank"><strong>Get tickets early!</strong></a></span><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/86eaeafc7938701ae6a0dbea49507ee414ab5e93/original/taylor-fam-promo-2023-1-27-by-ambornfree.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/70361952022-08-11T22:00:25-05:002022-12-19T06:50:46-06:00Blues Under the Big Sky<p>Larry and keyboard player Barrelhouse Bonni joined with a band from Washington state and Montana to bring traditional Chicago blues sounds to the Big Sky Rhythm and Blues Fest on Aug.5-7, 2022. Many thanks to fest director Lorne Riddell for bringing the Fest back after Corona. The Rocky Mountains and big skies brought a breath of fresh air to this Chicago bluesman.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/232506e6cdaf23fa7de53af17d7b1cac5299cf1f/original/larry-big-sky-truck.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/70361872022-08-11T21:51:26-05:002022-11-18T13:25:13-06:00Bringing Back Blues in Austin West Side<p>Blues never really left Chicago's West Side, but the music has been heard less often with the gradual closing of many small Black owned hole-in-the-wall lounges and the economic blows of Corona. Thanks to grants from Chicago's Dept. of Culture and Special Events, Larry has been able to present a series of free neighborhood concerts through summer and fall 2022. Sponsors have included St. Martin's Episcopal Church, the nonprofit Chicago Austin Youth Travel Events and Austin Town Hall Park. The series , plus Larry's appearances in Austin's Raspberry Festival, drew attention from the local newspaper, <a contents="Austin Weekly News." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.austinweeklynews.com/2022/11/15/musician-larry-taylors-quest-to-revive-blues-on-the-west-side/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Austin Weekly News.</em></strong></a> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/2d94c6f6d014807fdc1da7b773bc30e83f172ec6/original/larry-t-intv-by-a.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/3eab7ebc1c5a67fed36dff1cc836da0c640390bf/original/larry-and-band-bhb-at-town-hall-photo-arnelle-powell.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/69872982022-06-05T17:09:38-05:002022-08-10T22:08:13-05:00John Primer, Larry Taylor bring Real Deal blues to Fitzgeralds<p>On June 1, 2022, Fitzgeralds, a popular music nightclub in Berwyn, IL adjacent to Chicago's West Side, wowed a packed house with a double billed, double-barreled traditional Chicago blues show featuring John Primer and Larry Taylor's bands.Primer and Taylor both played back in the day with the greats of Chicago blues so they know how the real sounds are supposed to go. Steve Bell played harp for Primer, in the footsteps of his father Carey Bell. Larry joined Primer on stage for a song in the finale. Longtime fan Robin Zimmerman brought her 65th birthday entourage to Fitzgeralds for the event. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/8e4753044ddc3a997b97135534e5aed885f66bfa/original/jprimer-steve-bell-larry-t-fitzg-2022-6-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/7b0b1fb2302641b1d738f21b7a71cd2a3f9ec9e0/original/robin-z-with-larry-fitzg-2022-6-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/67949352021-11-02T10:09:20-05:002022-08-09T22:11:13-05:00Larry Taylor opens first Soul City Blues Fest<p>For the first time, Chicago's Dept. of Culture and Special Events sponsored a blues festival on the West Side in the 5900 block of Chicago Avenue, Sept.12, 2021. Larry Taylor and the Soul Blues Healers opened. They were the <a contents="Driving Wheel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/LY5X2F2_CB0" style="" target="_blank">Driving Wheel</a> of the whole fest!</p>
<p> </p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/66956782021-07-22T18:56:09-05:002022-08-09T22:12:26-05:00Blues in the neighborhoods south and west<p>Summer of 2021, during the reopening after COVID lockdowns, Larry Taylor and the Soul Blues Healers took the blues to the southwest Chicago neighborhood of Beverly, to sing June 12` at Nicky's thanks to the Beverly Arts Alliance and <a contents="Chicago Blues Revival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/UJG5IFafSHw">Chicago Blues Revival</a>. Here they perform Little Milton's "Feel So Bad Like a <a contents="Ballgame on a Rainy Day" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/BNqYt9n22rU" target="_blank">Ballgame on a Rainy Day</a>." It only rained a few drops, before the show. Musicians: Ice Mike and Joe B guitars, Abraham bass, James Carter drums.</p>
<p>Larry's band was invited, a month later, to play at the West Side's Awesome Austin Raspberry Arts Festival at the community garden at Third Unitarian Church. Musicians: Brian Lupo and Joe B guitars, J.R. "Bootsie" Lee bass, James Carter drums. Watch them play ZZ Hll's slow blues "<a contents='Leak in My Drain."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/1GGVsuq-rmU" target="_blank">Leak in My Drain."</a><br> </p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/65559532021-02-22T19:06:00-06:002022-08-09T22:12:53-05:00New blues photo history includes Larry and his dad<p>Swedish blues writer Tommy Lofgren and photographer Erik Lindahl collected some priceless history on their 1980 tour across America, just released in a book <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/c2d1ace889364049f6fa77d7f8567c2bbe182812/original/larryeddie-sr-marys-lounge-eriklindahl-photo.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><a contents='"44 Days on the Blues Freeway."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://worldmusic.blog/erik-lindahl-and-tommy-l%D3%A7fgren-44-days-on-the-blues-freeway/?fbclid=IwAR3tyArpVMFjV1RCHA-e0j2UiAfGZAiaPkvL-_kkCsCd3kjs-dn0mYlzerE">"44 Days on the Blues Freeway."</a> They captured photos and notes about blues people -from Charles Brown and Peewee Crayton on the West Coast, Buckwheat Zydeco in Louisiana, stops in Mississippi for Jessie Mae Hemphill winding up on the South Side of Chicago with Buddy Guy at the Checkerboard plus Magic Slim, Nick Holt, Killer Ray Allison. The final stop was Mary's Lounge on the West Side, where Larry sang and drummed at a gig featuring Taildragger and Eddie Taylor Sr. (photo shows Larry and his dad with Dave Waldman on bass.) Thanks to the two Jefferson Magazine reporters for the book, which you can order <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tidochrum.net/portf-lj/44-days-on-the-highways"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/62721202020-04-04T19:33:20-05:002022-08-09T22:13:08-05:00Larry Taylor among Chicago's 13 "Esteem Artists"<p>Larry Taylor is one of 13 highly qualified artists named April 3, 2020 to receive the city’s <a contents="Esteemed Artist Award" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/esteemed_artists.html" style="">Esteemed Artist Award</a>, a special new $10,000 grant for career expenses including studio rental, supplies, travel and equipment. </p>
<p>In celebration of 2020 as the Year of Chicago Music, half the Esteem Artist Awards are going to musicians. In addition to Larry Taylor, they are: fellow blues singer and educator Katharine Davis, jazz vocalist Deleatrice (Dee) Alexander, Honduran-American guitarist Carlos Barahona, Old Town Folk Music School guitarist and songwriting teacher Steve Dawson, innovative chamber music pianist Mabel Kwan, and Michael Reed, experimental jazz drummer and organizer of the Pitchfork festival. </p>
<p>Receiving awards in other disciplines are Jai'sun Howard (Performing Arts), Sandra Jackson-Opoku (Literary Arts), Ruth Leitman (Film & Media Arts), Fawzia Mirza (Film & Media Arts), Leticia Pardo Rojo (Visual Arts/Design) and Sadie Woods (Visual Arts/Design). </p>
<p>DCASE is awarding project grants of $850-5000 in the 2020 grant period to 158 more musicians, visual artists and designers, writers, dance and theater performers and film and media artists. Applications for the 2021 grant cycle will be open later this year. </p>
<p>“Chicago’s voice is heard around the world through the creativity, innovation, and vision of incredible artists in every one of our 77 neighborhoods,” said Chicago Mayor Lightfoot. “From the art they make and culture they create, our artists bring joy to our lives, drive our economy, hold the mirror to our faces.” </p>
<p>She noted this is especially important in light of the coronavirus crisis. The city-state fund Arts for Illinois is also offering a lottery of emergency grants with 3Arts in an effort to help artists who’ve lost gigs because of the epidemic.</p>
<p>This year, Mayor Lightfoot increased the City of Chicago’s 2020 funding for cultural grants by $1 million, offering equitable grantmaking and microfinancing to individual artists, organizations and arts corridors, with special emphasis on communities of need. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Cultural Grants Program has increased its budget by 59% from $1.7 million to $2.7 million. DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly said this investment will help more local arts and community organizations “advance their missions, engaging residents and visitors alike.” </p>
<p>The DCASE Individual Artists Program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.</p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875632019-12-10T18:00:00-06:002022-11-25T11:15:58-06:00Larry featured in David Whiteis book on Chicago blues leaders<p>LARRY TAYLOR has a featured interview in Chicago blues critic's newest book <a data-imported="1" href="https://lit.newcity.com/2019/12/09/the-late-the-great-the-front-and-side-players-a-review-of-blues-legacy-tradition-and-innovation-in-chicago-by-david-whiteis/">"Blues Legacy"</a> in which Whiteis points out Larry's direct link to little known,but very significant musicians who helped create the sounds of Chicago blues. Also featured in the book are Larry's brother Tim Taylor, a drummer, and sister Demetria Taylor, a singer; plus other second generation blues stars like Nellie Tiger Travis, Big Bill Morganfield, and Deitra Farr. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/e5ee2d610ca034689fc648e63ceb5da40a2c3023/original/whiteis-blues-legacy-book-cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjc1eDQxNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Whiteis book cover 2019" height="415" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="275" />New City reviewer L.T. Barnes writes: "The tone of the writing alone lets you know that David Whiteis knows the struggles of these men and women, and appreciates what they had to suffer to keep the music and themselves alive. His at-length discussions with them allow him to liberally quote them, opening up facets to readers about blues culture that usually only insiders are privy to." <a data-imported="1" href="https://lit.newcity.com/2019/12/09/the-late-the-great-the-front-and-side-players-a-review-of-blues-legacy-tradition-and-innovation-in-chicago-by-david-whiteis/">READ MORE</a></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875642019-09-29T19:00:00-05:002022-08-09T22:10:19-05:00Larry Taylor 2019 interview on CAN-TV<p>See Larry Taylor's 50 minute <a data-imported="1" href="https://youtu.be/7CLBaad0FpI">CAN-TV</a> interview, shown repeatedly to the Chicago audience in 2019, in which he talks about his West Side blues legacy . The program shows parts of his life performances inside and outside his home community.</p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875622019-09-14T19:00:00-05:002022-09-23T08:21:03-05:00Larry Taylor talking up West Side blues history
<p>Larry Taylor is increasingly called on to spotlight the illustrious, but little reported history of West Side blues. In 2019 he has appeared in an hour-long live CAN-TV studio interview featuring clips of his performance. See it here on <a href="https://youtu.be/7CLBaad0FpI" data-imported="1">YouTube</a></p>
<p>Larry also appeared on a panel sponsored by HoneyPot Performance, Dance Archives and Smithsonian at the West Side Justice Center Sept. 7 discussing House and Blues music in Chicago, along with Ayana Contreras of WBEZ; Avery Young, poet and funk singer;and Jarvis Mason, House promoter.</p>
<p><img src="https://larrytaylorchicagobluescom.hostbaby.com/img/BlackCultureMapBluesfunk_panel_Ayana_Contreras_AveryRYoung_LarryTaylor_JarvisMason_2019_9_7_copy.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="BlackCultureMap panel 2019" height="263" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875602018-06-29T19:00:00-05:002018-09-01T10:56:17-05:00Blues to heal the hood: West Side 2018
<p>Larry Taylor, sponsored by the neighborhood nonprofit group BUILD, is doing five Light the Night shows on weekends in June-July 2018 in a small West Side playground, Hubbard Park. These free, all ages shows are aimed at bringing generations together for a fun and peaceful evening. That's what the blues does, y'all! At the first program June 30, Larry invited young rappers to come to the stage and do their thing at the end of the show. The merry band included the mighty West Siders Ice Mike on guitar, Wes Side Wes on drums and also Laurance Glasser on bass and Barrelhouse Bonni on keys. See <a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/7-3-2018/Blues-Lights-the-Night-in-Hubbard-Park/" data-imported="1">Austin Weekly News</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/HhKa1hHXL7s" data-imported="1">VIDEO HERE</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/67384a89b03fbde914b8b2a62d7ebcccd9f2a6e0/original/hubpklarry-sign-6-30.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjYxeDE5NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Larry Taylor and Hubbard park sign" height="194" width="261" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/882ae91b084be09f83f028985bc669c14f655787/original/hubpk-larry-kids-full-stage.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDE2eDMyOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Hubbard Pk kids full stage 630" height="329" width="416" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/5231dfc309adfcb94e167536f13b388b602cafce/original/larry-sing-band-from-audience-8030-smaller.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDUzMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="531" width="600" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875612018-04-26T19:00:00-05:002022-12-31T12:21:22-06:00West Side Memorial to bass player Sleepy Riley<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/7d4e27b42bf99a225ae7bcbd41c9fb1e79a161e8/original/sleepyriley2006dscott-genblues.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Sleepy Riley bass Marietta 2006" height="300" width="200" /> A heartfelt sendoff, funeral service and memorial jam for Michael "Sleepy" Riley, who played bass in Larry's band in the early 2000s and appeared on both Larry Taylor CDs. Writeup in the West Side neighborhood paper, <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/4-24-2018/Sendoff-for-Sleepy-Riley/">Austin Weekly News</a></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875592018-03-10T18:00:00-06:002021-03-03T19:09:49-06:00Larry Taylor in Spain 2018
<p>Larry Taylor took Spain by storm in March 2018--from the capital of Madrid to fun places like Alicante, Valencia, Tarragona and appeared on radio 3 in Madrid. Thanks to guitarist/promoter JayBee Rodriguez and all the great musicians and fans in Spain who played with Larry and appreciated his music.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/f002dc1c48044ff8feeba3325233f95d479434c5/original/larry-sing-jbrodriguez-gtr-clamores-madrid-2018-3-7.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDE1NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Madrid Larry sing JB Rodriguez guitar" height="157" width="250" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/dfe6cd10fed7610ee8de434ca757ac87698bccdc/original/madridradio3-justincoelarryjb-rodriguez.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDE3NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Madrid radio 3 Coe JB Rodriguez LArry" height="177" width="300" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/a1599a3f07e80290a7d22cd8cc6adeeafee74b74/original/larry-sing-hands-clap-clamores-madrid-2018-3-7.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzM2eDI4NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Madrid Larry sing hands clap" height="286" width="336" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/aca3ab27d8d665b6df5d3ffb224d42ebe8b5cffa/original/larry-cathedral-window-tarragona-vert.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjAweDMzMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Larry Cathedral window" height="333" width="200" /></p>
<p> </p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875582017-10-15T19:00:00-05:002021-01-19T11:49:24-06:00"New Sounds" hits the West Side main drag
<p>The all original EP/CD "New Chicago Sounds of Larry Taylor" has hit the retail market on the West Side's main drag. Marie and Charlie Joe Henderson, proprietors, are selling the record at the city's best "dusties" shop, Out of the Past Records, 4407 W. Madison St., Chicago. The Hendersons have been selling records and souvenirs at the Maxwell Street Market, at their own store and other places for nearly 50 years. They rented tables and advised other vendors at the outdoor market and were honored by the <a href="http://maxwellstreetfoundation.org/" data-imported="1">Maxwell Street Foundation</a> on their retirement from the table rental business in October 2017. More about Out of the Past Records in the <a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/News/Articles/10-31-2017/The-ballad-of-Charlie--and-Marie/" data-imported="1">Austin Weekly News Nov. 1, 2017</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/07b26d225dda1b5ca8c336f7c84d2f49cd333a16/original/outofpastrecmariehenderson-larry-cd-crop-2017-10.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzUweDMyMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Marie Henderson with Larry New Sounds CD" height="321" width="350" /></p>
<p> </p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875572017-08-30T19:00:00-05:002022-04-19T10:03:56-05:00West Side Blues at Columbus Park
<p>Larry Taylor brings the blues among neighbors in a concert Aug. 25, 2017 in a tribute to West Side blues in the beautiful Columbus Park Refectory . Everyone smiles and shakes their shoulders to the ZZ Hill favorite "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg_3ysVb8Jw&feature=youtu.be" data-imported="1">Shade Tree Mechanic</a>."</p>
<p>Details on the concert series sponsored by Chicago West Community Music Center <a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/8-21-2017/Blues-Happening-at-Columbus-Park-Aug.-25,-Sept.-1/" data-imported="1">HERE<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/361191d10c009b36aaba14523ef6c63e981d0879/original/colmb-pk-stageband-mikehawkjr-2017-8-25-larryjoeb.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI5NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Larry and band at Columbus Park" height="295" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>On Sept. 1, Larry Taylor returned to Columbus Park as a guest singer in the 3rd annual West Side Blues Fest sponsored by the Illinois Alliance. He sang "Sweet Home Chicago" and "Hoochie Coochie Man" with the R&B band West End 40. That's former 29th ward Alderman Ike Carothers on sax.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/78ae9bdafa20b1ae963aaf04973e52a9d4b5b98d/original/larry-ike-ikefest-2017.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzI1eDI3NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Larry cameo Ike 2017" height="274" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875552017-06-12T19:00:00-05:002021-02-09T08:57:45-06:00Larry Sings in Chicago Blues Fest as Taylors Come on Strong
<p>Larry Taylor sang two songs in the Chicago Blues Fest Saturday June 10. A late addition to his brother Eddie Taylor Jr.’s act in tribute to their dad, Eddie Taylor Sr., Larry also marked Howlin’ Wolf’s birthday by choosing to sing the Wolf standard, “ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkpaKyhjg5I&feature=youtu.be" data-imported="1">Killing Floor</a>.”</p>
<p>Another Taylor brother, Tim, played drums with Eddie and Larry. Rounding out the band quite well were bass player Karl Meyer, guitarist Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and harp player Martin Lang. <br>Taylor sister Demetria sang in her own act at the Fest on Friday. Another sister, Brenda, hosted a booth of Eddie Taylor souvenirs, including T shirts like those worn by the band.<br><br>“It was a long time coming,” noted Larry, who had not performed in the city’s Blues Fest since 2008. “I’m thankful and enjoyed playing with my family. The fans were looking for something from me, and I had to bring it to ‘em.” <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/d5e85dc0095648c9adb0330a6f9100729b61ed39/original/chi-blues-festtaylors-larry-sing-2017.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzUweDI2MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Larry sings Taylor family Chi Blues Fest 2017" height="263" width="350" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875562017-06-11T19:00:00-05:002018-01-08T05:13:23-06:00Blues at the Economic Planning Table
<p>Larry served on a panel to open up some ideas on how blues can help develop a tourism industry for the benefit of the West Side. The same thing could work on the South Side. To benefit the hard-hit neighborhoods where blues originates. The writeup, by <a href="http://austintalks.org/2017/06/west-siders-look-to-turn-blues-heritage-into-tourist-attraction/" data-imported="1">Austin Talks</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/3528f932d3e8e52092c0adaae7faf78fe65e4b75/original/tourismpanel-june-7-boncrystalcamille-lashawnlarryaustintalks-copy.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjc1eDIwNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Blues tourism panel 2017 6 7" height="206" width="275" /></p>
<p> Barrelhouse Bonni McKeown and Larry also spoke on blues for economic development on consultant Valerie Leonard's BlogTalkRadio <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nonprofit_u/2017/06/19/monday-june-19-2017-200-pm-300-pm-cst-episode-67-can-west-side-tourism-ben" data-imported="1">podcast</a> June 19, 2017 .</p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875542017-03-04T18:00:00-06:002022-05-30T14:46:16-05:00Larry Releases "New Chicago Sounds" 2017
<p>Take bluesman Larry Taylor with several of his long simmering life stories, add a few of his closest buddies from the West and SouthSide. Put them in Joyride Studio with skilled recording engineer Brian Leach. Presto! Out comes a four-song EP of original tunes, "New Chicago Sounds of Larry Taylor." <br><br>The mini-CD is Larry’s first original work since <em>They Were in This House</em> was released in 2004. “I wanted to pep things up for young people to get into blues,” he says. Every tune has a rhythmic snap, from the funky, James Brown-like “Jump Down American Queen” tribute to African American women, to the Wolf howl that opens the song “She Treats Me Just the Same.” The themes are still the blues that everybody now realizes don’t go away— from messed-up relationships to “Penitentiary Blues” and “I Paid My Dues.” <br><br>Photographer Bernard Dean Moten, who travels with many Chicago celebs, shot the album cover in his studio and at West Side locations—Garfield Park and the W. Madison Street business district.<br><br>The cast of musicians:<br><br>“Jump Down American Queen”: Larry Taylor vocal and maracas, Killer Ray Allison guitar, Sleepy Riley bass, Tim Taylor drums, Duke Harris keys, Ronnie G, alto sax; BJ Emery trombone.<br><br>“I Paid My Dues”:<br>Larry Taylor vocal and drums, Joe B gtr, Abraham Avery Brady, bass, Barrelhouse Bonni McKeown keys, Ronnie G sax<br><br>“Penitentiary Blues”: Larry Taylor voc, Eddie Taylor and Killer Ray Allison gtrs, Michael “Sleepy” Riley bass, Tim Taylor drums, Duke Harris keys, BJ Emery trombone, Ronnie G sax <br><br>“She Treats Me Just the Same”<br>Larry Taylor vocal and drums, Joe B gtr, Abraham Avery Brady, bass, Barrelhouse Bonni McKeown keys, Ronnie G sax<br><br><br>The CD was released in connection with Bonni's community discussions on the economics of blues music to benefit <a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/5-10-2017/Blues-profits-for-blues-neighborhoods/" data-imported="1">Chicago’s blues neighborhoods<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/317621f2040cd4e8eda8be88fb1add32da02cb3e/original/ltaylornewsoundscoverimage-for-cdbaby-smaller.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDI1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="New Chicago Sounds cover" height="250" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="250" /></a> <br>Hear and buy all the songs on <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/larrytaylor1" data-imported="1">CD Baby</a>. <br><br>Larry and Bonni extend sincere thanks to their <a href="https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/fiscal/profile?id=2881" data-imported="1">Fractured Atlas</a> donors who helped make this punchy little CD possible. A larger album , "Generations of Blues," with songs by Larry's brothers and sisters has been recorded and is in the works.</p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875532016-12-18T18:00:00-06:002022-06-24T16:30:53-05:00New Album in the Works! Help bring the Rebirth of Chicago blues<p><strong>Larry Taylor: New Generations of Chicago Blues;</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Rolling Stones Got it Here</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have you heard? The Rolling Stones this month released an all-blues album, <em>Blue and Lonesome, </em> covering tunes by masters of Chicago blues such as Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed. It’s topping the <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7617693/rolling-stones-no-1-australia-blue-lonesome">Billboard</a> charts in Great Britain and Australia and is hitting #4 in the USA. </p>
<p> On the Stones record is “Ride ‘em on Down,” a song by VeeJay guitar master Eddie Taylor Sr, whose oldest son is Larry Taylor. Like many blues performers today, Larry helps keep the music going in small neighborhood clubs and occasional tourist spots. Most of these blues men and women are now in their 60s. If they are not suitably honored and rewarded, younger generations are unlikely to take up this American roots music. And the world would lose the healing music it desperately needs right now. </p>
<p>“We won’t be around forever,” Larry often says. Several of his good music buddies, including Killer Ray Allison and Osee Anderson, passed this year. “We’re doing our thing now so people will not forget us and our music.”</p>
<p>Larry and promoter Barrelhouse Bonni are producing a new album for 2017 featuring some of his original tunes, plus his Taylor brothers and sisters including Eddie Taylor Jr. on guitar, Tim on drums and the great voice of Demetria, performing the music of their parents Vera and Eddie Taylor Sr. When it comes to the classic sound of 1950s-60s Chicago blues, you will find no family that upholds this tradition like the Taylors. Playing on the album are the Soul Blues Healers, a skillful and energetic band of West and South Side musicians. </p>
<p>Donations to help release and promote the album, and other Chicago blues projects involving Larry Taylor including blues education for kids and the movie <em>The Rhythm and the Blues,</em> are tax deductible through Bonni's Chicago blues project fiscal sponsor, the 501c3 nonprofit arts organization Fractured Atlas. <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/fiscal/profile?id=2881">CLICK HERE</a> for details </p>
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/76f4374f5712c8cc14b6eda55c18a8750171834f/original/chifest07larrydemetriamilton.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDI5MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="taylor 4 chi fest 2007" height="293" width="300" /></p>
<p>Stop and smell the flowers, taste the snowflakes, hug your friends and family, and groove to some real BLUES! It will make 2017 go a lot better in these challenging times.</p>
<p> </p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875522016-09-03T19:00:00-05:002022-04-18T11:23:41-05:00West Side Blues Fest a Hit in Columbus Park<p>A peaceful and graceful evening in Columbus Park shows what the West Side CAN be! Keep praying, keep working Chicago. The area is going to leave behind the sorrow and conflict of gangs and drugs and gain back its historic reputation for BLUES AND SOUL! Larry Taylor headlined as Former Ald. Ike Carothers and his Illinois Alliance presented a free <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/8-30-2016/Larry-Taylor,-Killer-Ray-play-Thursday-at-Columbus-Park/">West Side Blues Fest</a>.. Also featuring Killer Ray Allison plus West Side guitarist Joe B and singers Mzz Reese, Della Greer and Little Harvey. That's Ike Carothers and Hawk on the horns! Killer Ray and Larry below. Tee's catering truck provided food. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/fd060ff3cf345001d8bd2b22a34444a0660c2bc0/original/larry2-hornssmileikefest169-small.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzUweDQ5OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="498" width="750" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/f34114fe39f9810410319d6f9359668a99ec4def/original/icarothers-blues-fest-postr-sept-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDc0NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IkeFest poster 2016" height="745" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/a37ea7421233393c566e9299f3d132b042c0b5d7/original/killerray-larry-taylor-wsidefest-2016-9-1-vertical.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzUweDM4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Killer Larry WSide Blues fest 2016" height="388" width="350" /></p>
<p> Post script: Killer Ray Allison died unexpectedly Oct. 5, 2016. A great loss to Chicago blues musicians and fans.</p>
<p> </p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875512016-08-09T19:00:00-05:002016-08-10T08:28:00-05:00Larry's Blues leads the way at N. Lawndale Arts & Culture Festival
<p>Larry's band, featuring Joe B on guitar and Mzz Reese as female guest singer, headlined the first annual <a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/7-20-2016/West-Side-bluesmen-to-headline-Aug.-6-fest-in-Douglas-Park/" data-imported="1">North Lawndale Arts & Culture Festival in Douglas Park on Aug. 6, 2016. </a> </p>
<p>The festival offered Larry and many other artists, fans, customers and friends a chance to connect across age, ethnic and neighborhood lines. We were blessed with a beautiful day. Here he is with the "West Side blues" square made for Reneau Diallo's N. Lawndale quilt; and with Maxwell Street buddies Vince Johnson, an oldtime street musician; and Peter Pero, author of two histories of Italians in Chicago. </p>
<p> </p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875502016-05-10T19:00:00-05:002018-01-08T05:15:25-06:00A West Side blues revival
<p>Larry Taylor and friends are out performing in new venues. Good thing for the hood!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/5-10-2016/Blues-Clubs-are-Back-on-the-West-Side%21/" data-imported="1">Go see a live blues show!</a></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875482016-04-25T19:00:00-05:002021-12-20T12:37:20-06:00Larry Taylor to Buddy Guy: Time to Share these Blues!
<p><a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/4-27-2016/Larry-Taylor-to-Buddy-Guy:--Time-to-Share-These-Blues/" data-imported="1">Austin Weekly News article</a> by Larry's publicist in blog "West Side Blues" explains Larry's challenge to Buddy Guy for a #BigBluesBattle </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/c2e9ce0558264549738953651cb87e34493eefb8/original/buddyguylarryblues-battle-promo-vannah.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzEweDMxMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Buddy vs Larry big blues battle" height="310" width="310" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875492016-04-18T19:00:00-05:002016-05-14T00:33:17-05:00Neighborhood Planning with the Blues
<p><br>"We have a lot of talent on this West Side," said Congressman Danny Davis. "But it's been disconnected." Can blues and soul music help put a troubled neighborhood back together ? Austin Weekly News blog "<a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/4-13-2016/Planning-with-the-Blues/" data-imported="1">West Side Blues</a>" reports on the April 16 North Lawndale Planning Conference.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/9d423ca84a5c1405f5f189f4781425be1bfece77/original/dkdavis-mic-and-chris-w-small.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA1eDIxMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="213" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="305" /> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/6c3c10733c9dedab89c3fe9de6bd9e3ac70bbb4a/original/dkdavis-larry-2016-3jpg-small.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDMwOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Larry DKDavis check 2016" height="308" width="250" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875472016-04-04T19:00:00-05:002016-11-18T09:47:08-06:00West Side Fundraiser for movie with Rep. Danny K Davis
<p>West Side showed up n showed out! Band leader Larry Taylor organized a West Side fundraiser for the Rhythm and the Blues movie ,sponsored by Congressman Danny K. Davis at Ashunti community center Sunday night. Also in the band you'll see Osee Anderson and Country Boy, guitars; J.R. Bootsie Lee bass, Curtis LaBondrums, Ronnie G on sax, Special guests were soul singer Cicero Blake, Mz Red, Mz Peachez and Ike Carothers ; also Willie Buck , Jimmy Burns , Killer Ray Allison, Minister Seymour, Ice Mike and others.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.therhythmandtheblues.com/film_clips/latest_edition_of_trailer/" data-imported="1">MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE</a></p>
<p>MO<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/91ccb297931c0637cf9c479d51a6da134d326877/original/dkd-trtb-flyer-final-2016-apr-3.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQzMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DKDavis apr 3 fundraise flyer" height="433" width="600" /><br></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/c0a174231ff622b3cbfc7f4ca42f63ea637843b7/original/larry-sings-up-close.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzYweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Larry sings up close apr 3" height="480" width="360" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/cabcc84d58bbbeeb36e0035681afa71651e2632b/original/musiciangroup-vbruner-photo.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzUweDQxMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Musician group apr 3" height="413" width="750" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875462015-12-31T18:00:00-06:002021-03-06T09:41:37-06:00New Blues Ahead: 2016
<p>Larry welcomed in the new year joyously with his old buddy Killer Ray Allison at the Good Times Lounge, with Doug on bass, Chris on drums, and Barrelhouse Bonni on keys. Singers Mississippi Wolf, Little Johnny and Johnny Harper also showed up to sing (and dance). Larry says, "I think that old rivalry is gone between the West and South Side musicians. We're all sticking together now."</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/9162579f6a38a545d60c6601e587a3b788a1fd85/original/newyrsgoodtimes-2015-16band.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI1eDM2MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="361" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="525" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875452015-12-19T18:00:00-06:002015-12-20T09:38:26-06:00Larry's 60th birthday 12/12/2015 at the Water Hole
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/7b929f260540249e136e5638a79c78d5238bc2e3/original/larryaprrodeodaveblancasmall.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTA0eDM3OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="378" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="504" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875432015-12-05T18:00:00-06:002022-05-19T16:54:43-05:00Top 10 Reasons to be at Larry Taylor's 60th birthday Dec. 12<p><strong>Why You Should Not Miss This: Sat. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m at the Water Hole, </strong><strong>14th and Western Av., Chicago</strong></p>
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<p>10. Larry is Black and proud. And he sings James Brown songs.</p>
<p>9. Lots of people talk about Howlin’ Wolf. Larry doesn’t just talk. He howls.</p>
<p>8. Chicago baby-boom blues men and women are the Kings and Queens now. Come watch them rule!</p>
<p>7. We don’t know for sure, but we think most musicians prefer to be celebrated when they’re alive instead of after they die.</p>
<p>6. The West Side is the Best Side. (The South Side is too.) These musicians kick butt. Lively guest singers. Don’t miss it!</p>
<p>5. Larry is honoring his late musical parents, singer Vera Taylor and VeeJay recording artist, guitarist Eddie Taylor Sr. by carrying on their music, along with his brothers and sisters.</p>
<p>4. Larry Taylor was part of Willie Dixon’s 1977 New Legends of Blues tour of Germany. He is among today’s blues legends.</p>
<p>3. Larry is a drummer. Without the rhythm there is no band. </p>
<p>2. Larry is the Little Man with the Big Voice. Without the voice there are no blues.</p>
<p>AND NUMBER ONE...</p>
<p>1. Larry has the Rhythm and the Blues. (In fact, a movie by that name is underway, based on his life story. <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.therhythmandtheblues.com">www.therhythmandtheblues.com</a> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Admission $5 goes to pay the band! Over 21. Musicians welcome. Food from Ellie's Cafe in Beverly, SW Chicago.</strong></p>
<p>HOSTS: Barrelhouse Bonni, Ms. Rodeo, Billy "Che" Brooks, David Atwood and Blanca Robledo, Laura Amaro, Cathy Stacey, Jim White</p>
<p> <strong>Extra Donations will go to finish Larry's new album. Tax deductible through <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/fiscal/profile?id=2881">Bonni's Fractured Atlas project</a> </strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/956f0ced3d9661364098825938f0320439694873/original/larrywailjero-hectr-2015-3-26-crop.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjM2eDE4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="188" width="236" /></p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875442015-12-04T18:00:00-06:002015-12-05T09:13:15-06:00Larry Debates with Cops on West Side Beat
<p>During a growing controversy over the fairness of Chicago police, Larry manages, under duress, to have a civil <a href="http://www.austinweeklynews.com/Community/Blogs/12-5-2015/Chicago-Bluesman,-60,--Debates-Cops-in-West-Side-Traffic-Stop/" data-imported="1">debate</a> with two officers on on a West Side street.</p>
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Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875422015-11-18T18:00:00-06:002021-01-12T20:02:47-06:00Scene from the movie
<p>In this scene Leon plays the role of Larry's dad Eddie Taylor, after he and Jimmy Reed just lost a gig. Larry produced and drummed on this song for the background music. Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsi836vBuDk" data-imported="1">HERE</a></p>
<p>More about the movie at <a href="http://www.therhythmandtheblues.com" data-imported="1">www.therhythmandtheblues.com</a></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875412015-10-06T19:00:00-05:002015-10-07T17:29:36-05:00Headhunting in Watseka
<p>On Pandora listening stations, Larry Taylor's band is often paired, sound-wise, with the rockin' country fellas of the Kentucky Headhunters. (Don't forget--blues is the root of all American popular music, including jazz, rock, bluegrass country, R&B and hiphop!) Reason for the match: the heavy backbeat of Headhunters drummer Fred Young. Well, the Headhunters graciously invited Larry to sing "Bad Boy" and Junior Wells "Messin with the Kid" on stage at Watseka, IL, a cornfield town an hour south of Chicago. The Watseka Theatre audience loved it! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/70fa9fd6d528db38767555a4e4391f548b14af45/original/kyhdhuntrsrichd-larrytaylor-watseka-2015-10-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzUweDI2MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="KyHeadhunters" height="263" width="350" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875392015-03-30T19:00:00-05:002017-12-02T03:00:37-06:00Larry's life to be a feature movie!
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/d9fb114c3574e3ec5550f7ed69aed1c49a3e5490/original/darryllarbonkmurphygood.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDE5NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="LarryBonni Darryl" height="197" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></p>
<p>“I come up in the hard struggles here in Chicago, on the West Side,” Larry Taylor says. “I went through many things. Experiencing gangs, prison, (and) the Civil Rights movement.” These events, plus the dramas in his own musical family, will be portrayed in a feature movie, <em>The Rhythm and the Blues</em>, starring the actor Leon (who played David Ruffin in the movie The Temptations) as Larry's stepfather Eddie Taylor.</p>
<p>It takes courage to display your whole life on screen, but Taylor wants audiences to be inspired by his story. </p>
<p>Above: Larry with producers Bonni McKeown and Darryl Pitts.</p>
<p>MORE INFO: <a href="http://www.therhythmandtheblues.com" data-imported="1">www.therhythmandtheblues.com</a></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875382015-03-28T19:00:00-05:002016-05-14T00:17:16-05:00Larry and band play for Chicago mayor candidate
<p>Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and his wife Evelyn boogied to the music of the Larry Taylor Blues n Soul band at a West Side fundraiser March 26 at the old Sears HQ at 3333 W. Arthington. Many thanks to Eric Strickland of Viridian Energy, who organized the party! Chuy spoke that evening advocating a return to emphasis on Chicago's West and South Side neighborhoods and others which city administrations have been long neglected. Chuy Garcia lost a spirited contest April 7 to incumbent mayor Rahm Emanuel.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/4baa23e2e96e254952757c5625d97d9a871953ad/original/chuylarevbon-2-2015-3-26.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDI2NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="ChuyLarryEvGarciaBonni2015326" height="265" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875372015-03-13T19:00:00-05:002015-09-14T09:15:24-05:00Party to Support The Rhythm and the Blues movie! with Leon
<p>Larry and his band, featuring Jerry-O, a talented West Side guitarist, played at the support party for The Rhythm and the Blues, a feature film in the making which is based on Larry's life story. </p>
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Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875362015-03-10T19:00:00-05:002017-06-12T07:00:17-05:00Feature movie to portray Larry's family story
<p>Article announces plans for the feature film "The Rhythm and the Blues" from Ruth Ratny's e-newsletter "<a href="http://reelchicago.com/article/pitts-blues-musicians-biopic-will-have-cast-92150309%20" data-imported="1">Reel Chicago."</a> Written and produced by Bonni McKeown and Darryl Pitts, directed by Darryl Pitts, shown here with Larry Taylor.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/d9fb114c3574e3ec5550f7ed69aed1c49a3e5490/original/darryllarbonkmurphygood.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzIweDIxMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Darryl Bonni LArry" height="210" width="320" /></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875352014-11-12T18:00:00-06:002015-09-11T18:13:55-05:00Larry plays with brothers in Windy City Challenge
<p>Larry brought a big band with brothers Eddie (guitar) and Tim (drums) to the Windy City Blues Challenge at Buddy Guys Legends on Nov. 9, 2014. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152474310362896&pnref=story" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/134381284c51b8865cd64976ec1a219dded0deb6/original/taylorbandbuddyguys-2014-11-n.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMxOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="WindyCityBluesChallenge Taylor Bros 2014" height="318" width="400" /></a></p>
Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875342014-11-12T18:00:00-06:002022-04-13T11:16:30-05:00Hear Eddie Taylor Sr.<p>A multi-part radio showcase on PRX "Blues Unlimited" playing music the late Eddie Taylor Sr. and his associates including John and Grace Brim, Jimmy Reed, Snooky Pryor,Sunnyland Slim: <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.prx.org/pieces/124162">http://www.prx.org/pieces/124162</a></p>
<p>This is the music Larry Taylor and his brothers and sisters grew up hearing.</p>
<p>Thanks to Steve Franz for putting this together and sharing it!</p>Larry Taylortag:larrytaylorchicagoblues.com,2005:Post/60875402014-03-29T19:00:00-05:002022-05-17T11:31:26-05:00West Side Soul show at BLUES<p>Delmark Records sponsors "West Side Soul" shows at BLUES on Halsted Sunday nights. This one was not to be forgotten! Featuring Larry Taylor accompanied by Joe B and Jon McDonald, guitars.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391865/bd3ee382175dd4bd2a3c356972af9b4fb8693b23/original/laryjonjoebcurtjr.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjg1eDI4NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Larry, Jon McDonald BLUES" height="284" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="285" /></p>Larry Taylor