2019 – Hudspeth & Taylor
By Phillip Smith; Nov.2, 2019
Folie a deux, the title of the debut album from guitarist Brandon Hudspeth (Levee Town) and singer/percussionist Jaisson Taylor, is defined as “delusion or mental illness shared by two people in close association”. In the case of Hudspeth & Taylor, it represents their passion for music. The two have known each other for almost twenty years, although they never formally collaborated until 2015 when they began their journey playing as a blues duo in Kansas City. I’ve been aware of Hudspeth since reviewing Levee Town’s album Pages of Paperwork in 2011 for BluesWax, and hold high regard for his work as a guitarist and songwriter. Taylor’s singing and versatile percussional stylings are most impressive.
The acoustic slide on “Big Fat Hairy Lie” sounds terrific with the gently rolling rhythm. I love the song “Low Down Dealer Man” and the instrumental showmanship Hudspeth unveils on guitar. Taylor sets a wonderfully earnest tone for the song with his singing. Their cover of the late Little Hatch’s “Rock With Me Baby” is a down-home delight. The playful melody on “Candy Man” is quick to capture my attention, as Taylor sings about a nefarious crime and its consequences. Hudspeth’s smokin’ slide guitar, and Taylor’s blues-soaked vocals bring the album to the close with “Daddy Baby”. It’s a fantastic song, and sounds great.
Folie a Deux is a gem of an acoustic blues album. I really hope to hear more from Hudspeth & Taylor.
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For more information about the artist, visit this website.. www.brandonhudspeth.com
