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A Band Called Sam—Legacy—Highlander Records

Sam “Bluzman” Taylor, was an American blues singer,
songwriter, producer, and actor. He began his musical career
during his military service when he was stationed at the
Westhampton Beach Air Force Base in Long Island, NY. Sam
passed away in 2009.

Not wanting the legacy of Sam’s work to dissipate, a group of his
former band members and of his family. got together to keep his
music alive—hence, A Band Called Sam. The band consists of
Sam’s daughter Sandra Taylor, a singer in her own right; Sam’s
grandson, Sandra’s son, Lawrence, ‘Law’ Worrell, guitar and vocal; Mario Staino, drums, Gary
Grob, bassist, and Gary Sellars, Sam’s protégé, who plays guitar and sings. Keys are handled by
Danny Kean.

There is also on the album an outstanding horn section, about which I can find nothing. Shame.

The music is stunningly good. Accomplished, full of fun and funky. The opener is ‘Stinger’ with
some great horns, and a great vocals. Other tracks include, ‘Next in Line’, with some fabulous
harmonies and Voice of The Blues, again with great horns and a sassy vocal from Sandra.

‘Papa Blues’ is a slow, strolling blues and IMHO is the best track on the album “Only the blues can
talk to me. Only the blues know how I feel.” ‘Hole in Your Soul’, comes with a funky, wha-wah a la
Isaac Hayes and arrangement that might have been done by Stevie Wonder. Love it.

By and large this is an outstanding album by the band. Long may it continue

Ian K McKenzie

Ruby Turner—Love Was Here—RTR Productions—ASIN:
B081KPTT7N

Ruby Turner is a national treasure. In the USA artists are often
given their own ‘day’ as a recognition of their talent. Time for e
Ruby Turner Day! She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s
Birthday Honours a couple of years ago (for services to music)

but IMHO, the more accolades the better.

This is Ruby’s twentieth album and it is a stunner. Ruby says of
it, “This Album is [the] one I've always wanted to make. The

feel and grooves I've heard and loved: Curtis Mayfield, BB King,
Ry Cooder, The Reverend Al Green to name but a few.”

Chasing Love, the theme for the movie The Host, a personal and intimate ballad, is a delight. The
title track Love ‘Was Here’ is another beauty. The years she has spent with Jules Holland hold her
in good stead, enabling her to move from a tender ballad to a stomper like ‘Time Of Your Life’ with
consummate ease. The whole thing is a master class in style, delivery and vocal expertise.

Wonderful

Ian K. McKenzie

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