Featuring Cassie Taylor
Exulans DMD
Publicity: Blind Raccoon
By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © June 2025
Those whom The Bluesmasters have collaborated with is quite an impressive group of musicians. Just a partial list includes: Mickey Thomas, Aynsley Dunbar, Leon Russell, The Allman Brothers Band, Elvin Bishop, Eric Gales, Mick Fleetwood, Rusty Anderson, Abe Laboriel Jr, Jake E Lee, John Mayall, Pat Travers, Shemekia Copeland, Otis Taylor, Magic Slim, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin; and once again, on their eighth studio release, Cassie Taylor.
Having taken time off to conquer personal issues, it’s been about a decade since we’ve heard from Cassie, musically. That said, prior to her break, while touring internationally and sharing the stage with blues and rock legends as her father Otis Taylor’s bass player, she accomplished more in her teenage years and early twenties than some seasoned veterans have yet to achieve.
On The Bluesmasters Featuring Cassie Taylor, Cassie – on vocals, bass and banjo – is joined by: Kassidy Kent on bass and background vocals; Christian Teele on drums; Eric Moon on Fender Rhodes, B3 and accordion; Tim Tucker on guitars and bass VI; Stella Ann on percussion and background vocals; Kylee Ribble, Larea Edwards and Chrissy Grant on background vocals; Sally Van Meter on lap steel; and Doug Lynn on harmonica. The disc contains ten covers of Gospel inspired music made famous by some legendary artists.
Within seconds of this one starting, I knew this was not the “Downward Road” (R. Staples) your mother listened to back in 1959. Sure, it may be the same song The Staple Singers did, but it is not the same song The Staple Singers did. Roughing it up with powerful lead and background vocals, slick harmonica leads, thunderous rhythm, and scorching guitar licks, The Bluesmasters certainly made this one their own.
With her angelic sounding falsetto, using the line ‘If I die and my soul be lost, it’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” (Blind Willie Johnson), Cassie’s clearly made peace with her own shortcomings. Her lead vocals, the heavenly sounding background harmonies, the divine organ vibe, and – oddly enough – even the soothing accordion and soft bluesy harmonica leads, all take this one to a hymnal level.
In the unlikely event someone should ever say to you “I know what Gospel music sounds like and I know what blues music sounds like, but I can’t quite figure out what Gospel blues would sound like”, just take out this CD and play “Sit Down Servant” (M. Bonds) for them. End of lesson.
As I’m mulling over what to say about “Wade In The Water” (R. Lewis), because of how perfect it was said, something I read on the one sheet came to mind. As Rick J. Bowen stated: “…The Bluesmasters add a hundred pounds of heft to the back beat and pumping bass to create a truly modern cover of the much-loved folk song”. Folk song? Not this rendition!
Being one of my favorite blues ballads, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a version of “You’re Gonna Make Me Cry” (D. Robey) that I did not like. Of course, The Staple Singers and O. V. Wright were two of the best, but after hearing this rendition by Cassie and The Bluesmasters, I’m saying those are now three of the best. Anyone who’s ever read my reviews knows that I’m a sucker for a female vocalist powerfully and emotionally belting out a ballad. While showcasing her superior range, Cassie did just that.
During her ten-year hiatus I’ve got to believe that although Cassie Taylor may have quit singing professionally, she did not quit singing personally. Besides being helpful in recovery, it was obviously helpful in keeping her on top of her game vocally, because this powerhouse didn’t lose a thing throughout the layoff. Just one listen to her version of “Respect Yourself” (L. T. Ingram & M. Rice) will attest to that.
Realizing the common denominator of these songs, how fitting would it be to close out with Aretha’s classic “Chain Of Fools” (D. Covey)? VERY! Vocally, Cassie is her usually flawless self, and musically – with a pounding performance from Christian on the drums – the track features some of the disc’s best rhythm, and a stellar harmonica performance from Doug.
Other tracks on The Bluesmasters Featuring Cassie Taylor – a disc I’m predicting will have huge success – are: “If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again” (R. Owen); “If You’re Ready” (C. M. Hampton, H. Banks & R. Jackson).
Before I close I’d like to say “Welcome back Cassie” and tell The Bluemasters that I’m looking very forward to their other upcoming release, The Bluesmasters 20th Anniversary.
Should like to find out more about The Bluesmasters and Cassie Taylor, just go to their websites – www.thebluesmasters.com – and – www.cassietaylormusic.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.
“The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy”
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 “Keeping The Blues Alive” Award Recipient
