FREE YOUR MIND - TOO SLIM AND THE TAILDRAGGERS
(CD REVIEW)

Whether you’re into blues, straight-up rock, or the inevitable meshing of the two, you’re bound to adopt a few new favourites by the prolific and talented Too Slim and the Taildraggers. Frontman guitarist and vocalist Tim “Too Slim” Langford adheres to his signature laid-back comfort zone, despite the addition of several stadium rock songs, including the opening track, “When You Love Somebody”. After several listens, it reminded me of a slower version of Canadian songstress Sass Jordan’s hit, “Tell Somebody”. The ensuing “Last Train” fares better with its Spanish melody and classical finger-picking. However, I found the snare drum to be monotonous and distracting, or perhaps just too high in the mix, on the first three tracks, particularly on “Devil in a Double Wide”. These otherwise great compositions would probably appeal more to younger people more able to negotiate a prominent back-beat along with the equally powerful slide guitar here.

The title track is not unlike any of Tom Petty’s classics, that is to say, it’s memorable, likely to provoke a bit of a shuffling trance on the dance floor, or at the very least, some head-nodding and toe-tapping. You could just as well refer to it as “Free Your Body”.

“Testament” takes us back to a country-bluesy Arc Angels/Neil Young, even Pink Floyd, kind of groove, perfectly balancing the bass-and-drum rhythm section (Dave Nordstrom on bass, and Rudy Simone, the latter having the unenviable task of replacing two former kick-ass drummers) with the rapturous lead guitar noodling. Although it seemed to end too abruptly, this one’s a headphone turn-on and turn-up! “Been Through Hell” picks up the tempo somewhat, interspersing soaring slide guitar licks amongst the chunky, funky rhythm, almost rat-a-tat drums, and back-up vocals by Pamela and Paula Mattiola, and possibly Lauren Evans, as well.

“Peace with the Maker”, a beautiful slow blues-rocker, features co-producer Todd Smallwood on Hammond B3, which instrument is always a welcome addition to any song! Todd also contributes on 12-string guitar on the CD. Langford’s guitar is particularly sweet, and his sensuous baritone vocals always sound better when they are not strained. “Bottle It Up”, a simple but effective song about restraining one’s emotions and thoughts for the sake of maintaining harmony, continues the musical flow, but the following “Throw Me a Rope” tosses a few passionate waves into the placid waters.

“This Phone”, a song about loneliness and homesickness, wanders back into mid-tempo country-rock territory that would be flat-out boring without the dependably tasty guitar breaks, both bass and treble, an interesting bridge, and enthusiasm on the drumkit!

“The Light” is a collaborative gospel-blues masterpiece by golden-voiced Lauren Evans (on lead vocals) and Tim Langford, who is free here to concentrate on what he does best – play guitar! Tim is a great singer in his own right, but Lauren’s vocal turn on “The Light” is a priceless addition to Free Your Mind.

D.M. Wells

[N.B. On July 16, Too Slim and the Taildraggers will be opening for "former blues prince turned rocker" Jonny Lang in Tulalip, Washington - 'see you there!]

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