Description
Hound Dog Taylor and The HouseRockers – Natural Boogie – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Vinyl Me, Please Classics selection for September, 2023
(AAA) Lacquers cut from the master tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound
Pressed on 180g black vinyl
Exclusive listening notes booklet by Andrew Winistorfer
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Natural Boogie is the second studio album by American blues musician Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, released in 1974 on Alligator Records. Known for its raw, electric blues sound, the album showcases the energetic, gritty style that made Hound Dog Taylor a beloved figure in the Chicago blues scene. With his trademark slide guitar and the minimalist setup of just a guitar, drums, and a second guitar, Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers created a boogie-driven, infectious sound that resonated with blues fans worldwide.
Born Theodore Roosevelt Taylor in Mississippi, Hound Dog Taylor relocated to Chicago, where he became a prominent figure in the local blues scene. Known for his fiery slide guitar work, Taylor played with a distinct, rough-edged sound that was both soulful and electrifying. He formed The HouseRockers, a stripped-down band that included Brewer Phillips on second guitar and Ted Harvey on drums. Together, they developed a high-energy, electric boogie sound that made them one of the most exciting live acts in Chicago’s blues clubs.
Natural Boogie followed the success of their 1971 self-titled debut album, which had helped launch Alligator Records, a label that would become synonymous with Chicago blues. This second album captured the raw, unpolished energy of their live performances and solidified Hound Dog Taylor’s place as a key figure in the blues revival of the 1970s.
Natural Boogie features a collection of electrifying blues tracks driven by Taylor’s slide guitar work and the tight, minimalist setup of The HouseRockers. The album is full of fast-paced boogies, gritty shuffles, and emotive blues ballads, all performed with a raw, unpolished energy.
“Take Five” – The album opens with this instrumental track that highlights Hound Dog Taylor’s signature slide guitar style. The fast tempo and energetic playing immediately set the tone for the rest of the album.
“Hawaiian Boogie” – A standout track, this instrumental showcases Taylor’s rapid-fire slide guitar work, with a relentless groove that is both catchy and exhilarating. The track exemplifies the boogie style that Taylor was known for, combining blues with an infectious rhythm.
“See Me In the Evening” – Slowing down the pace, this song brings out the emotive side of Taylor’s playing, with a classic Chicago blues shuffle. His rough, soulful vocals add depth to the track, while Brewer Phillips’ guitar work complements Taylor’s lead.
“You Can’t Sit Down” – This track is a lively, up-tempo boogie that captures the essence of the band’s high-energy live performances. The tight rhythm section of Phillips and Ted Harvey keeps the groove moving, allowing Taylor’s slide guitar to shine.
“Roll Your Moneymaker” – A reworking of the blues standard “Shake Your Moneymaker,” this track features a gritty, driving rhythm. The song’s repetitive, hypnotic groove showcases The HouseRockers’ ability to create infectious, danceable blues.
“Buster’s Boogie” – Another fast-paced instrumental, “Buster’s Boogie” puts Taylor’s slide guitar skills front and center, with a relentless beat that exemplifies the boogie blues style.
“One More Time” – A slower, more traditional blues track, “One More Time” features heartfelt lyrics about love and regret, with Taylor’s raspy voice and expressive slide guitar taking the lead. The song’s raw emotion makes it one of the most powerful moments on the album.
“Sadie” – A mid-tempo shuffle, “Sadie” brings a bit of humor to the album with its playful lyrics and bouncy rhythm. Taylor’s slide work is laid-back yet precise, perfectly complementing the song’s lighthearted feel.
“Talk to My Baby” – Closing the album, this track is a classic 12-bar blues number, featuring a laid-back groove and Taylor’s distinctively gritty vocals. The interaction between the two guitars creates a rich, textured sound, showing the tight chemistry of The HouseRockers.
Natural Boogie is rooted in the traditions of Chicago blues, but it also reflects the infectious energy of boogie-woogie. The songs are mostly driven by danceable, fast-paced rhythms, with an emphasis on Taylor’s powerful slide guitar playing. The album features both instrumentals and vocal tracks, with Taylor’s rough, gravelly voice delivering lyrics about love, heartbreak, and the blues lifestyle.
The minimalist setup of just two guitars and drums gives the music a raw, unfiltered feel, emphasizing groove and spontaneity over technical perfection. This stripped-down sound is part of the album’s charm, reflecting the essence of live blues performances in the Chicago club scene.
Natural Boogie was well-received by blues fans and critics, praised for its raw energy and Hound Dog Taylor’s dynamic slide guitar work. The album helped solidify Taylor’s reputation as a bluesman who captured the unpolished, electrifying spirit of Chicago’s blues clubs.
While not a mainstream success, the album and Taylor’s work with Alligator Records played a key role in the blues revival of the 1970s. It helped bring attention to the gritty, electric side of Chicago blues, influencing later generations of blues musicians and fans.
Hound Dog Taylor’s impact on the blues genre, particularly through Natural Boogie, is significant. His music represented the raw, unfiltered energy of Chicago blues, and his slide guitar style influenced countless musicians in the blues and rock worlds. Though Taylor passed away in 1975, his music continues to inspire, and “Natural Boogie” remains a beloved album in the blues canon.
For fans of electric blues and boogie, Natural Boogie is a must-listen, capturing the essence of Hound Dog Taylor’s spirited performances and the tight chemistry of The HouseRockers. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Chicago blues sound and the lasting influence of one of its most unique and passionate practitioners.
Track Listing
Take Five
Hawaiian Boogie
See Me In The Evening
You Can’t Sit Down
Sitting At Home Alone
One More Time
Roll Your Moneymaker
Buster’s Boogie
Sadie
Talk To My Baby
Goodnight Boogie
