‘Beware of the Dog’ to me is a masterpiece where every note is infused with pure raw blues energy. The album touches me deep in my soul and brings back a lot of memories. The electrifying opening track “Give Me Back My Wig” immediately sets the right tone. The raw, unpolished sounds of Hound Dog Taylor’s guitar grab attention and weave a story of passion and authenticity. His unique playing style, characterized by raw slide guitar and intense, emotional vocals, immediately plunge you into the depth of his musical expression. Other highlights of the album include: “Let’s Get Funky,” “Comin’ Around The Mountain,” “It’s Allright” and “Freddies Blues. Each song feels like a voyage of discovery within the blues world, with Hound Dog Taylor making his own mark with his idiosyncratic guitar playing that is complemented by the tight rhythm section of Brewer Phillips & Ted Harvey, which propels the music with an irresistible energy. What makes the album truly remarkable is the unpolished, spontaneous live atmosphere it exudes. It instantly transports you to a sultry intimate blues club. This creates a unique listening experience that stimulates the senses and evokes a profound appreciation for the raw beauty of blues culture. ‘Beware of the Dog’ is not just another album: it is a musical treasure that transcends time. It has the power to awaken emotions, evoke memories and send you reeling on the waves of timeless blues. Hound Dog Taylor’s legacy lives on in this masterpiece, and it remains a source of joy and inspiration for anyone who opens up to the power of sincere music. So it was this album that inspired me to record my own Hound Dog Taylor Tribute. Thus, the following songs come from ‘Beware Of The Dog’: ‘Give Me Back My Wig’, ‘Let’s Get Funky’ and ‘Freddie’s Blues’. I very much enjoyed the live shows I got to play with Richard van Bergen and King Berik, where we wanted to bring back the raw energetic music experience of Hound Dog Taylor. Our second album “How How How How” was also completely inspired by the music and energy of Hound Dog Taylor. Beware Of The Dog: highly recommended!
