The album is bookended by "Memphis," a footstomping track that offers some insights into the band's sound. The horns make the band sound a bit like Dexy's Midnight Runners in their soul period, whilst the overall feel is a bit more like the classic pop of Squeeze, when Difford and Tilbrook where at their peak. DO not expect more of the same, though, because the band move into folk mood for the title track, which is a medley of "Road To Boston," "Mickey Chewing Bubblegum" and "Terry Teahan's." If this one does not set your toes tapping, then you may have come to the wrong place. It gives you the first chance to hear Coppin's bagpipes, which also play a large part in "James Brown At My Bagpipe"--one of the best song titles ever, surely--which manages to successfully fuse together funk and highland piping.

Musically, Taxi Chain never seem to stand still for very long. After the countrified "Cut Me A Key" they swing into blues territory for "Buck A Joy" before the bagpipes resurface on "Tandoori Mustache." Another curious title, but it captures the essence of another successful fusion of Eastern music and bagpiping. Anyone who enjoyed Terry Hall and Mushtaq's acclaimed "The Hour of Two Lights" will appreciate this one.

After another globetrotting diversion into Cuban territory for "It's Your Birthday" the band wind things up with "Zimbobby" (plus the short reprise of "Memphis"). "Zimbobby" shows the band at their best, with a great balance between the bagpipes and the sax, and even throws in a jazz solo interlude in the middle for good measure. It is easy to imagine this one being used to close live shows.

"Taxi Chain" is a great album for people with eclectic tastes. There is not a lot of blues on show, but there is a lot of fine music that is made to get your feet moving. In the liner notes, Fred Litwin notes that "you owe it to yourself to see Taxi Chain live!" While you are waiting for them to show up in your town, though, pick up a copy of "Smarten Up!" and start practicing those dance steps!

www.northernbluesmusic.com

Buy this CD NOW:

Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.

"This review is copyright © 2004 by Gordon Baxter, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."

Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!

---

Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.

Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details). Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!

---

Web Hosting & Design: CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75. The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here to find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!

If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:

Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983

E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.