Too Slim and the Taildraggers
"The Fortune Teller"
(Underworld Records)

Reviews and Info

If ever you wanted to hear a CD that most accurately represents my own personal taste in blues/rock music, you need look no further than “The Fortune Teller”, the latest release from the Washington State based Too Slim and the Taildraggers. Within the 11 original tracks of this outstanding CD, you will hear a sampling of most every style, tone, and influence that has so endeared me to this genre of music for the last 45 years or so. The story of this CD is quite interesting as well, as it was born from an encounter between Too Slim, aka Tim Langford, and a fortune teller in Oslo, Norway, hence the title of this latest project. This meeting begat some soul searching which begat songs that are considerably more personal than some of the bands earlier releases. This is all good news to the listener as the formula has produced a truly enjoyable piece of music.

Let me begin my highlighting of the remarkable aspects of this recording by saying that that Langford has been at this for a good while and has a pretty extensive catalog of very fine recordings in his past. Despite that fact, “The Fortune Teller” is without question his best work to date. This is quite an accomplishment and one rarely seen out of any artist, as most seem to lose steam rather than continue to build momentum. Langford’s guitar work is its usual diverse and powerful self, with a style somewhat suggestive of what John Fogerty might have ended up sounding like if he had been fed a steady diet of Hendrix as a child. Too Slim’s vocals will remind you somewhat of Billy Gibbons however the sound is distinctively Too Slim. The band remains a 3 piece power trio (my favorite format of course) and includes a most impressive rhythm section of Dave Nordstrom on bass guitar and Zach Cooper on drums. They are tight, talented, and create enormous energy. The engineering and mastering are also first rate, which has also been true on all of the bands former releases. This has been no doubt Langford’s most ambitious project to date, as even the packaging of the CD is a notch above the norm.

As for favorites, there are many here and I like each track for different reasons. The title track, one of the bands sort of signature electric boogies, is monstrously good and has plenty of hot guitar licks. However, if I were have to choose my favorite all around tracks they would have to be “Cowboy Boot” and “Givers and Takers” both featuring intensely personal lyrics, thunderous driving rhythm, guitar ala Too Slim, and that wonderful sound that confounds purists and transcends genres. However, at another listening I may offer you another as a favorite, as everything here is good.

In two words, Too Slim and the Taildraggers are excellent and consistent. While I have not used this term lately when describing a recording, “The Fortune Teller” is a MUST OWN and can be purchased at many internet sites including Amazon.com or better yet directly from the band at their official website www.tooslim.org. From my experience, any CD you order from them is going to be worth the investment.

Tom Branson http://www.bluesrockers.ws/tft.html

Too Slim and the Taildraggers recently released their 14th album, Fortune Teller. Despite numerous best-of awards and hall of fame inductions from three Blues societies, this was my first encounter with them. There seems to be a lot of Internet chatter about these guys in the blues genre. Personally, I don’t hear it on Fortune Teller. Fortune Teller is a straight forward rock and roll record that mingles seamlessly between southern, swamp rock, Americana, and even a slight calypso-ish sound in Mexico. In the cd booklet Too Slim says that the making of this cd was a very difficult process. You certainly can not tell that from listening to the album. Fortune Teller is a great “sitting on the front porch with some friends drinking whiskey” album, and I say that having test driven it on just such an occasion. This cd will appeal to fans of Skynyrd, The Drive-By Truckers, and electric blues acts such as the North Mississippi All-stars. I really look forward to diving deeper into Too Slim’s more bluesy back catalogue and you can look for them to be featured on nine bullets more in the future.

A quick note about the title track, Fortune Teller. Apparently it is based on a true story about Too Slim having a strange encounter with a real fortune teller named Yogi, in a town square in Oslo, Norway, who seemed to know too much of Too Slim’s past and present for comfort. Turns out he was equally accurate in the future area as well. Say’s Tim Langford, “It was quite unnerving. My conversations with Yogi led to some serious life changing decisions for me. I know it sounds like I am making this up, but I promise you, it really happened.”

Nine Bullets.Net http://ninebullets.net/

Although generally lumped into the blues-rock arena, Tim "Too Slim" Langford and his band fall into whatever category a combination of Tom Petty, Creedence and ZZ Top would create. Perhaps swampy Americana is closer to the trio's sound, especially on this terrific album. Slim's been at it for quite a while; nearly two decades, yielding a dozen or so releases when this disc appeared in 2007. But that hard work has paid off, big time. 

Langford writes melodies and especially lyrics that show him to be an under the radar talent who has gone unnoticed for too long. Vocally his gruff voice is somewhat similar to Top's Billy Gibbons and this album is a good example of what that Texas band might have sounded like if they hadn't cheesed out with synths and dance pop in the '80s. Its bluesy swagger on the simple but energetic T. Rex styled boogie of "She Gives Me Money" and the greasy sex of "Baby Likes to Ride" are remarkably effective due to Slim's suggestive vocals on the latter ("she don't like no automatic, gotta be a stick") combined with his slithery slide guitar and the band's in the pocket backing. Meanwhile, Slim's smooth yet edgy slide playing also kicks "Spell on Me" up a few notches. There seem to be a few subtle overdubs but most of the album connects with just the three piece working through arrangements that make the most of the trio's abilities. At six minutes, "Givers and Takers" is the disc's longest cut and its most philosophical. Here Slim resigns himself to a world of "total disregard for other people's needs" played against a mid-tempo groove, aided by guest Oleg Schramm's dramatic organ fills, that heats up as the song winds on. He returns on the closing tune, this time playing a stark accordion that makes the already melancholy "Lonesome Alone" even more heartfelt and moving. While there is plenty of boogie, Slim's evocative words and distinctive growling vocals bring surprising introspective depth to music that could easily deteriorate to bar band grind status. This album is several levels above that. Even with all the miles already on Slim's life odometer, there is plenty of gas left in his tank. His journeyman experience makes these songs resonate more passionately than what's on the surface and connect on a deeper level. 

Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide http://www.allmusic.com/

Some people might get bored eating at the same restaurant despite its delicious and diverse menu, but Too Slim and The Taildraggers’ reliable musical offerings have always appealed to me, without exception, and in whichever genre they explore. Prolific composer, vocalist, blues harpist, guitarist (slide, acoustic and electric) Tim “Too Slim” Langford strikes me as a sort of mystic southern cowpoke, even though his real roots are in Spokane, Washington. That being said, he’s equally at home rockin’ your plimsoul as he is when playing country blues. Longtime drummer John “Midnight” Cage has stepped out on this recording, replaced here by the equally adept and perky Zach T. Cooper. Solid bassist Dave Nordstrom, who replaced Tom "The Stomp" Brimm a couple of CDs ago, completes Tim’s core playing team. Bonus instrumentation comes courtesy of guests Oleg Schramm on accordion and keyboards, and Robert Greenridge on steel drums, Lauren Evans and Amanda Tsubo on backing vocals, and D. Cernile also provides guitar and percussion.

The Taildraggers’ super-forte lies in Mr. Langford’s introspective and comprehensive lyrics. Although his vocals have always been strong and masculine, he’s a masterful storyteller, creating vivid portraits of a motley crew of characters – the fortuneteller, the unremorseful snake oil seller, the pacifist-turned-vigilante, the guilty heartbreaker, the lonely and the lonesome….

Veering away from the blues-rock anthem feel of the album is "Mexico", a happy-go-lucky, enchanting holiday song. Another example of standout musical fare is the “Lonesome Alone” ballad, gently strummed on acoustic guitar with subtle accompaniment on accordion. It recites a classic lovers’ conflict, ‘I’d rather be lonesome alone than lonesome with the one I love,’ but with a plea to reach out and communicate rather than call it quits.
"Cowboy Boot" and "The Fortune Teller" are already receiving airplay on KKZX 98.9 FM in Spokane, but the hard-driving "Big Guns”", "She Gives Me Money" or "Spell on Me" would probably be even better received on a mainstream classic rock station. Still, each and every track on The Fortune Teller would blow a hole in most other “new classic rock” songs I’ve heard lately.

How many more awards does a band have to win to get international recognition for their talent?

- Diane Wells - Southwest Blues CD Review http://www.southwestblues.com/

Too Slim and the Taildraggers is a bomb-blastic trio from Seattle, Washington. With an international reputation, they are known to be among the best in the West and have been one of the Northwest United States’ hottest acts since 1985. The Fortune Teller is an evolutionary album, that borders on revolution, in the musical direction of Too Slim and the Taildraggers. 

With 13 previous album releases and innumerable road hours touring has come a mature confidence reflected in The Fortune Teller. As a well established guitar master and artist, Tim “Too Slim” Langford has become a free man to record well crafted songs and expand his gifted songwriting abilities. Since there is nothing left to prove, his music doesn’t have to fit into any box or category, and he has freely evolved and melded various styles into his own sound, creating his own genre: Too Slim and the Taildraggers music. 

Indeed, bandleader and founding member Tim “Too Slim” Langford has continued to develop his masterful songwriting and storytelling on The Fortune Teller. This CD takes you on a musical ride, ranging from Southern Rock, Funky Blues-Rock, Swamp rock, Americana, and acoustic folk styles. Echoes of influences from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Little Feat , ZZ Top, and Neil Young, ring throughout this album, displaying the versatility of this band. Although the band is a trio, they have a full sound with no empty space. The band's live sets are joyous, featuring the blazing guitar solos, astute slide work, harmonica and vocals of Tim “Too Slim” Langford. His top-shelf, skin tight rhythm section is Dave Nordstrom - bass and vocals and Zach T. Cooper - drums. 

Langford is a prolific composer of original material, and the 11 new songs in 2007’s The Fortune Teller comprise his 14th release since 1988. A new Too Slim and the Taildraggers album is always a celebratory occasion. The Fortune Teller is a completely enjoyable CD proven with "first listens" when played for friends. For some reason, when played in the car, especially, it makes my wife and I want to listen more closely. Like soul food, the songs stay with you long after the album is over. 

The album is a great package, too, with a separate lyrics booklet (thank you). The art was based on a quilt of original art by Seattle artist Darbury Stenderu. Band manager Nancy Langford did all the design and layout of the CD cover. The Fortune Teller was produced by Todd Smallwood 
who was once a member of Mick Fleetwood’s band. Mick Fleetwood’s drums were set up in Smallwood’s living room and the band was allowed to use them to record the drum tracks. Too Slim also had free range of Smallwood’s vintage guitar collection. Guest artists include Lauren Evans on harmony vocals, D. Cernile – guitars and percussion, Oleg Schramm – accordion and keyboards, Robert Greenridge – steel drums, and Amanda Tsubo – background vocals 

The title track is based on a true story about Too Slim having a “strange encounter” with a real fortune teller named Yogi in a town square in Oslo, Norway (where he has developed a fanatic following). Says Too Slim, “I love the Fortune Teller track myself. My conversation with Yogi led to some serious life changing decisions for me. My son Austin inspired the opening guitar riff to ‘The Fortune Teller’!” That opening guitar riff announces that long-time fans will not be disappointed; this is a guitar driven album. While the lead vocals on the title track need to be a little louder, they are sweetened with female background vocals – a first for Too Slim on record. 

Reveals Too Slim, “‘Cowboy Boot’ is pure Southern Rock inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, et cetera. It’s also inspired by a kid that lived with us for a while who really kept his money in a cowboy boot in the closet. It's a little autobiographical as well.” The middle bridge wells up with throaty guitar and then keyboards before Too Slim peels off a classic, screaming Southern Rock riff. The harmonious, multiple-voiced singing gives “Cowboy Boot” real cross over potential. 

“Big Guns” gives us the album’s first taste of Too Slim’s famous slide guitar. The song is inspired by burns, busts, and bummers along the musical highway. The protagonist’s frustration has reached critical mass, and he’s “cocked and loaded and ready to deliver / you got your finger pressed on my trigger.” The lyrical message is accentuated by Cooper’s drum intro followed by urgently throbbing guitars perfectly capturing the mood throughout. 

Some new found eclectic creativeness comes out in the 4th track, “Mexico”. It’s a great song, and it’s one of the surprises that makes a new Too Slim album always worth the wait. Opening with Steel drums in perfect harmony with Too Slim’s slide guitar, the second bar sounds like slide-steel-drums. Musically dissimilar to “Margaritaville,” the mood is like Jimmy Buffet’s hit as a vacation south of the border gave “a little piece of mind” and “when I got home, I was in a new zone.” 

Says Too Slim about track 5, “‘Ain't It Lonesome’ is Johnny Cash Blues.” Affecting Cash’s deepest baritone vocals, Slim delivers the message of heart break, spoken-word style while plaintive guitars punctuate. 

“‘Motherlode’ is all about beating your head against the wall trying to get somewhere in life,” Too Slim shared. He sings, “You keep that carrot just out of my reach / my spirit ain’t broke but my body is beat.” One of the best danceable numbers, the rhythm propels, the guitar soars, and the harmony vocals are catchy as fever. 

Slide guitar heaven is found in the 7th cut, “She Gives Me Money.” Sounding musically reminiscent of Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Work Together,” the song is the blues-rockiest number with Langford’s sweet slide keeping ears perked as he travels to the stratosphere and back. 

“Baby Likes To Ride” is a fun romp full of Too Slim’s familiar double entendre (“She’ll even polish up my rig” - whatta gal). Says Slim, “‘Baby Likes to Ride’ was written while my wife and I were sitting on the bed one night, and I was bouncing funny lyrics off of her.” Bursts of slide guitar set off each line of lyrics and nicely fill the middle bridge. 

The catchiest guitar hook is found in “Spell On Me” where harmonious background vocals combine to make a song that sticks in your head well after the CD has ended. 

“Givers and Takers” is perceptive and nicely balances cynicism with hope. Reveals Too Slim, “‘Givers and Takers’ is inspired by experiences with people related to the music business. I think that speaks for itself. The business is full of silver tongued rip off artists. I don't think ‘artist’ is the word I want to use; it starts with ‘f’ and ends with ‘heads’!” Building crescendos of sound aptly support the lyrical ambiance. 

“‘Lonesome Alone’ is a love song to the wife!” says Langford. Played on acoustic guitar with harmonica and accordion, it is a departure from the rip-snorting rest of the CD. Sung ballad like, the sentiments are that of Everyman, “I’d rather be lonesome alone than lonesome with the one I love... be my sweetest friend / I don’t want to be just another man.” 

By the end of the album, the listener is able to tell Too Slim and the Taildraggers fortune: Keep the great music coming and your growing fans will keep the love coming. 

Their current Cd The Fortune Teller has been charting as high as #9 in the nation on the blues album charts late 2007 and into 2008. 

By James “Skyy Dobro” Walker

Reviewer James “Skyy Dobro” Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ and Blues Blast contributor. His weekly radio show “Friends of the Blues” can be heard each Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00pm on WKCC 91.1 FM in Kankakee, IL

Tracks

1 The Fortune Teller 4:20 
2 Cowboy Boot 5:24 
3 Big Guns 4:17 
4 Mexico 4:32 
5 Ain't It Lonesome 4:05 
6 Motherlode 3:19 
7 She Gives Me Money 3:33 
8 Baby Likes to Ride 3:33 
9 Spell on Me 4:17 
10 Givers and Takers 6:21 
11 Lonesome Alone 3:45

Biography

Too Slim and the Taildraggers 

Tim “Too Slim” Langford, with his band the Taildraggers, have created an eclectic style of Roots-Rock, Americana, and Blues, that has become a genre all its own. Too Slim‘s ever evolving musical direction cannot be classified into any box or category. The eclectic nature of the band allows Too Slim and the Taildraggers to easily cross-over and appeal to audiences of various musical tastes. Too Slim and the Taildraggers are amongst the lineage of talented artists cultivated from the world famous northwest music scene. This award winning band has been voted the Best Regional act, 10 times by the Cascade Blues Association, the largest organization of it’s kind in the USA. Too Slim and the Taildraggers have multiple awards from various NW Reader’s Polls and other NW Blues Societies for Best Band and Best Album. Founding member Tim ‘‘Too Slim“ Langford has won multiple individual awards as Best Guitarists, Best Slide Guitarist, and Best Songwriter. Too Slim and the Taildraggers are in the Hall of Fame in three NW Blues Societies. Their devoted fan base has grown over the years into a National and International following. Experiencing a Too Slim and the Taildragger concert is like taking a journey through the history of American music. Too Slim’s music style ranges from down home blues , funky blues rock, americana, southern swamp rock, and instrumental guitar styles. The band, led by singer, songwriter and guitarist, Tim “Too Slim” Langford, is backed by the top shelf rhythm section of bass man Dave Nordstrom, and drummer Rudy Simone.

"The Fortune Teller" is Charting #9 in the Nation On Billboard Blues Charts for 8 weeks ~ 11/07/2007

"The Fortune Teller" is included on a compilation Disc 
to be released on 11/11/2007 with Gregg Allman, Mick Fleetwood Band, Brian Setzer, Brian Ray, Love Riders, Jack Mack & The Heart Attack, Andy Summers, Randy Bachman, Robby Krieger, Todd Smallwood, Jeff Healey ~ The proceeds with benefit Muscular Dystrophy

Too Slim and the Taildraggers win a Muddy Award for "Best Regional Band" for the 11th year in a row!!

Too Slim and the Taildraggers are headliners at theaters, festivals, and concert stages. The band has shared the stage with the likes of Bo Diddley, Brian Setzer, Johnny Lang, .38 Special, Robert Cray, Otis Rush, Jeff Healey, Ted Nugent, Los Lobos, Lonnie Mack, Blue Oyster Cult, Heart, Travis Tritt, Junior Brown, Gatemouth Brown, Neil McCoy, Delbert McClinton, Blues Travelers, Steppenwolf, Johnny and Edgar Winter.

Instrumentation
Tim "Too Slim" Langford - Guitars, Harmonica and Vocals
Dave Nordstrom - Bass and Vocals
Rudy Simone - Drums

Discography
2007 - The Fortune Teller
2005 – Lucky 13 (compilation CD)
2005 – Beer and Barbeque Chips ("Live" CD")
2003 – Tales of Sin and Redemption
2002 – Goin’ Public (Live Solo Public Radio performance)
2001 – Bootleg Volume 1("Live CD")
2000 – Kingsize Troublemaker’s
1999 – Pint Store Blues (Solo Acoustic)
1997 – Blues for EB
1995 – Swamp Opera
1994 – Wanted “Live”
1992 – El’ Rauncho Grundge’
1990 – Rock em’ Dead
1988 – Swingin’ in the Underworld

Too Slim and the Taildraggers at The Yale February 24th 2008

http://www.tooslim.org

http://www.myspace.com/tooslimandthetaildraggers

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MANAGEMENT AND BOOKING:
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http://www.tooslim.org 

Label:Underworld Records
www.underworldindierecords.com