About This Footage
In the dimly lit confines of the Deep Blues Festival IV in 2011, Hound Dog Taylor's spirit lived on through the unbridled energy of Left Lane Cruiser. The clip "Wild About You Baby" is a rare gem that captures the raw, untamed essence of American roots music. At this point, Left Lane Cruiser had already made waves with their second album for Alive Records, but it was their live performances that truly showcased their prowess.
Theodore Roosevelt "Hound Dog" Taylor, the legendary Chicago blues guitarist and singer, passed away in 1975, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians. His music, characterized by its gritty, unapologetic style, had a profound impact on the development of blues and rock 'n' roll. It's no surprise then that Left Lane Cruiser, with their own brand of roots-music revolutionism, would pay homage to Taylor's spirit through their music.
The footage itself is a testament to the band's ability to conjure up the same kind of primal energy that defined Taylor's performances. Freddy J. Evans IV and Brenn "Sausage Paw" Beck are a powerhouse duo, their guitar-and-drum assault on the senses leaving no doubt as to why they're considered roots-music revolutionaries. The camera pans across the crowd, capturing the audience's collective euphoria as Left Lane Cruiser tears through Taylor's classic tune.
What makes this clip particularly significant is its rarity. With only a handful of live performances captured on film or video, "Wild About You Baby" offers a unique glimpse into the band's live dynamic. The footage is raw and unpolished, with a sense of immediacy that captures the intensity of the performance. It's a reminder that, even in the digital age, there's still no substitute for the real thing – a live show that can transport you to another world.
As you watch Left Lane Cruiser rip through "Wild About You Baby," it's impossible not to feel the presence of Hound Dog Taylor himself. The band's energy is infectious, their music a testament to the enduring power of American roots music. It's a reminder that, even decades after Taylor's passing, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
The clip also serves as a testament to the Deep Blues Festival IV, which provided a platform for Left Lane Cruiser to showcase their unique sound. The festival, held in 2011, was a celebration of American roots music, featuring a diverse range of acts that paid homage to the genre's rich history. Through "Wild About You Baby," we're given a glimpse into this vibrant scene, one that continues to thrive to this day.
As the clip fades to black, you're left with an image that stays with you long after the music has stopped – the unbridled energy of Left Lane Cruiser, channeling the spirit of Hound Dog Taylor in a performance that's both raw and sublime. It's a reminder that, even in the most unlikely of contexts, American roots music can still be a powerful force for change, capable of transporting us to another world with its primal energy and unbridled passion.
Curated from public records and music databases.
