Linwood Lee Taylor is tuned in to Howlin’ Wolf, Jimi Hendrix, and Muddy Waters, as well as Freddy King, Albert King, and Albert Collins, just to name a few.

In fact, Taylor often played with Collins on the East Coast and treats fans to “Frosty”, a Collins tune he played with its creator. Not many Blues artists can say they’ve recorded with H.R. of the Bad Brains as well as performed with Albert Collins, but Taylor can.

This talented Bluesman also plays a bare-bones acoustic guitar and entertains at venues in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

Interview by Michael Limnios

When was your first desire to become involved in the blues?

Around the time I was 18

Who were your first idols? What have been some of your musical influences?

Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix Albert Collins, Luther Allison

What were the first songs you learned? What was the first gig you ever went to?

House of the rising Sun, teenage house party

Which artists have you worked with?  Which of the people you have worked with do you consider the best?

Albert Collins, Eddie Kirkland, Joe Louis Walker

Which was the best moment of your career and which was the worst?

Every time I'm playing

What does the BLUES mean to you? Is “blues” a way of life?

It’s a style of music, it can be a way of life ,just not a fun one!

What do you learn about yourself from music?

There is always room for improvement

Which is the most interesting period in your life and why?

The one that I'm living in now because I can do something about it.

Are there any memories of all these GREAT BLUESMEN which you’d like to share with us?

I did learn many things about music from them

What experiences in your life make you a GOOD musician?

I would say sharing the stage with more experienced musicians than myself at any throughout my life

How do you want to be remembered?

As a good person and performer and musician

What turns you on?

Good music, a good a guitar sound & pretty girls!

What does GUITAR mean to you?

Freedom of expression!

What were your favorite guitars?

Fender Stratocaster

Were there any places where you did especially well in DC?

There was a club called City Blues, but it's long gone now.

What are some of the memorable gigs you've had?

Playing the last time with Albert Collins in Philly

What's been their experience in Greece with Joe Louis Walker?

Great

Which is the most interesting period in DC blues scene and why?

From the '70s to the late '90s because there were many great clubs around that had all kinds of American music including blues of all kinds. Not so much now

Do you prefer playing acoustic or electric guitar?

I play both but prefer electric, easier on the fingers if you play a lot.

What’s the best band you ever played in?

My current band

In which song can someone hear the best of your guitar work?

My best guitar work is Psychic and Charm City pt2

Tell me about your meeting with Albert Collin, what kind of a guy was “Mr. Frosty”?

Albert Collins was a very nice guy as well as friendly, a lot of fun to be around

What made you want to work with Roy Buchanan, what would you ask him?

I only met him once never worked with him

Are there any memories which you’d like to share with us with H.R. of the Bad Brains?

H.R. is NOT blues he was reggae and rock almost metal! The experience was wild!

Which of historical blues personalities would you like to meet?

T-Bone Walker &  Howlin Wolf!

What do you think is the main characteristic of you personality that made you a bluesman?

I just felt the music more than any others

How is your relationship with Joe Louis Walker?

Fine

When did you last laughing in gig and why?

I played a funny note!

Is there any similarity between the blues today and the blues of the 60s & 70s?

Yes because the music comes from peoples experiences

From whom have you have learned the most secrets about blues music?

Everyone I played with or saw preform

How/where do you get inspiration for your songs?

Life

What advice would you give to aspiring  musicians thinking of pursuing a career in the craft?

Play for the love of the music first, money may come but you must give the love

and one last question I would like to put a song next to each name.

Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Chile, not Voodoo  child, Freddie King: Going Down, Albert King: Answer to Laundromat Blues , Albert Collins: Mr Collins, Linwood Taylor: Charm City pt2

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