Personnel: Koko Taylor (vocals); Vino Louden, Criss Johnson, Shun Kikuta, Bob Margolin (guitar); Billy Branch (harmonica); Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff (tenor saxophone); Brother John Kattke, Stanley Banks (piano); Melvin Smith (bass instrument); Jimmy Sutton (upright bass); Kenny Hampton (electric bass); Willie 'The Touch' Hayes, Rick Nelson (drum).

OLD SCHOOL, Koko Taylor's first album following a life-threatening hospitalization in 2003, finds the queen of Chicago blues singers in remarkably strong voice throughout. A 12-track set split between familiar covers and solid originals, the album features classic gems from Willie Dixon ("Don't Go No Further") and Memphis Minnie ("Black Rat"), among others, alongside new material such as "Bad Rooster" and "Piece of Man." The band, led by Taylor's longtime foil, guitarist Bob Margolin, cooks throughout, making OLD SCHOOL as vital as any of Taylor's previous albums.

Old School is Koko Taylor's first new album in seven years, and after a series of health issues that sidelined her for a while, it could be viewed as a comeback of sorts, but if so, there aren't any signs of rust here. She still belts out her trademark Chicago blues like she always has, sidestepping any 21st century recording tricks for a straightforward set that wouldn't sound out of place next to her classic Chess sides from the early '60s. It's also encouraging that she wrote nearly half the tunes here, while turning in solid covers of a pair of Willie Dixon songs ("Don't Go No Further" and "Young Fashioned Ways"), one by Magic Sam ("All Your Love") and a scorching performance of Lizzie Lawler's classic "Black Rat" that rivals Big Mama Thornton's version. A rendition of "Bad Rooster" is also top notch. Of the originals, the lead track, "Piece of Man," is the most impressive, setting the tone and feel for an album that clearly celebrates Taylor's unshakable Chicago blues roots. Old School isn't sleek, pretty, posed or polished, but is instead raw, ragged and as real as a biting winter wind off of Lake Michigan. Call it a comeback if you want, but this is the territory that Koko Taylor has lived in for nearly fifty years. She owns this stuff. Call it a continuance. This CD was nominated for a Grammy award in 2007 for Best Traditional Blues Album. ~ Steve Leggett

Down Beat (p.73) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[S]he packs a wallop handling five of her own freshly minted songs and old numbers associated with the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Memphis Minnie..."

Dirty Linen (p.41) - "OLD SCHOOL finds Taylor's voice in fine form. She sings with the keen worldliness of a veteran blues woman..."

Living Blues (p.38) - "[T]he material is a nice mix of proven covers and solid originals....The background is provided by such seasoned players as harpman Billy Branch, guitarists Criss Johnson, Bob Margolin and Vino Louden..."

No Depression (p.84) - "[W]hat's most impressive is not her raw power, formidable though it remains, but the way she keeps her absolutely sure rhythmic footing as she shouts, growls and rasps..."