As the title indicates, this release attempts to "recapture the banjo" as an integral part of the African-American musical tradition from its more familiar associations with country radio appropriations of bluegrass and folk music.  Far from an exercise in academic anachronism or nostalgic purity, the results bristle with vitality.  Among the banjo buddies recruited by bluesman Taylor are kindred spirits Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Keb' Mo'--all of whom sing and write material for the album--along with virtuosic banjoist Don Vappie. Amid the inspired arrangements, the harmonious call-and-response vocals of Taylor's daughter, Cassie, and the judicious employment of Ron Miles' cornet contribute to a musical interplay that is rooted in time and place--the deep South, in general, and New Orleans in particular--but not confined by them.  Taylor's rendition of "Hey Joe" evokes an aura of Jimi Hendrix, while "Five Hundred Roses" and "Ten Million Slaves" channel the spirit of John Lee Hooker. "Les Ognons" transforms a Haitian children's song into a communal romp, and "Absinthe" conjures musical madness that predates psychedelia. The rendition of "Walk Right In" restores the jug-band raucousness to a song that has been a pop hit and a commercial staple.--Don McLeese