Too Slim & the Taildraggers

Too Slim & the Taildraggers are a hit on several continents, but at home in the Washington state city of Spokane, they're a little like the Rodney Dangerfield of blues bands. Despite the band's release of more than half-a-dozen CDs, and numerous national and international tours, many citizens, when first meeting the band's frontman and leader, Spokane native Tim "Too Slim" Langford, scratch their heads in non-recognition and ask what his profession is. Upon finding out that he's a blues musician, the next question is usually an inquiry concerning where the band performs. The situation is a far cry from what the band experienced on a trip to Belgium, where everyone they met requested an autograph and owned their CDs. All in all, it sure isn't anything at all like the recognition received by many other musicians in their hometowns, like Bruce Springsteen in his home base of Asbury Park. There, everyone knows that "The Boss" goes to the Stone Pony. If all this wasn't enough to make Langford and the Taildraggers feel like they get no respect, the next anecdote might be. One night in a parking lot, as Langford was leaving a gig in the city, a stranger pressed something into his neck from behind, something that felt suspiciously like a gun. His assailant, a woman, told him to fork over that night's pay, adding injury to insult. Still, for all of the drawbacks, Langford and his band intend to remain in Spokane between tours that take them to Norway, Belgium, and throughout Europe. Because their hometown is also home to an incredible number of extremely talented musicians, it's where Langford intends to base the Taildraggers for a long time to come. Times haven't been all bad in Spokane for Too Slim & the Taildraggers, to be sure. The fan base they have built up since the...