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  | JOHN TAYLOR ~ 2081
CAM JAZZ 7889 (Barcode: 8052405141699) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the last album by British pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist, recorded just a few months before his untimely passing. The recording was done in a quartet setting with two of Taylor´s sons: vocalist Alex TaylorFind albums by this artist and drummer Leo TaylorFind albums by this artist and tuba player Oren MarshallFind albums by this artist. The album presents six songs, all composed by John Taylor with lyrics by Alex Taylor, except one which has lyrics by John. The album´s title refers to a story by Kurt VonnegutFind albums by this artist, whose writings were a great inspiration for John Taylor. The music was originally commissioned by the BBC in 2012 for an octet, but nor recorded at the time, rearranged her for the quartet setting.
This music and the ambience of this album are completely different from most other recordings by Taylor and might come as a great surprise to his followers. The lineup is basically a piano trio with the bass replaced by the tuba, not unheard of but certainly quite unusual and requires getting used to. The vocal parts are limited and as a result most of the music is performed by the trio.
Stylistically the music is very much in the usual John Taylor mold, full of beautiful melodies and lyricism, but the presence of the tuba and somewhat more Rock than Jazz oriented drumming contribute to create an unusual sound and ambience. Vocals are of course a part of Taylor´s legacy from the early days and his cooperation with Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and other vocalist attests to this wonderfully. Alex Taylor handles his parts with obvious heartfelt emotions and vocal ability. Marshall plays the "bass" part brilliantly, but also adds melodic phrases and occasionally solos splendidly. Taylors piano playing, which is as always the focus of the entire album, is of course as brilliant as always.
Overall this is another brilliant addition to Taylor´s recording legacy and the participation of his sons symbolized the passing of the torch to the next generation, although definitely way too prematurely. This album is a must to all his followers and obviously a worthy addition to any British Jazz collection.
| | Updated: 23/10/2020Posted: 23/10/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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