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Paul Taylor: Burnin'
ByA native of Denver and a musical product of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Taylor began developing his saxophone skills at age seven, growing into a garage band that played funk, Top 40 and fusion. As a professional, he's carved a niche as a solo artist, as well as work with The Rippingtons and all-star "Groovin' for Grover" lineup. For Burnin', Taylor is joined by two producers, Rex Rideout and Barry Eastmond, who each playing keyboards on selected tracks.
"Back in the Day" captures the essence of that lively, soulful sound common in the 1960s and '70s, when saxophone-led instrumentals weren't necessarily called jazz. The same could be said for the entire album, as Taylor compares this work to the sound of Junior Walker & The All-Stars. Darrell Crooks' rhythm guitar, Melvin Lee Davis' bass and Michael White's drums contribute to that feel (Ronnie Garrett assumes bass duties on three tracks). Billy Cliff lends his voice to the chorus, but it's Taylor's tenor that leads the song.
"Groove Shack" is as its name implies. Melodie Eastmond and Barry Eastmond Jr. join the crew with hand claps and as the vocal "party crew." Taylor puts the tenor through some grinds at key momentsa throaty growl employed by many tenor players over the years, from Boots Randolph to Kirk Whalum to Jay Beckenstein. The band is festive throughout.
"Side Pocket" may be the coolest song in the set. Garrett holds down the bass line, and Gary Meek joins the ensemble on flute. Taylor has the melody, but it's that cool beat that gets toes to tapping and heads to bobbing. Rideout mixes in a little acoustic piano sound with his electronic keyboard play.
Taylor does play the alto on two songs, but the tenor is the dominant sax herea twist of fate, as the soprano he had intended to play in session was damaged during flight. The switch works. It's hard to imagine these songs being as vibrant on anything but a tenor. It wouldn't be fair to say that Burnin' is Taylor's best ever. Ladies' Choice (Peak, 2007) was pretty darn good. But it's close.
Track Listing
Back in the Day; Revival; Groove Shack; Remember the Love; Burnin
Personnel
Paul Taylor
saxophonePaul Taylor: tenor sax (1-3, 5, 10), alto sax (4, 10); Barry Eastmond: keyboards (1, 3, 5, 7, 8), percussion (1, 5, 7, 8, 10), Rhodes solo (7); Darrell Crooks: guitars; Melvin Lee Davis: bass (1, 3-5, 7, 8, 10); Michael White: drums; Billy Cliff: lead vocals (1), background vocals (1, 8); Rex Rideout: keyboards and programming (2, 4, 6, 9); Ronnie Garrett: bass (2, 6, 9); Ron King: trumpet (2); Gary Meek: sax (2), flute (6); Stephanie Parker: vocal (2); Melodie Eastmond: hand claps and
Album information
Title: Burnin' | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Peak Records
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