Tom Taylor: The Crossing

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: October 1, 1999

Not often will you hear successful renderings of music from artists who pursue extremely complex time signatures, rapid thematic development and fierce well-stated soloing while melding disparate musical elements. Well folks sometimes it takes someone who possesses a fresh attitude or has been a keen student or observer to rise from beneath the shadows of anonymity.... On his debut recording, guitarist Tom Taylor along with his extremely tight and on-target rhythm section perform effortlessly with grace, imagination and vast amounts of determination. Taylor alternates between acoustic and electric guitar while also enjoying the good fortunes of an estimable supporting cast consisting of; Kronos Quartet, mandolinist David Grisman and violinist Erik Golub.

One of the many heroes here is vibraphonist Joe Caploe who provides tonal color, fine soloing and works the rhythms with the precision of a Swiss watch. Taylor is a “Strong” composer and arranger besides his proficiently exhibited guitar skills as he bridges the gap between dashes of baroque, neo-classical voicings, fusion, jazz and even some hybrid jazz-hoe-down! The CD clocks in a little short at 42 ½ minutes yet everything flows so seamlessly and sensibly – well, before you know it, you’re on the last composition. Summit Records should be applauded for taking the plunge and signing this man! Some may think.....”Mahavishnu Orchestra Lite” however, Taylor is brilliant at alternating between acoustic and electric guitar and equally adept as a producer/arranger while also showcasing a soft, melodic touch. Lyrically fascinating themes, rapid and thoroughly interesting developments...........What else could one ask for? Can anyone say..multidimensional? Taylor is clearly his own man and already establishes an identifiable style, which is saying quite a bit these days! - If you’re in the mood for new and sparkling talent, then don’t pass this one up! * * * * *

Personnel:

Tom Taylor; Guitars: Joe Caploe; Vibes, Marimba, Percussion: Rick Steffens; Basses: Curt Moore; Drums, Percussion:

Guest Artists (on selected tracks): Ian Douglas; Percussion: Erik Golub; Violin: David Grisman; Mandolin: Kronos Quartet; Strings: Jon Ward; Acoustic Bass: Joe Weed: Mandolin, Mando-Cello

Web: www.summitrecords.com

Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream