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Paul Taylor

In the first few bars of the title track to his new Peak Records/eOne album, Countdown, contemporary urban jazz’ hit saxman Paul Taylor, ever the engaging showman, invites his legion of fans into the experience by counting off 5…4…3…2…1. He launches into his incredible third decade as a solo artist with a set that’s fuses his trademark jazzy/funk/soul vibe with prominent elements of synthy dance pop/EDM, trancelike neo-soul, electronica, folksy lite rock, reggaeton, even a touch of blues.

The album’s colorful fusion of grooves and styles was created by the saxophonist and his longtime collaborator, co-writer and producer Dino Esposito. The two share a dynamic several decade long history that began when they played in the same band while attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Esposito’s collaboration as a co-writer, producer and sonic co-architect began with Paul’s 1995 debut On the Horn and continued with Pleasure Seeker (1997), Undercover (2000), Hypnotic (2001), Nightlife (2005), Prime Time (2011) and Tenacity (2014).

Countdown’s first single, “Arrival” is a spot on reflection of their multi-faceted freewheeling approach to stylistic fusion. The two also cite Paul’s soprano led track “Told Ya So” as another prime example. “It’s dancehall reggae the way artists like Drake and Rihanna do it,” Taylor says. “It’s cool to apply that contemporary pop current to my R&B/jazz sound.” Another track that Taylor feels steps away from the usual urban jazz hitting the charts these days is “Crossroads,” Complementing these tracks are two infectious, in the pocket tunes which reveal Taylor’s mastery of melody and easy flowing funk grooves – achieved here via seductive clapping percussion. The first is the opening track “Countdown,” which introduces the sizzling horn texture dynamic that drives many of the emotional high points throughout the set. Taylor says, “This one starts in a dreamy place, as if you’re anticipating something big, and then it breaks through with beats and ambience, creating emotional power but in a subdued mystical way.” The second is “Polaris,” one of the jazzier tunes on the album, a gentle soprano ballad featuring the subtle acoustic guitar graces of Peter White (providing harmonies and a transcendent solo).

Other key tracks include the EDM jam “Club 702,” a high energy tribute to the many successful DJs in Taylor’s adopted hometown of Las Vegas (whose area code is 702); the spirited midtempo electronic funk piece “Knocking At Your Door,” featuring Taylor’s backing vocals seductively repeating the title; and a whimsical “Roundup” of a lot of different styles, including the folksy, jangling guitar of Brian Monroney and touches of progressive EDM grooves and jazzy energy. One of the highlights of Taylor’s Tenacity album was his cover of The Weeknd’s “Wicked Games.” Setting a precedent by re-inventing a tune by the same artist on consecutive albums, Taylor extends his love for the Canadian alt-R&B singer to his fresh and atmospheric, deep soul-jazz take on the #1 pop hit “The Hills.”

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3
Album Review

Paul Taylor: Tenacity

Read "Tenacity" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


Paul Taylor is an innovative, inquisitive saxophonist who is constantly pushing the creative envelope of both his instrument and the audience's expectations...no, wait...that's somebody else. Paul Taylor is a cutting edge player who is always surprising in his restless and innovative musical explorations...nope, that's not right. Paul Taylor is a musical chameleon constantly changing his style and approach over the years...nah, that's not it either... Paul Taylor is a solid performer whom while not a particularly distinctive artist, ...

684
Interview

Paul Taylor: Creating a Signature

Read "Paul Taylor: Creating a Signature" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


One of the knocks on smooth jazz has been that it's too commercial. Being commercial isn't necessarily a bad thing. There's nothing wrong with creating a product with the primary objective being to appeal to as many potential customers as possible. However, when it comes to music, too often the drive for sales, radio play and that elusive “hit single" leads to a bland product. Like food in a school cafeteria, it's sustenance without seasoning.With Burnin' (Peak, 2009), ...

362
Album Review

Paul Taylor: Burnin'

Read "Burnin'" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


It's refreshing when a contemporary artists steps outside the box and revisits an old style of music. Even more so when it's not simply a collection of covers. Paul Taylor scores with Burnin'. A 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 ...

209
Album Review

Paul Taylor: Ladies' Choice

Read "Ladies' Choice" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


There's a perception that smooth jazz is background music--a sound intended to be played at low volumes for work spaces. As one would expect of any competent musician, Paul Taylor defies that logic with Ladies' Choice. The saxophonist presents eleven upbeat tunes that, while fresh, are reminiscent of a time when danceable romantic tunes were the norm at nightclubs. Taylor began playing the sax at age seven. His early efforts included a high school garage band--Mixed Company, which ...

501
Interview

Paul Taylor: Ladies

Read "Paul Taylor: Ladies" reviewed by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler


Saxophonist Paul Taylor became interested in music at the age of seven, but it was not until he joined a local high school band that he decided to make it a career. He is perhaps best known for his signature smooth jazz vibe and instantly recognizable sound. There is a common thread of romance on all of his songs that enraptures the listener. A fixture in the smooth jazz community, he has recorded with many artists including pianist Keiko Matsui, ...

174
Album Review

Paul Taylor: Nightlife

Read "Nightlife" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


It's easy to pigeonhole Paul Taylor into the class of sax-playing bandleaders that graduated from the Kenny G school of instrumental pop--capitalizing on the melodic soprano sax craze that has prevailed over the last two decades, in terms of radio play and record sales. Perhaps too easy.Taylor has recorded a number of melodic, soprano sax-led songs over the years, including several with the Rippingtons. However, to presume this is all the man is about would be grossly unfair. ...

123
Album Review

Paul Taylor: Hypnotic

Read "Hypnotic" reviewed by Dave Hughes


Smoooooth soprano saxophonist Paul Taylor's fourth CD, Hypnotic (his first on Russ Freeman's Peak label), pretty much nails the smooth jazz genre smack-dab in the center. His pleasing soprano, often overdubbed with harmonies, weaves sensual, pleasant melodies and lyrical solos on top of layers of programmed keyboard and drum soundscapes. He works with several different producer/programmer/all other instruments collaborators: former employer Jeff Lorber (five tunes), and Dino Esposito, Kurt Jackson, and Oji Pierce (two tunes apiece). Despite the different producers, ...

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177

Interview

Saxophonist Paul Taylor Interviewed at AAJ

Saxophonist Paul Taylor Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz

One of the knocks on smooth jazz has been that it's too commercial. Being commercial isn't necessarily a bad thing. There's nothing wrong with creating a product with the primary objective being to appeal to as many potential customers as possible. However, when it comes to music, too often the drive for sales, radio play and that elusive “hit single" leads to a bland product. Like food in a school cafeteria, it's sustenance without seasoning.

With Burnin' (Peak, 2009), saxophonist ...

85

Interview

Paul Taylor Interviewed at AAJ

Paul Taylor Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz

Saxophonist Paul Taylor became interested in music at the age of seven, but it was not until he joined a local high school band that he decided to make it a career. He is perhaps best known for his signature smooth jazz vibe and instantly recognizable sound. There is a common thread of romance on all of his songs that enraptures the listener. A fixture in the smooth jazz community, he has recorded with many artists including pianist Keiko Matsui, ...

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Tenacity

Peak Records
2014

buy

Burnin'

Peak Records
2009

buy

Ladies' Choice

Peak Records
2007

buy

Nightlife

Peak Records
2005

buy

Hypnotic

Concord Music Group
2001

buy

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