In the 19 years since Paul Taylor first got On The Horn with his hit debut album, he's enjoyed an extraordinary journey in the contemporary urban jazz world. The key to the charismatic saxophonist's success? Beyond those instantly identifiable sax tones, infectious melodies, cutting edge production, and dynamic live performances, it's one thing: Tenacity--the perfect title for his latest recording on Peak Records (and 10th overall).
From the start of his recording career, Taylor has created his ever cool deeply soulful and rhythmic trip-hop influenced sound by working with some of urban jazz and R&B's top producers, including Rex Rideout, Barry J. Eastmond and The Heavyweights. But one of the most important architects of the saxman's core flow has been Dino Esposito, who helped Taylor establish his vibe with On The Horn and Pleasure Seeker (1997), and has played a powerful role in the saxophonist's evolution by helming tracks on his subsequent recordings Undercover (2000), his Peak Records debut Hypnotic (2001), Nightlife (2005) and Prime Time (2011).
Tenacity marks the first time ever that Taylor has recorded an entire project with a single producer -- and his longtime friendship and incredible chemistry with Esposito made him the perfect choice for the varied rhythms and progressive sonics that the saxophonist wanted. "I've always had this special bond with Dino and it was really exciting to focus on doing an entire project with my great friend, rather than just a few tracks here and there like in the past," says Taylor. "I'm always trying to grow as an artist, so there were ideas going all the time as we developed these tracks," he adds. "I definitely have an established sound, so the key was having an open mind and being honest when we hit on a certain vibe, groove or lick I had done before -- and taking the tune in another direction.
Tenacity wraps with Taylor looking out over the "Empire" he's created, forging a unique tension between his alto lead and backing spirited horn textures with Esposito's dark and moody piano textures. "It's a tune that makes you think about things," says Taylor, "looking out at everything you've done and savoring the moment.
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9 years ago
9 years ago