Customer Reviews

Burnin'

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

With many artists today doing "retro soul" albums, it appears that Paul Taylor decided to take a shot at it as well. "Burnin'", PT's latest release, combines that old school sound with contemporary smooth jazz and the result is quite impressive. Produced by Barry Eastmond and Rex Rideout, "Burnin'" is very different from PT's traditional sound. Two things are unique about this album: 1) Paul plays tenor sax in lieu of soprano on every song except for one (where he plays alto sax); and 2) this just doesn't sound like Paul Taylor. That's not a bad thing because these are still great songs and PT sounds great on tenor, but at first listen you would think this was either Richard Elliot or Gerald Albright who generally employ the tenor saxophone.

Fans who grew up on the Memphis Sound and Motown would love this album. The tracks "Back in the Day", "Revival" and "Juke Joint" have that down-home Memphis groove, while "Groove Shack" sounds like Junior Walker & the All Stars, with a beat similar to "Shotgun". PT also does a decent remake of War's 1973 hit "Me and Baby Brother".

The title cut is nice, upbeat and funky. "Side Pocket", "It's Like That" and "So Fine" are the best tracks here, which are done in Paul's traditional contemporary vein, but again, he plays tenor, not soprano. The good thing is that there are no vocals here, except for background fills. Some fans may be disappointed with "Burnin'", but overall, this is still a great album and is worth adding to your PT collection.

As a sax player myself, I just love the Burnin' CD because I love soulful sax from days gone by. But don't think that this CD is just reissues of old songs, no. It is a beautiful blend of Paul Taylor's contemporary jazz style and soulful grooves of the 60's and 70's. Something for everyone, he is truly a master. Oh, and I LOVE his tenor sax sound, I was so excited to see/hear that the CD when I got it had tenor as I much prefer the tenor sax to the soprano sax (as an instrument). My stand-out track is hard to choose, but "Groove Shack" has some Junior Walker "feel" but unmistakably Paul Taylor. Bravo and I sure hope he comes to Sacramento soon!

I have each and every one of Paul Taylor's albums and they are all exceptionally outstanding. However, this one is BURNING IT UP -- his absolute BEST EVER! In my opinion, this should be album of the year!!!

The acclaimed Contemporary Jazz saxophonist's 8th full-length record, "Burnin'", showcases Paul Taylor' skills at their best.
His signature smooth sound permeates, but there's a renewed focus on the instrument's heritage.
The album is produced by Barry Eastmond and Rex Rideout, who give a retro feel to the new offering. The musicianship is, as always, excellent, the sound production is very good.
After the excellence of his last mellow Soul orientated set "Ladies Choice" (who was recorded with the incomparable songstylist Regina Belle and few more female singers), which reached # 1 of the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Chart, "Burnin'" takes a more uptempo and more instrumental route with hints of Junior Walker about the handclapping grooves with a Soul Jazz feel.
The whole thing has a live in the studio kind of feel and is just totally, totally funky. Great tunes, fantastic rhythm arrangements, killer soloing from all sides.
Try "Back In The Day", "Revival", "Burnin", the slower "Side Pocket" and the Grover-ish "It's Like That".
Primarily instrumental with Paul playing tenor sax on most tracks, the organic feel is aided by Michael White playing drums on most tracks.
Everything you could actually want from a Paul Taylor album, no fillers, no souless sequencers, just groove, groove and uh, groove
It's a feel good album begging for radio airplay.
Enjoy!
The album debuts at # 7 of the Billboard Jazz Albums Chart.
Issue date, August 8, 2009
Ladies' Choice
Lazy Afternoon
The Definitive Collection
Side by Side

Paul has the groove goin on on his latest!
New style that feels & sounds great as well as the cover lookin hot!

What a tone on the tenor sax which was a pleasant surprise to hear for the 1st time.
I love the cd . Just makes you want to ' move'.

Mandi

The more you listen to this CD the more you want to hear it again and again and again. Paul you have totally out done yourself on Burnin. To all Jazz Lovers you have got to hear this CD before you go to Heaven. My most favorite is Track 8 'Juke Joint.' But the more I listen to the CD the more I'm undecided. This is a must have
for you collection.

I agree with other reviewers in that this is a departure from the "usual" for Paul Taylor, but I love it still. It is fun to listen to and has an upbeat, party-like feel to it. I have listened to it several times since I bought it and enjoy it each and every time. It brings a smile to my face and a spring to my step. The title track, "Burnin'" is awesome, and "Remember the Love" has a very romantic feel to it. I love that one, too. I will admit that I fell in love with Paul's music listening to his older works such as "Pleasure Seeker," "Hypnotic," and "Steppin' Out." Those are my favorites, but even though this one is different from those, it is still Paul, it still has tons of style and class and is groovin' and fun to listen to. Give it a try!

Known for his soulful,smooth,sensuous sounds, sax man Paul Taylor has ventured to new heights.Laying aside his soprano sax which he owns in the smooth jazz world, Paul decided to chartered new territory with the tenor sax thus making Burnin' a force to be reckoned with.Debuting on the Bill Board music charts at #7 Burnin' is groovy,catchy,seriously addictive. This CD is jammed pack with sounds that would make you yearn for more. Paul as always, plays from his heart, his music transcends,he tells a story weather it be tenor,alto or soprano sax.Paul signature is all over cuts like...1.Back in the day
2.Revival
3.Remember the love
4.Burnin'
5.Side Pocket
6.It's like that
7.So Fine
These are some of the cuts that would make you hit the repeat button.All cuts could be #1's... Burnin' leaves you in an after glow!!! making you fell like every song on this CD he plays directly to you.With this tenor sax performance Paul Taylor would give Richard Elliott a die hard competition.BURNIN' must have....It's like one of the wonders of the world....Two thumbs up!!!

This CD was not too good. It is a big change from the old Paul Taylor.

paul taylor has made better music than this. his last cd was much better but there were some decent cuts on this one.