Customer Reviews

Kiss And Tell

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

 

 

The smooth jazz elements didn't grab me at first but I kept on listening because I have admired Martin in the past. I'm sure glad I did. This is a wonderful album with great playing. This guy blows me away.

I thought The Odd Couple and Five O would be hokey. Wrong. Both include some awesome solos and really fulfill.

Each song on further listening reveals great treasures. Some of it is a little commercial for me. But the package as a whole is special. Enjoy

This is a fine smooth-jazz type recording. Taylor is a brilliant artist and anything he does is beautiful. BUT - my heart lies with his amazing solo, chord-melody work. In particular, the 1992 recording "Artistry" (produced by Steve Howe of Yes fame). "Artistry" is astonishing, often sounding like two great jazzers playing together. You can't blame him for looking to make some bucks off the American smooth jazz fan base, but for my money, give me the one man with the ten fingers that sound like twenty. He's arguably the best there is.

When I saw the lineup and noticed the change of label, warning bells rang. Though I suspected this would be a different take on the Taylor I knew from Linn Records, I put the CD on with an open mind. If you can put prejudices aside and jugde this album on its own merits, you could not help but enjoy it. The players are top drawer and, while it is not quite as obvious a showcase for Taylor's phenomenal technique, he proves that smooth jazz is a hat that fits as comfortably as mainstream.

Notable contributions include Jay Ashby's superb vocal doublings ('Garden of Dreams' and 'Sunstep'), Whalum's distictive sax, George Garzone's too-brief appearance, tasteful and so-in-tune, (as well as some subtly added strings), on 'You've Changed'. And there's a bonus track to boot! Who could ask for anything more? While I'm certain that some purists would be dismayed at Taylor's change in direction, I don't blame him for testing the smooth jazz water. Just so long as he doesn't forget he still has a mainstream fanclub.

Simply, an incredible collection of the many flavors of jazz. The title track is smooth as silk, while the refreshing treatment of 'Odd Couple' and 'Five-O' really show his combo's arranging chops and subtly tasteful performances. The groove and updated approach to 'Midnight At the Oasis' and his rich tone and unique stylings on 'Mona Lisa' are reasons enough to buy this CD. This guy is simply world class~

When I saw the lineup and noticed the change of label, warning bells rang. Though I suspected this would be a different take on the Taylor I knew from Linn Records, I put the CD on with an open mind. If you can put prejudices aside and jugde this album on its own merits, you could not help but enjoy it. The players are top drawer and, while it is not quite as obvious a showcase for Taylor's phenomenal technique, he proves that smooth jazz is a hat that fits as comfortably as mainstream.

Notable contributions include Jay Ashby's superb vocal doublings ('Garden of Dreams' and 'Sunstep'), Whalum's distictive sax, George Garzone's too-brief appearance, tasteful and so-in-tune, (as well as some subtly added strings), on 'You've Changed'. And there's a bonus track to boot! Who could ask for anything more? While I'm certain that some purists would be dismayed at Taylor's change in direction, I don't blame him for testing the smooth jazz water. Just so long as he doesn't forget he still has a mainstream fanclub.

I may not know much about jazz, but I do know this is outstanding music, and I can't stop listening to it. Every note is as clear and pure as heaven in the morning. Now I am very happy to purchase his other discs, hoping for equal delights, and from the reviews I have read here, I think I'm in for a treat.

Recorded in New City in 1999, Martin Taylor's "Kiss And Tell" was his very first album under Sony Music/Columbia Records. And for the record, this album as well as "Solo" are, according to the guitarist himself, two of his topmost favorites from his impressive discography. That's a plus-factor and it adds up to the album's marketability--a collector's item--I'd say.

To me, they are also my top choices from all of his recordings for obvious reasons. Firstly, I love guitar music as much as I do for piano, violin, trumpet, saxophone, vibraphone and harp music. Secondly, Martin Taylor is such a fine guitarist--any kind of music he plays becomes so pleasing to the ears. Thirdly, it doesn't pale in comparison with his other critically-acclaimed albums. Lastly, it is a very worthy addition to any jazz guitar lover's collection.

It's such a wholesome musical adventure listening to his incredible guitar especially when he is supported by a team of great musicians such as Randy Brecker (trumpet/flugelhorn), Eddie Gomez (bass), Brian Siewert (keyboards), Al Foster (drums), Kirk Whalum (saxophone), among others.

My highlights include a trio of standards "Mona Lisa," "You've Changed" and "The Nearness of You." Also a favorite is his mellow jazz rendition of Maria Muldaur's "Midnight At The Oasis." An unexpected twist is the inclusion of an all-time favorite of mine, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," which comes as the only version of this beautiful tune with a contemporary flair.

Surprisingly for a guitarist, Mr. Taylor's musical influences were Art Tatum and Bill Evans from whom he drew his inspiration and developed his own style of playing.

What impresses me more from musicians is their involvement in promoting music to school children, encouraging them to explore their inner talents, develop and express them in a positive way and become the best musicians they could ever be. Wynton Marsalis is one of them, another is Chris Botti, and yes, Martin Taylor is surely one of them. He is the founder of "Guitars for Schools," an organization that promotes guitar lessons in primary schools in Scotland. He has donated money to various schools to pay for guitars and tuition fees for school children. So for guitar fans, buying this CD and his other recordings is such a smart decision. Your few bucks will go a long way and help those school children to realize their dreams of becoming great guitarists someday.

Yield to the magic of Martin Taylor's lovely guitar music and you'll have a lifetime of listening enjoyment. With my heartfelt recommendation!

"I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning." ~ Plato ~