Customer Reviews

MARTIN TAYLOR IN CONCERT

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
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I first heard Martin Taylor (perfect name for a guitarist-his middle name should be Gibson!) playing his awesome rendition of "Georgia On My Mind" in the video "Muriel Anderson's All-Star Guitar Night" (highly recommended-something for everyone), and he blew my mind---soooooo TASTY! This live set does not disappoint even the advanced jazz listener, and always entertains, even with repeated listening. In fact, it just gets better & better, like rare wine. THIS is what they used to call "making love with a guitar". Absolutely stunning, especially for those who have an idea what it takes to play like this. I've been at it for 30 years, and I can't imagine ever being able to play like this. Martin Taylor is one of a rare breed, a musician combining genuine artistry and superb taste, chops to die for, all the funky & bluesy "cool" you could ask for, and...as was noted by other reviewers, he seems to be a fine gentleman with a great sense of humor (I laugh every time I hear his quip about finally returning to Pittsburgh after 16 years: "...must have gone down really well!"). "I Got Rhythm", with its manic foray into just about every rhythmic phrasing imaginable, is about the only track that, at times (especially late at night), could be hard to handle---it's just so frenetic, but an impressive showpiece nonetheless. "Georgia", "Stella By Starlight", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", and others, are jaw-dropping takes on timeless classics that truly breathe new life into them. Forget all the prima donnas and techno-schmechno trip-hop and flip-flop: this is REAL MUSIC, HAND MADE, LIVE, by a REAL MUSICIAN, something that's getting harder & harder to find.

Really one of the best jazz guitarists I've heard in ages. Reminds of Kevin Eubanks before he went freaky-fusion. He combines the freedom of Leo Kotke with the precision of Julian Bream, with a firm grasp of the American jazz standard idiom. "Georgia on My Mind" is a wonderful, gliding piece with sudden change ups that somehow never break the steady time. His technique is simple, modest and thoroughly enjoyable.

I didn't know it was possible to play as well as Martin Taylor does. He successfully carries 3 voices (at least) through every song, with perfect time and a creativity that breathes new life into classic tunes. His playing is always tasteful, and he never bothers to make something more complicated than it needs to be just because he can. For players, this album will be a source of inspiration, and for listeners this album will be a source of timeless enjoyment. If you like jazz guitar at all, don't think another second before picking up a copy of this album.

I cannot overstate how amazing this album is - truly it is one of the greatest solo guitar albums of all time. On par with "Solo Guitar" by Ted Greene. Martin Taylor may well be the finest fingerstyle player performing today. Ratings and words cannot do justice to this recording. This album deserves more than five stars. Simply magical.

This is the most amazing live guitar concert! Martin's playing is phenomenal. A great selection of tunes showing a strong grasp of a wide variety of literature I also appreciate his enterainment and comfortable banter with the audience.

"A great artist, rich in talent and elegance." ~ Stéphane Grappelli ~

Martin Taylor's "In Concert" was recorded live at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1998. The one-time Grammy nominee performs a dozen of eternal standards that are sure to impress your ears starting off with a perennial favorite, "They Can't Take That Away From Me" executed in the most beguiling fashion.

For a musician to be constantly named as "The Best Guitarist" given by the British Jazz Awards between 1987 and 2008, Martin Taylor is not just a mere musician, he is definitely a guitar virtuoso whose distinctive technique is reminiscent of the great Joe Pass. He plays with adeptness, virtuosity and finesse that is evident in his clear passages and lines, and respect to the melodies.

I love to listen to the first track with a few repeats, ditto with "In A Mellow Tone" and "Stella By Starlight." I invite the listeners to listen closely not only to these particular tracks, but the entire disc to capture the timeless appeal and charms of his guitar playing.

A violin legend who was a recipient of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Stéphane Grappelli, once described Mr. Taylor as "a great artist, rich in talent and elegance." I definitely concur with his assessment after listening to some of Martin Taylor's most impressive and enjoyable recordings from his discography, which includes "Solo," "Nitelife," "Kiss And Tell" and "The Valley."

This is a CD that dedicated fans of jazz guitar would love to hear not once, but twice or even more at one sitting. The artist is amazing. The music is timeless -- the kind that stays in your ears and remains in your heart forever. With my heartfelt recommendation!

"The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more." ~ William Wordsworth ~

To say at least that this was an eye opener , it was a pure shock to my system. I had heard this once before, track number 4, on the way back from the airport live on radio. After that I went on one of my all out quests to get this album - no matter what. Found it 3 years later!!! So how did I rate it and react to it when I listned to it. The album was just as good enough, if not better. Forget the fact that he made a slight mistake on the rhythm section in Georgia, the whole ablum was almost a piece of perfection. Martin has shown the world how to play the guitar so wholly and richly . The favorite track to watch out was no 7 - Dolphin. His music captured the mood and the ambience of the Dolhin swimming in the sunset , later the dolphin needs to find his food and finally he rests after doing so. Mr Taylor thank you so much!!!! I will see you in Singapore!!