Search - Martin Taylor :: Kiss & Tell

With Kiss and Tell, Englishman Martin Taylor once again proves that musicians steeped in the long tradition of jazz make the best contemporary jazz records. Taylor, who cut his chops with the legendary violinist Stephane Grappelli, matches the high production values on this album with considerable technical prowess. The very clean recording, in fact, flaunts the various forms and grooves of modern jazz music that interest this veteran six-stringer. The title track is laden with smooth jazz grooves and features saxophonist Kirk Whalum, as does Taylor's rousing reworking of the 1970s classic "Midnight at the Oasis." Solo and duet performances of standards surround trumpeter Randy Brecker's turn on "Midnight Voyage," a tune first recorded by the composer's brother, Michael. There are highlights on nearly every one of the 12 tracks on Kiss and Tell, including the hippest arrangements you'll ever hear of the Hawaii Five-O and Odd Couple television themes and a sumptuous Brazilian number, "Garden of Dreams," that features trombonist and vocalist Jay Ashby. Presenting many shades of the contemporary jazz rainbow has led to a lack of continuity on other occasions, but here it works because of Taylor's singularity of style. The work of the virtuoso shines through all the colors he's laid out on this striking musical palette. --Mark Ruffin