Search - Paul Taylor :: Burnin'

PT Goes Retro

Dr. Feel | GA United States | 08/01/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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.

"

Burnin' is funky and soulful, go PT!

Ava L. Lemert | Citrus Heights, CA USA | 08/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Infectiously groovy.

Jazz for the dappers | 08/10/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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

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