Sam Taylor Quintet
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Harlem based saxophonist and Philadelphia native, Sam Taylor presents his third release for Cellar Live featuring trumpet master Terell Stafford. Recorded at Van Gelder Studios in January of 2022, a time when much of what we believed in as a society was being redefined and reimagined, Taylor chose to invite his musical elders to join him on a journey of generosity and letting go. Surrendering to the music he loves, interpreting the songs and sharing with others, LET GO remains true to Sam Taylor's musical values. There is an emphasis on mentorship and tradition, as Terell Stafford was a childhood hero of the young saxophonist while in Philadelphia. Joined by Jeb Patton (piano), Neal Miner (bass) and Willie Jones III (drums), Taylor and Stafford joyfully perform a collection of songs by the great Barry Harris, Benny Golson and Coleman Hawkins, along with interpretations of rarely played standards from the American Songbook. The title track, LET GO, is an original by Taylor, his frist to be recorded. The quintet swings hard and with purpose, honoring the spirit of those who came before, with a clear message: Music is an act of giving. Let go. © 2022
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"An enjoyable straight-ahead jazz album filled with artful and giving performances by all." – Jazz Sensibilities |
"The record is a ray of musical sunshine." |
Taylor is wonderfully elegant, poised and witty...His playing is always magnificent and he gives real character to the melodies he brings to the table imbuing each with a wonderful elegiac quality....remarkable." |
Hailed by All About Jazz as "wise beyond his years" and "remarkable" by Toronto Music Report, saxophonist Sam Taylor lives and performs in New York City. A Philadelphia native, Taylor is a recording artist on Cellar Live, with an upcoming 2022 release featuring trumpet great, Terell Stafford. In support of his previous recording, Taylor lead his group on a five concert tour of the Pacific Northwest and Canada in January of 2020. Past performance highlights include leading The Sam Taylor Quintet for two nights at The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival 2018; performing at jazz legend James Moody's 80th Birthday Celebration; touring Europe as a guest soloist with The Noord-Nederlands Conservatorium Symphonic Jazz Orchestra. Taylor is the recipient of New York Foundation for the Arts City Artist Corps Grant 2021, and a recipient of a New Artist grant from The Netherland America Foundation. Additionally, Taylor serves as artistic director for The West Harlem Jazz Festival. Taylor can be found playing throughout the week at steady engagements in Hamilton Heights, Harlem and Midtown Manhattan. © 2022
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Melodies and improvisations of significant musical depth... thoughtful playing, musical maturity and strong group interaction add up to a very satisfying whole." |
A traditionalist with a muscular sound...you hear Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster..." The potential to become a future master...bodes well for the future of straight-ahead jazz..." |
