Released in 1991, the same year Martin Taylor was named ‘Best Guitarist’ for the fifth time at the British Jazz Awards, Change of Heart features Taylor’s quartet of David Newton, Brian Shiels and John Rae.
Martin Taylor’s star rose considerably during the 1990s with a flurry of recording activity as a leader, especially dates such this one from the series he did for the Scottish label Linn. With a rhythm section of pianist David Newton, bassist Brian Shiels, and drummer John Rae, the guitarist’s programme is wide-ranging and has some surprises. Taylor wrote a pair of originals: The opener, ’73 Berkeley Street’, at first gives the impression of being a groove tune until the quartet launches into a brisk bop setting, and his ‘Angel’s Camp’ has a rhythm & blues flavor with a touch of gospel. Country great Eddy Arnold’s ‘You Don’t Know Me’ has been covered by a few jazz musicians, but Taylor’s bluesy guitar and Newton’s soulful piano make this extended performance a treat. Taylor overdubbed a second guitar on his otherwise unaccompanied treatment of Ike Isaacs’ snappy ‘After Hours’, and he’s truly solo on a soft lyrical take of Hoagy Carmichael’s timeless ‘I Get Along Without You Very Well’. This recommended CD is well worth acquiring. © Ken Bryden
73 Berkeley Street
09:50
The Gypsy
05:05
You Don’t Know Me
10:47
After Hours
05:06
Change of Heart
05:49
I Get Along Without You Very Well
04:46
Angel’s Camp
07:16