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New York-based Guitarist Joe Taylor has been a successful recording artist and composer since the late 80's.
His first album, MYSTERY WALK, was a top-ten Billboard NAC instrumental hit, and his RCA-Victor release, SPELLBOUND, was a top-five Radio and Records/Billboard hit. Singles from both of these records enjoyed heavy rotation in the NAC and Instrumental formats, and his collaborations with Dave Koz and Al B. Sure! are mainstays on Urban Radio.
Joe's critically acclaimed TV and Film soundtracks have been heard on every major broadcast network, and he continues to score for both broadcast media and live theater.
Growing up in the South, Joe played both the Rock n' Roll and Chitlin' Circuits, which no doubt accounts for the occasional deep-fried flavour in his music, as well as a certain sugary touch, which he comes by naturally, due to stints as a Nashville session player and Chet Atkins devotee.
"Growing up in that environment, there was no telling who you'd run across in the clubs, such as an impromptu lesson in the funk that I got from (Chaka Khan guitarist) Tony Maiden after-hours one night. Tony was club hopping after a Chaka show, and jumped up on stage, grabbed my Telecaster and scared the vanilla right out of me...and he's still funky as ever!"
Joe's early recording and production experiences in New York were enhanced by collaborations with late, great Producer (Billy Ocean, Donna Summer), and Composer (Suddenly, Caribbean Queen) Keith Diamond, who had a "direct, hands-on influence on me...for Keith , melody and groove were King, and I learned so much from him."
A long-term association with RCA Victor/New York in the 90's led to production and arrangement stints with artists such as James Galway, Canadian Brass and the great classical guitarist Angel Romero. "Angel is simply the greatest player I have ever worked with. He does things with the guitar that, as a guitarist, depress me for days after..."
These days, Joe tours with his group, which, in its various forms, includes the likes of drummer Steve Holley (Wings), virtuoso bassist Donnie Sowell (Root Doctors), keyboardist Alan St. Jon (Billy Squier, Foreigner), pianist Jeff Franzel (Sinatra, Torme',), and the great improvisational flutist John Ragusa.
When not on the road, Joe and his new bride Stacey divide their time between New York City and the wilds of Bennetts Point, in deepest, darkest South Carolina.
Joe's newest release: Accidental Sugar, is available on Moonwatcher Music, and at a record store near you.
For more info on Joe, check out www.JoeTaylorMusic.com
A weekend celebration of jazz in Camden, S.C.
The Friday late night show at "The Venue on Broad" featured The Joe Taylor Group with special guest, New York woodwind virtuoso John Ragusa. The show was propelled by the tasteful and fiery fretwork of New York guitarist/composer/producer Joe Taylor. One of the most interesting moments was Ragusa playing the conch shell. What a unique sound! Collectively, the group produced a really tight mix of smooth jazz and good old rock ’n’ roll, even including a jazzy take on “Riders on the Storm.”Saturday morning, Taylor was on tap again for the workshop, “Paid by the Note,” during which, he chatted about his more than 20-year career in the New York television, theater and recording industries. He has recorded with such diverse artists as Dave Koz, James Galway and Tom Waits. His numerous soundtrack credits include “Stephen King’s Golden Years,” “Spytek” with Roger Moore, and “National Geographic Explorer.” Joining Taylor in the conversation and an impromptu acoustic performance was New York composer and pianist Jeff Franzel, who has worked with the likes of Mel Torme and Frank Sinatra. Adding to the enlightening discussion was Steven M. Gates of New York, where he heads his own management and production company.
"The Venue on Broad" opened up Saturday afternoon to host another side of The Joe Taylor Group. This was The Joe Taylor Trio, featuring Taylor on acoustic Comins guitar, Franzel on keyboards and Ragusa on flutes and sax. The music seemed to flow effortlessly with each musician sharing solos while constantly maintaining the melody. This show was a joy to watch.