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  | JOHN TAYLOR ~ ANGEL OF THE PRESENCE
CAM JAZZ 7778 (Barcode: 8024709777829) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
This is the debut album by the last trio led by British Jazz pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist with Swedish bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and British drummer Martin FranceFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight pieces, four composed by Taylor and two each by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded "live in the studio" at the fabulous Bauer Studios in Ludwigsburg and offers a sublime sound quality.
The trio recorded four albums between 2004 and 2006, which are all breathtakingly beautiful and constitute a pinnacle of Taylor´s recording career in the last period of his life ending with his premature death in 2015.
The music is a classic example of Jazz piano trio mastery, which has but a few equals in the Century long history of Jazz music. Just a few other great trios managed to find a perfect balance between the piano and the rhythm section, like the one offered here. With each and every note perfectly audible and perfectly uttered, the music becomes a flux of emotional and intellectual stimulation of the highest possible level. Taylor´s playing was always a fountain of lyricism, and with age his touch of the keyboard become somewhat more sparing as if each note meant everything there was to say at a given moment.
Of course the trio became a perfect vehicle as a result of common respect and telepathic understanding between all three members, becoming way more than just the sum of its ingredients. Danielsson and France become natural extensions of Taylor´s musical personality, and the unison proves to be unbeatable.
The choice of material reflects Taylor´s lifelong friendships with Wheeler and Swallow and their common creative legacy well documented on their recordings together, which of course are highly recommended.
Overall this is one of the finest Jazz piano trio recordings, not only in Taylor´s discography, but in Jazz history in general, which means it truly is an indispensable ingredient of any serious music collection. Absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 05/09/2020Posted: 05/09/2020 | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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