Sean Taylor is one of the most exciting and prolific troubadours on the global roots and blues stages, his original music fusing blues, Americana, folk, roots, spoken word and social commentary. His distinctive sound has been described as “a late-night cocktail of Tom Waits, with the voice of Van Morrison and a guitar style of John Martyn.” He is currently touring with his band, multi-instrumentalist Mike Seal on double bass and percussionist Paulina Szczepaniak.
While Sean has recorded multiple solo albums, this is the first Sean Taylor Band release. And it almost never happened. Sean was not aware that the sound engineer at one of last year’s band gigs had recorded the whole concert. As soon as Sean heard the recording he knew that it would be the perfect platform to showcase his new band format.
Sean plays some fine wailing harmonica interludes in the opening song, “Number 49,” which delves deep into the blues with its theme of addiction and funky beat courtesy of Paulina’s impressive percussive work. Above everything else, Sean is a political activist, peace and justice campaigner so the inclusion of “This Is England” in the set list is no surprise. His increasing anger and frustration are evident in the spoken words, both the message and the vibe enhanced by the mesmeric drum backing. Sean’s central messages of Life goes on, Be strong and Fight On are emphasized in “Life Goes On” from his seminal Flood And Burn album. The intricate guitar picking, strong bass lines and cymbals make this a classic live version.
“Texas Boogie” is an outright blues and rock and roll jam born out of Sean’s love of Austin, Texas in which he pays tribute to all time greats from that city. The trio really gets the joint rocking on this one, the audience joining in and clearly enjoying the show. The intriguing mantra of the words in “Hold On” creates a calming effect, the chorus being relevant in today’s world as we all seek to hold on in these difficult times, whatever happens. The song is another rhythmical, percussive showpiece. The Spanish poet Lorca inspired “Perfect Candlelight” with its beautifully sung chorus adds drama and mystery. A new psychedelic sounding version of the football anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a masterpiece when performed solo but benefits from the dimension added by Paulina and Mike which takes it to a new level. The sound engineer, Mike Mellor must also take credit for this aural extravaganza.
With its laidback beat to Sean’s expressive vocals and fluent keys, “The Beat Goes On” breezes along effortlessly, assisted by Paulina metronomic timing and Mike’s nimble double bass in this jazz-infused composition. Atmospheric cymbals provide the perfect background to the beautifully crafted, poetic lyrics of “The Heart Of The Ocean,” a love song for the eternal beauty of the sea. It starts with graceful filigree piano keys and ends with an epic climax where sea and sky are one.
The Heart Of The Ocean (Sean Taylor)
Spirits of the dead
Are buried in the ocean
We feel their sacred warmth
Laced inside the notion
That all the goes
Returns again someday
In the heart of the ocean
Love never dies
It lights the highest star
Over the darkest night
The waves are lit
With the moon’s loving eyes
You are with me tonight
In the heart of the ocean
Gentle evening tides
Twilight along the shore
The coastline sparkles
Our love is reborn
The sound the waves
The warmth of your soul
In the heart of the ocean
As days turn to years
Time marches on
I can still hear your voice
I can still see your face
The moon pulls the strings of the tide
Just like your heart on to mine
In the heart of the ocean
Sea and sky are one
In the heart of the ocean
The lyrics of “So Fine” are reminiscent of Paul Simon at the peak of his creativity, and the song is one of Taylor’s best compositions. With Paulina enhancing the mood through her magical percussion sounds alongside Sean’s sensational guitar work, the song reaches a new height as layers and patterns are created to reach a dramatic crescendo.
It is hard to believe that nearly six years have passed since fire engulfed a residential tower block in London killing 72 people making it one of the UK’s worst modern disasters. Sean dedicates “Grenfell” to the families and friends of those who perished as justice is sought on their behalf. Taylor is forthright in his criticism as he exposes the harsh reality of “Cladded towers for wealthy eyes, Follow the money find the lies, Entomb neglect beneath the sky.”
Whilst Sean has a mellifluous voice, at times almost a whisper, he also possesses an incredible range when required such as the anguish and heartache expressed during Richie Havens’ “Freedom.” This show-stopping finale brings the Woodstock energy into what is an eclectic set of Sean’s back catalogue at its best, enhanced by the three outstanding musicians.
Sean Taylor is a force that transcends genres, his lyricism reflecting remarkable empathy, intelligence, and observational skills. Above all, Taylor challenges the establishment and makes listeners take notice of, and take a stance on, important contemporary social and political issues. He is also a highly entertaining performer and a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist. Forming the Sean Taylor Band by adding two more innovative and accomplished musicians to the mix is another clever move forward in his illustrious career.
Mike Mellor recorded and mixed the album; mastered by Mark Hallman
Produced by Sean Taylor
The album is available here, and forthcoming tour details here.
