Taylor is the new album on continuity. We mostly get presents worn pieces. Taylor plays absolute song dienliches fingerpicking, preferably with resolved chords and even with inclusion of open strings. Frugal Fill-ins can be heard, but no extended runs or solos. Who wants to listen to sophisticated guitar work is better off with the likes of Chris Jones or Dave Goodman.
With more economical but evocative and effective support of percussion, Fretless Bass and some organ, the songs will be arranged by Taylor a chance to speak. There are simple yet honest stories about traveling, about farewells and reunions, about pleasure and joy. There are singers who write much more dramatic lyrics and announce this with another vocal wealth of itself. I did not expect from Allan Taylor that he strikes new paths in the singing. The vocal tone blends perfectly with the stories and songs. Here and there reminds me the interplay of instruments and singing something on the late Mark Knopfler.
The production of the recording is expected to be performed flawlessly. The title and the arrangements shine through simplicity, stretched fan or strings inserts or too intrusive second guitar needs Allan Taylor not for his music. The additional information in the liner notes provide all the lyrics and some notes, the contexts in which the songs were created.
The album scores consistently and sustainably among my major aspects. The album does not have a single designated sagging. For fans and followers of Taylor a must buy, new listeners should check for themselves whether style and arrangements to the listening habits and preferences fit.
