John Taylor (jazz)
Encyclopedia
John Taylor is a British jazz
pianist; he has occasionally performed on the organ
and the synthesiser. He is one of Europe's most celebrated jazz pianists and composers.
and John Surman
. He was later reunited with Surman in the short-lived group Morning Glory and in the 1980s with Miroslav Vitous
’s quartet.
In the early 1970s he was accompanist to the singer Cleo Laine
and started to compose for his own sextet. Taylor also worked with many visiting artists at Ronnie Scott’s club and later became a member of Ronnie’s quintet.
In 1977 Taylor formed the trio Azimuth
, with Norma Winstone
and Kenny Wheeler
. On some of the group's recording Taylor played synthesiser and organ. The group was described by Richard Williams
as "…one of the most imaginatively conceived and delicately balanced contemporary chamber-jazz groups". The trio made several recordings for ECM Records and performed in Europe, the USA and Canada.
The 1980s saw Taylor working with groups led by Jan Garbarek
, Enrico Rava
, Gil Evans
, Lee Konitz
and Charlie Mariano
as well as performing in duos with Tony Coe
and Steve Arguelles
. Composing projects included a commission for the English choir Cantamus Girls Choir
with Lee Konitz and Steve Arguelles and pieces for the Hannover Radio Orchestra with Stan Sulzmann
. Taylor also performed on David Sylvian
's song "Laughter and Forgetting", which also featured Kenny Wheeler
.
, Taylor is a member of Kenny Wheeler’s quartet and large ensemble and performs in duo and quartet settings with John Surman – their recording of ‘Ambleside Days’ on ahum won critical acclaim. In 1996 John played organ on Surman's choral work 'Proverbs and Songs' from Salisbury Cathedral
, later released on ECM Records. During the 1990s he made several recordings also for ECM with Peter Erskine
's trio with Palle Danielsson
on bass.
In 2000 Taylor made a new collaboration with Azimuth and the Smith Quartet for the Weimer Festival. Also in that year he recorded 'Verso' with Maria Pia De Vito
and Ralph Towner
.
Taylor celebrated his 60th birthday year in 2002 with a Contemporary Music Network Tour in which he presented his new trio with the drummer Joey Baron
and Marc Johnson on bass. The tour also featured the Creative Jazz Orchestra playing Taylor's composition 'The Green Man Suite'. In July 2002 Taylor received the BBC Jazz Award for 'Best New Work' for this suite.
His trio recording with Johnson and Baron was released early in 2003 and September 2003 saw the release of his solo CD 'Insight' on Sketch. The Guardian
wrote, "this is one of contemporary jazz's great performers at work . . . a beautiful solo statement by a very modest star." In 2004 Taylor recorded 'Where do we go from Here?' in duo with Kenny Wheeler and 'Nightfall' with bassist Charlie Haden
. They subsequently performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Also that year Taylor formed a new trio with Palle Danielsson and Martin France
. They performed at the Vancouver Festival and recorded 'Angel of the Presence' for CAM Jazz. This recording was released in January 2006 to coincide with their UK tour and has received critical acclaim.
and Gil Evans
(see references below).
in 2005. He coaches and teaches undergraduate jazz musicians and is of central importance to the new Master's degree jazz pathway and in advancing doctoral research and performance in jazz.
. Their son Leo Taylor
is a drummer who plays with indie rock band The Invisible
. Has one other son, singer/songwriter Alex Taylor. Is now married to childhood sweetheart Carol Weston.
With Azimuth
With Julian Arguelles
With Peter Erskine
and Palle Danielsson
With Jan Garbarek
With Charlie Haden
With John Surman
With Miroslav Vitous
With Kenny Wheeler
With Eric Vloeimans
British jazz
British jazz is a form of music derived from American jazz. It reached Britain through recordings and performers who visited the country while it was a relatively new genre, soon after the end of World War I. Jazz began to be played by British musicians from the 1930s and on a widespread basis in...
pianist; he has occasionally performed on the organ
Organ (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
and the synthesiser. He is one of Europe's most celebrated jazz pianists and composers.
Performing career
John Taylor first came to the attention of the jazz audience in 1969 when he partnered saxophonists Alan SkidmoreAlan Skidmore
Alan Skidmore is a tenor saxophonist of jazz and blues music, son of the saxophonist Jimmy Skidmore.-As a sideman:...
and John Surman
John Surman
John Douglas Surman is an English jazz saxophone, bass clarinet and synthesizer player, and composer of free jazz and modal jazz, often using themes from folk music as a basis...
. He was later reunited with Surman in the short-lived group Morning Glory and in the 1980s with Miroslav Vitous
Miroslav Vitouš
Miroslav Ladislav Vitouš , is a Czech jazz bassist.-Biography:Born in Prague, he began the violin at age six, and started playing the piano at age ten, and bass at fourteen. As a young man in Europe, Vitouš was a competitive swimmer. One of his early music groups was the Junior Trio with his...
’s quartet.
In the early 1970s he was accompanist to the singer Cleo Laine
Cleo Laine
Dame Cleo Laine, Lady Dankworth, DBE is a jazz singer and an actress, noted for her scat singing and vocal range...
and started to compose for his own sextet. Taylor also worked with many visiting artists at Ronnie Scott’s club and later became a member of Ronnie’s quintet.
In 1977 Taylor formed the trio Azimuth
Azimuth (band)
Azimuth was a British jazz trio, active from 1977 to 2000. The ensemble was composed of trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, vocalist Norma Winstone and Winstone's husband, pianist John Taylor...
, with Norma Winstone
Norma Winstone
Norma Ann Winstone MBE is a British jazz singer and lyricist. In a career spanning over forty years she is best known for her wordless improvisations....
and Kenny Wheeler
Kenny Wheeler
Kenneth Vincent John Wheeler, OC is a Canadian composer and trumpet and flugelhorn player, based in the U.K. since the 1950s....
. On some of the group's recording Taylor played synthesiser and organ. The group was described by Richard Williams
Richard Williams (journalist)
Richard Williams is a British music and sports journalist.As a writer, then deputy editor, of the weekly rock magazine Melody Maker, he became an influential commentator on the rise of new forms of rock music at the end of the 1960s. Williams and MM, as it was known, helped to promote and...
as "…one of the most imaginatively conceived and delicately balanced contemporary chamber-jazz groups". The trio made several recordings for ECM Records and performed in Europe, the USA and Canada.
The 1980s saw Taylor working with groups led by Jan Garbarek
Jan Garbarek
Jan Garbarek is a Norwegian tenor and soprano saxophonist, active in the jazz, classical, and world music genres. Garbarek was born in Mysen, Norway, the only child of a former Polish prisoner of war Czesław Garbarek and a Norwegian farmer's daughter...
, Enrico Rava
Enrico Rava
Enrico Rava , is a prolific jazz trumpeter and arguably one of the best known Italian jazz musicians. He originally played trombone, changing to the trumpet after hearing Miles Davis. His first commercial work was as a member of Gato Barbieri's Italian quintet in the mid-1960s; in the late 1960s...
, Gil Evans
Gil Evans
Gil Evans was a jazz pianist, arranger, composer and bandleader, active in the United States...
, Lee Konitz
Lee Konitz
Lee Konitz is an American jazz composer and alto saxophonist born in Chicago, Illinois.Generally considered one of the driving forces of Cool Jazz, Konitz has also performed successfully in bebop and avant-garde settings...
and Charlie Mariano
Charlie Mariano
Carmine Ugo Mariano was an American jazz alto saxophonist. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and died in Cologne, Germany.-Biography:Mariano was the son of Italian immigrants....
as well as performing in duos with Tony Coe
Tony Coe
Anthony George Coe is a composer and jazz musician who plays clarinet, bass clarinet, and tenor saxophone.Coe began his performing career playing with Humphrey Lyttelton's band from 1957 to 1962...
and Steve Arguelles
Steve Argüelles
Steve Argüelles is an English jazz drummer, producer and is the boss of the record label . He has also worked in film and theatre. He is the elder brother of saxophonist Julian Argüelles...
. Composing projects included a commission for the English choir Cantamus Girls Choir
Cantamus Girls Choir
The Cantamus Girls Choir is a choir based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and consists of approximately forty girls aged between thirteen and nineteen. The choir was founded in 1968 by Pamela Cook , Geoffrey Thompson , Sheila Haslam and Ivan Haslam .Michael Neaum became the accompanist in 1976...
with Lee Konitz and Steve Arguelles and pieces for the Hannover Radio Orchestra with Stan Sulzmann
Stan Sulzmann
Stanley Ernest Sulzmann is an English jazz saxophonist.Sulzmann began on saxophone at age 13 and played in Bill Ashton's London Youth Jazz Orchestra, later the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music from 1969-1972...
. Taylor also performed on David Sylvian
David Sylvian
David Sylvian is an English singer-songwriter and musician who came to prominence in the late 1970s as the lead vocalist and main songwriter in the group Japan...
's song "Laughter and Forgetting", which also featured Kenny Wheeler
Kenny Wheeler
Kenneth Vincent John Wheeler, OC is a Canadian composer and trumpet and flugelhorn player, based in the U.K. since the 1950s....
.
, Taylor is a member of Kenny Wheeler’s quartet and large ensemble and performs in duo and quartet settings with John Surman – their recording of ‘Ambleside Days’ on ahum won critical acclaim. In 1996 John played organ on Surman's choral work 'Proverbs and Songs' from Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, England, considered one of the leading examples of Early English architecture....
, later released on ECM Records. During the 1990s he made several recordings also for ECM with Peter Erskine
Peter Erskine
Peter Erskine is an American jazz drummer and composer. He has enjoyed a long and successful career as a session drummer, recording and touring with many famous jazz and rock artists, including Steely Dan and Weather Report...
's trio with Palle Danielsson
Palle Danielsson
Palle Danielsson is a Swedish jazz double bassist born in Stockholm, Sweden, perhaps most notable for his work done with Keith Jarrett from 1974 to 1979, becoming a member of his European quartet for that period.-Career:...
on bass.
In 2000 Taylor made a new collaboration with Azimuth and the Smith Quartet for the Weimer Festival. Also in that year he recorded 'Verso' with Maria Pia De Vito
Maria Pia De Vito
Maria Pia De Vito is an Italian jazz singer, composer, and arranger. Born 1960 in Naples, she studied opera, contemporary singing, music theory and harmony and started her musical career in 1976 as a singer and guitarist in groups ethno-oriented, specialising in music from the Mediterranean and...
and Ralph Towner
Ralph Towner
Ralph Towner is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He plays the twelve-string guitar, classical guitar, piano, synthesizer, percussion and trumpet.-Biography:...
.
Taylor celebrated his 60th birthday year in 2002 with a Contemporary Music Network Tour in which he presented his new trio with the drummer Joey Baron
Joey Baron
Joey Baron is an American avant-garde jazz drummer probably best known for his work with Bill Frisell, Stan Getz, Steve Kuhn, and John Zorn...
and Marc Johnson on bass. The tour also featured the Creative Jazz Orchestra playing Taylor's composition 'The Green Man Suite'. In July 2002 Taylor received the BBC Jazz Award for 'Best New Work' for this suite.
His trio recording with Johnson and Baron was released early in 2003 and September 2003 saw the release of his solo CD 'Insight' on Sketch. The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
wrote, "this is one of contemporary jazz's great performers at work . . . a beautiful solo statement by a very modest star." In 2004 Taylor recorded 'Where do we go from Here?' in duo with Kenny Wheeler and 'Nightfall' with bassist Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden
Charles Edward Haden is an American jazz musician. He is a double bassist, probably best known for his long association with saxophonist Ornette Coleman...
. They subsequently performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Also that year Taylor formed a new trio with Palle Danielsson and Martin France
Martin France
Martin France is an English jazz drummer based in London. He has been the rhythmic backbone on more than 60 albums working with some of the world's finest musicians....
. They performed at the Vancouver Festival and recorded 'Angel of the Presence' for CAM Jazz. This recording was released in January 2006 to coincide with their UK tour and has received critical acclaim.
Keyboard Style
Whilst John Taylor's unique piano style draws on the whole of the jazz pallette and considerable influence from classical music, his approach is characterised by a sophisticated and advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility. Rhythmically he is a specialist in asymmetrical meters and in employing "drumming" patterns on the keyboard. Harmonically, he has significantly developed and expanded the harmonic vocabulary of musicians such as Bill EvansBill Evans
William John Evans, known as Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist. His use of impressionist harmony, inventive interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, and trademark rhythmically independent, "singing" melodic lines influenced a generation of pianists including: Chick Corea, Herbie...
and Gil Evans
Gil Evans
Gil Evans was a jazz pianist, arranger, composer and bandleader, active in the United States...
(see references below).
Teaching
Taylor has been professor of Jazz Piano at the Cologne College of Music since 1993, and became a Lecturer in jazz at University of YorkUniversity of York
The University of York , is an academic institution located in the city of York, England. Established in 1963, the campus university has expanded to more than thirty departments and centres, covering a wide range of subjects...
in 2005. He coaches and teaches undergraduate jazz musicians and is of central importance to the new Master's degree jazz pathway and in advancing doctoral research and performance in jazz.
Family
John Taylor was formerly married to jazz vocalist Norma WinstoneNorma Winstone
Norma Ann Winstone MBE is a British jazz singer and lyricist. In a career spanning over forty years she is best known for her wordless improvisations....
. Their son Leo Taylor
Leo Taylor
Leo Taylor is the name of:*Leo Taylor , fictional character*Leo Taylor , MLB player for the Chicago Cubs in 1923*Leo Taylor, drummer for London-based band The Invisible and Hot Chip collaborator...
is a drummer who plays with indie rock band The Invisible
The Invisible (band)
The Invisible are an indie rock/post-rock band based in and originating from London, and fronted by the singer and guitarist Dave Okumu, a long-time member of the London jazz scene. The band formed as Dave Okumu's solo project but quickly developed into a full fledged band with friends Tom Herbert ...
. Has one other son, singer/songwriter Alex Taylor. Is now married to childhood sweetheart Carol Weston.
As leader
- Pause, and Think Again (1971)
- DecipherDecipher (John Taylor album)Decipher is the second album by jazz pianist John Taylor, featuring recently-late Tony Levin on drums. It was recorded in 1972 and '73, and released on the MPS label...
(1973) - Blue Glass (live) (1991)
- Ambleside DaysAmbleside DaysAmbleside Days is an album by jazz pianist John Taylor and John Surman, recorded and released in 1992 on Ah Um Records. Ambleside is a town in Cumbria, North West England...
(1992) - Solo (1992)
- Overnight (2002)
- Rosslyn (2003)
- Songs and Variations (2005)
- Angel of the Presence (2006)
- Whirlpool (2007)
With Azimuth
Azimuth (band)
Azimuth was a British jazz trio, active from 1977 to 2000. The ensemble was composed of trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, vocalist Norma Winstone and Winstone's husband, pianist John Taylor...
- AzimuthAzimuth (album)Azimuth is the debut album by British jazz trio Azimuth featuring trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, vocalist Norma Winstone, and pianist John Taylor recorded in 1977 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Michael G...
(ECM, 1977) - The TouchstoneThe Touchstone (album)The Touchstone is the second album by British jazz trio Azimuth featuring trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, vocalist Norma Winstone, and pianist John Taylor recorded in 1978 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Michael G...
(ECM, 1978) - Départ (with Ralph TownerRalph TownerRalph Towner is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He plays the twelve-string guitar, classical guitar, piano, synthesizer, percussion and trumpet.-Biography:...
) (ECM, 1979) - Azimuth '85Azimuth '85Azimuth '85 is the fourth and next-to-last album by British jazz trio Azimuth featuring trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, vocalist Norma Winstone, and pianist John Taylor recorded in 1985 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Michael G...
(ECM, 1985) - How It Was Then... Never AgainHow It Was Then... Never AgainHow It Was Then... Never Again is the fifth, and final album to date, by jazz band Azimuth, in a career spanning almost two decades. It was recorded in 1994, but not released on the ECM label until 1995.-Track listing:...
(ECM, 1994)
As sideman
With Arild AndersenArild Andersen
Arild Andersen is a Norwegian bass player.Born in Lillestrøm, Norway, he started out as a member of the Jan Garbarek Quartet , with Terje Rypdal and Jon Christensen...
- A Molde ConcertA Molde ConcertA Molde Concert is a live album by Norwegian jazz bassist and composer Arild Andersen recorded in 1981 and released on the ECM label.-Track listing:# "Cherry Tree" - 7:04# "Targeta" - 7:25# "Six for Alphonse" - 8:24 Bonus track on CD reissue...
(ECM, 1981)
With Julian Arguelles
Julian Argüelles
Julian Argüelles is a saxophonist. He is currently a member of the HR Big Band in Frankfurt am Main, Germany....
- Phaedrus (1991)
With Peter Erskine
Peter Erskine
Peter Erskine is an American jazz drummer and composer. He has enjoyed a long and successful career as a session drummer, recording and touring with many famous jazz and rock artists, including Steely Dan and Weather Report...
and Palle Danielsson
Palle Danielsson
Palle Danielsson is a Swedish jazz double bassist born in Stockholm, Sweden, perhaps most notable for his work done with Keith Jarrett from 1974 to 1979, becoming a member of his European quartet for that period.-Career:...
- You Never KnowYou Never Know (album)You Never Know is an album by drummer Peter Erskine featuring pianist John Taylor and bassist Palle Danielsson recorded in 1992 and released on the ECM label-Reception:...
(ECM, 1992) - Time BeingTime Being (Peter Erskine album)Time Being is an album by drummer Peter Erskine featuring pianist John Taylor and bassist Palle Danielsson recorded in 1993 and released on the ECM label-Reception:...
(ECM, 1993) - As It IsAs It Is (album)As It Is is an album by drummer Peter Erskine featuring pianist John Taylor and bassist Palle Danielsson recorded in 1995 and released on the ECM label-Reception:...
(ECM, 1994) - JuniJuni (album)Juni is an album by drummer Peter Erskine featuring pianist John Taylor and bassist Palle Danielsson recorded in 1997 and released on the ECM label-Reception:...
(ECM, 1999)
With Jan Garbarek
Jan Garbarek
Jan Garbarek is a Norwegian tenor and soprano saxophonist, active in the jazz, classical, and world music genres. Garbarek was born in Mysen, Norway, the only child of a former Polish prisoner of war Czesław Garbarek and a Norwegian farmer's daughter...
- PlacesPlaces (Jan Garbarek album)Places is an album by the Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek released on the ECM label and performed by Garbarek, John Taylor, Bill Connors, and Jack DeJohnette.-Reception:...
(ECM, 1977) - Photo with Blue Sky, White Cloud, Wires, Windows and a Red RoofPhoto with Blue Sky, White Cloud, Wires, Windows and a Red RoofPhoto with Blue Sky, White Cloud, Wires, Windows and a Red Roof is an album by Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek, released in 1979 on the ECM label and performed by Garbarek, John Taylor, Bill Connors, Eberhard Weber and Jon Christensen.-Reception:...
(ECM, 1978)
With Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden
Charles Edward Haden is an American jazz musician. He is a double bassist, probably best known for his long association with saxophonist Ornette Coleman...
- Nightfall (2003)
With John Surman
John Surman
John Douglas Surman is an English jazz saxophone, bass clarinet and synthesizer player, and composer of free jazz and modal jazz, often using themes from folk music as a basis...
- Stranger than FictionStranger than Fiction (John Surman album)Stranger than Fiction is an album by English saxophonist John Surman featuring John Taylor, Chris Laurence and John Marshall recorded in 1993 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:...
(ECM, 1993) - Proverbs and SongsProverbs and SongsProverbs and Songs is a live album by English saxophonist John Surman featuring a suite of choral settings of Old Testament texts. It was recorded in 1996 at Salisbury Cathedral with organist John Taylor and released on the ECM label.-Reception:...
(ECM, 1996)
With Miroslav Vitous
Miroslav Vitouš
Miroslav Ladislav Vitouš , is a Czech jazz bassist.-Biography:Born in Prague, he began the violin at age six, and started playing the piano at age ten, and bass at fourteen. As a young man in Europe, Vitouš was a competitive swimmer. One of his early music groups was the Junior Trio with his...
- Journey's EndJourney's End (album)Journey's End is an album by Czech bassist Miroslav Vitous recorded in 1982 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by David R. Adler awarded the album 4 stars stating "Journey's End is highly recommended to those willing to search for it".-Track listing:# "U Dunaje U...
(ECM, 1982)
With Kenny Wheeler
Kenny Wheeler
Kenneth Vincent John Wheeler, OC is a Canadian composer and trumpet and flugelhorn player, based in the U.K. since the 1950s....
- Double, Double YouDouble, Double YouDouble, Double You is an album by Kenny Wheeler featuring performances by Wheeler with Mike Brecker, John Taylor, Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette. The album was recorded in 1983 and released on the ECM label...
(ECM, 1984) - Flutter by, Butterfly (1988)
- Music for Large and Small Ensembles (ECM, 1990)
- The Widow in the WindowThe Widow in the WindowThe Widow in the Window is an album by trumpeter Kenny Wheeler recorded in 1990 and released on the ECM label. "Ana", the longest piece on the album, was originally written for Alexander von Schlippenbach's Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, which would eventually be recorded in 1989...
(ECM, 1990) - Kayak (1992)
- MoonMoon (Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor album)Moon is a studio album by Canadian musician Kenny Wheeler and British pianist John Taylor, recorded in 2001 and released on Egea Records. The album also features clarinetist Gabriele Mirabassi on some tracks.-Track listing:...
(2001) - What Now? (2004)
- Where Do We Go From Here (2005)
With Eric Vloeimans
Eric Vloeimans
Eric Vloeimans is a Dutch jazz trumpeter.Vloeimans initially studied classical music at the Rotterdam Academy of Music...
- Bitches and Fairy Tales (Challenge, 1998)