What You Missed Tuesday Night: Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor: June 14, 2011 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Tuesday night, Adam Taylor and his band took to the Mercury Lounge stage. I've been telling you folks you should go see this guy, he's really good. Well, if you didn't listen to me, you missed out! Had you been there you not only would have heard great music, but you would have also witnessed him onstage with his brother guitarist Chad Taylor (founding member of Live and his new project The Gracious Few) for the first time! While it was their first time on stage together, it's not their first time working together as Chad produced Adam's latest record No Poet as well as his debut record.

The band, rounded out by Kate Young (vocals/percussion), Mike Giblin (bass/vocals) and Jason Hoffheins (drums) kicked things off with "Oliver" and rocked, rolled and charmed the audience. Always an upbeat performer, Taylor seemed to be having even more fun than usual which was contagious for those on stage and off. With big brother adding a bit of slide to the mix, many of the songs took on a more bluesy tone which worked nicely and gave a nice punch to "Painting Leprosy." It has also become clear that "Whiskey" is a crowd sing-a-long favorite with everyone shouting out that one line particularly loud!

While the entire set was terrific and as always, with top notch vocals. I'd have to say the highlight for me was the blistering, blues rock song "New York." If there's a recording of that performance out there, someone should send it my way! Not that I advocate bootlegging...

The set ended with Adam and Kate singing the wonderful "Cat's Cradle," albeit with a bit of giggling. Taylor's a diverse singer/songwriter and once again proved live that he's the read deal. In the span of one show, he and his band covered all bases ... folk, straight ahead pop, tossed in a little jazz flavor, some rockabilly, a pinch of blues, got funky and did it all with a little bit of a punk attitude. It's not something that everybody can pull off and certainly not as well as the Adam Taylor Band.

The show was loads of fun. If you weren't, you really should have been there!

More photos HERE

Adam Taylor: Man and Poet

Adam Taylor is set to release his upcoming record, No Poet, on April 18. When I first heard Taylor's debut, Play The Piano Drunk, I thought if this is what he's capable of now, what's he going to give us once he has some age and seasoning under his belt? Well, No Poet answers that question.

The seven song record was produced by his older brother Chad Taylor and shows a maturity that comes with making that transition from boy to man and living life in general. The down to Earth, yet quirky Taylor writes sharp-witted songs with a bit of cheek. At times he's a bit dark while at other times he displays pure, happy, upbeat pop.

Having seen Taylor perform several times, I know most of the songs in their acoustic incarnations. In a true testament to his talent as a performer and songwriter, the songs work just as beautifully with a full band as they do in acoustic duet form. Taylor's band Kate Young (vocals/percussion), John Fritchey (guitar), Mike Giblin (bass/vocals) and Jason Hoffheins (drums) provide a tight musical foundation for him to shine.

A wide gambit of sounds are covered on No Poet be it the jazzy vibe of "The Story Of The Sea-Green Sky Part Two" or the rockabilly of "Spaghetti Western," a classic storytelling song, or the skiffle of "Lucy." They all fit and flow together well proving well crafted pop music doesn't come from a cookie cutter, auto-tuned assembly line. The record kicks off with the lust tinged "Oliver" a favorite of mine for a while now. For some bizarre reason, I think of "White Wedding" when I hear this song. Huh? We'll chalk that up as one of my questionable comparisons. Giblin's bass lines are all kinds of funky on this one as well as on the track "Jazzonia (Silver Tree) which is a killer dance tune. If you can't shake your ass to that song, you might have some issues you need to deal with. "Yes / No" harkens back to the days of beach/surf music. The kind of song you turn on and drive around with the top down on your convertible.

The record closes with what has become my favorite track, "New York." It's a sexy and bluesy moving onto the next stage of life song. This song more than any other track on the record, in my opinion, shows his transition from teenager to man.

No Poet is a terrific piece of work. Its only flaw is that it ends too quickly. Seven songs aren't enough!

For your listening pleasure, scroll to the bottom of the post and grab "Jazzonia (Silver Tree)" in the MP3 Grab.

Adam Taylor: March 31, 2011 @ The Living Room, New York, NY

Adam Taylor and his partner-in-crime Kate Young came back to the cozy LES venue The Living Room. On the heels of a successful Kickstarter campaign and weeks before the April 18 release of his new record No Poet, Taylor and Young took the stage. Performing six songs from the upcoming album in their twelve song set the pair showed once again why their fans appreciate and love them so much.

They kicked off the set with Jazzonia (Silver Tree) which until I saw the track list for No Poet, I thought the wording was Silver Dream! For two years I've been trying to figure out what the heck a silver dream was. I'm not only quirky, I'm goofy too! Anyway, this is the first time they've done "Daisy" at a show I attended so that was a pleasant treat. Taylor did a Radiohead song solo. I'm not a Radiohead fan so don't ask me which one but I'm 100% positive Taylor's version was better. I'll probably get stoned by disgruntled Radiohead fans over that one. Live, Taylor dedicates "Yes / No" to all the psychotic women. I'm tearing up; finally someone has written a song about me! I'm just kidding ... maybe.

I always smile at their shows. They make me feel good. What more can you ask for? They closed with the delightful "Cat's Cradle." I would have loved to have seen this on the new record but alas, it wasn't. Oh, and the next time you swing through town, can we add "Coffee" back into the set list for the night? I miss that song.

I've told you before and I'll tell you again, you really should see Taylor live. Full of laid back charm and dripping with an abundance of talent, he'll entice you to his corner and have you cheering him on loudly and proudly.

Check out a couple of clips from the show below and a clip of "Daisy" HERE ... yeah, it's out of focus but sound is good.

More Photos HERE

Setlist

• Jazzonia (Silver Tree)
• 12:51
• Daisy
• Spaghetti Western
• Yes / No
• No Diggity / Come Together
• Story Of The Sea-Green Sky Part Two
• Whiskey
• (Radiohead Song)
• New York
• Lucy
• Cat's Cradle

"Whiskey"


"Yes / No"

MP3 Grab: "Jazzonia (Silver Tree)" (right click, save)

Adam Taylor Launches Kickstarter Project

One of QNYC's favorites, Adam Taylor, has launched a Kickstarter project. Taylor has been hard at work on a new record (yay!) but could use a little help. There are a ton of things that go into getting a record into our happy little hands and this project will, if his goal is met, make that happen quicker. Check out the video below and visit Taylor's Kickstarter project page HERE for details and pledge options.

Holiday Cheer From Adam Taylor & Band

It's the holiday season which means, it's time for holiday music! Personally, I'm not all that big on the traditional old classics or the cheesy junk that people insist on playing. So, when I come across a new holiday song that isn't cheesy I get a little giddy. Who has made me giddy you ask? Adam Taylor, that's who. Adam and his band, Kate Young, Jason Hoffheins and Mike Giblin have given us "Mrs. Mistletoe." Check out the video below and head on over to Taylor's website (HERE) to get a free download of the song.

Oh, and on this day two years ago, Taylor released his debut EP, Play The Piano Drunk. Happy anniversary! Here's to many more years of good music. If you haven't added this record to your collection, what are you waiting for? It makes a good stocking stuffer! Time sure flies ... it was two years and five days that I first saw Taylor & Young perform and they just keep getting better.

Adam Taylor Plays "Oliver" In His Living Room

Folk rock troubadour Adam Taylor has given his fans a treat! He has posted a video of himself performing "Oliver" in his living room. In the video description, Taylor describes it as a "shotty" version of the song ... whatever you say Adam! At any rate, this is one of my favorite songs to hear live. I found myself singing along ... sadly, I'm no Kate! Y'all know I love Adam's work, check out the video below and experience a slice of brilliant, pure, raw talent.

adamtaylormusic.com

Adam Taylor To Play Pianos, Thursday, 9/16

Folk rocker Adam Taylor is returning to New York. He'll be in the upstairs lounge at Pianos on Thursday, September 16 at 9PM. It's FREE! Swing by and check him out. He's good, but you already know that, right?

www.adamtaylormusic.com

Adam Taylor To Play Rockwood Music Hall, This Sunday, 8/29

Got plans for this Sunday? No? Good, now you do. Yes? Cancel them, this is way better than anything you have planned! Incredibly talented folk rocker Adam Taylor will be in town. He'll be taking the stage at Rockwood Music Hall on the LES, Sunday, August 29 at 8:00PM. There's no cover, so buy an extra drink or toss some extra greenbacks in the tip bucket with the moolah you saved at the door. I highly suggest you check him out ... guaranteed good music.

www.adamtaylormusic.com

At The Living Room With Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor: June 30 @ The Living Room, New York, NY

One of my favorite musicians, Adam Taylor, rolled through town to put on a show at The Living Room this past Wednesday. With him, his songstress partner-in-crime Kate Young, drummer Jason Hoffheins and bassist Mike Giblin.

I realized something about Taylor's shows. Or, more accurately, I realized something about myself during his shows. I always smile a lot watching him perform. His music makes me feel good.

About three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing a full band show for the first time. I couldn't wait to see another one. Taylor and Young always give it their all when doing acoustic shows but, they seem more carefree with Giblin and Hoffheins on stage with them. It's like an added spark to their already burning fire.

They played a song that I haven't heard for a little while, "Painting Leprosy." It was that song (along with the vast amount of talent displayed by he and Young) that cemented me as a fan back in December 2008. They were opening for Bob Schneider. I had no idea who they were but I captured an extremely dark and grainy video of the song that night and have been following Taylor's career since.

I've watched Taylor grow. That first time I saw him, he and Young were huddled together on a small parcel of stage singing their hearts out. Now, Taylor really starting to own the stage. He's coming into his own and it's been a pleasure to watch. He's a bight shining star waiting for the world to take notice.

I know I've said it before, but I highly recommend you catch a show. You'll be blown away.

Check out videos for "New York" and my new favorite, "Coffee and Cigarettes" below. Video of "Jazzonia" can be found HERE and "Oliver," HERE.

More photos on the QNYC Flickr page HERE.

"New York"


"Coffee and Cigarettes"

Set List

• Yes/No
• Jazzonia
• 12:51
• Story of the Sea-Green Sky, Pt. II
• New York
• Coffee and Cigarettes
• Oliver
• No Diggity/Come Together
• Painting Leprosy
• Elvis
• Lucy
• Cat's Cradle

www.adamtaylormusic.com

Adam Taylor To Play The Living Room, Wednesday, 6/30

He's coming back! Yes, good people of Internet-land, Adam Taylor is making his way back to the fair city of New York once again. This time, he'll be at the cozy LES venue The Living Room for an early set, 7PM, on Wednesday, June 30. He's bringing with him, his band. So, if you missed them earlier this month, you should remedy that and catch this show! They'll skiffle, they'll rock, they'll jazz, they'll pop and, they might even get funky on you. One thing that's guaranteed, they will be good. But, you'll only have my word to go by if you don't go see the show and experience it for yourselves!

I'm personally hoping they'll do "Coffee" this time out ... just thought I'd put that out there!

adamtaylormusic.com
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Early Evening Crowd Delighted By Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor: June 8 @ Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY

This past Tuesday, I headed to the LES to see folk-rock, singer/songwriter Adam Taylor perform an early (6PM) set at Rockwood Music Hall. I've seen Taylor perform several times, along with his songstress partner-in-crime Kate Young. This show was different, well, at least it was to us New Yorkers. This was a full band show!

I've written about Taylor and Young before. They're both incredibly talented and never fail to put on a terrific show. I always look forward to catching them when they're in town. So, when I found out this would be a band show, I got even more excited. How could I not be excited to hear two great voices kicking things up a notch with a band.

Taylor is a down-to-earth, charming and witty performer. That didn't change with the added instrumentation. It enhanced it. Everyone seemed to be having a great time on-stage. His shows always make you feel like he's welcoming you into his home. I suppose in essence, he is. For those forty-five minutes or so, the venue is his living room and he has invited you over to hang out and listen to music; opening the door to his world song by song.

For those of us who hadn't experienced Taylor in full band form before, it was a true treat. The show even saw Taylor strapping on an electric guitar for a couple of songs ... getting a little bluesy. The group capably handled a variety of genres which is part of Taylor's charm. One minute Taylor was leading his band, Jason Hoffheins (drums) and Mike Giblin (bass) through "Jazzonia" a song that could easily fit into any pop standard catalogue. The next moment he's taking you through jazzy waters with "Story of the Sea-green Sky, Pt. 2" and then taking you into funky James Brown territory with "Elvis." There was even his cover of "No Diggity/Come Together." Until Tuesday, I'd only heard it via a YouTube clip. It was fun to hear live.

It was over all too quickly for me. I could listen to Taylor perform all night. Just when I think this young man can't get any better than he already is, he proves me wrong. He writes terrific songs and surrounds himself with equally talented musicians. He's a star waiting to happen. I highly recommend catching a show if you have the opportunity, be it as a duo or a full band. You won't be disappointed.

Taylor has an upcoming New York performance at The Living Room on June 30. This too will be a full band show and also an early show, 7PM. Pop 'round and catch him at this intimate venue before he blows up.

Check out photos and videos from Tuesday's set.

More photos HERE.

"Elvis"


"Story of the Sea-green Sky, Pt. 2"


"No Diggity/Come Together"

Set List

• Jazzonia
• Oliver
• 12.51
• Story of the Sea-Green Sky pt. II
• The Stove
• New York
• No Diggity/Come Together (Blackstreet/Beatles Cover)
• Yes/No
• Elvis
• Lucy
• Cat's Cradle

www.adamtaylormusic.com

Adam Taylor To Play Rockwood Music Hall, Tuesday, June 8

Delightful folk-rock singer/song-writer Adam Taylor will be gracing the Rockwood Music Hall stage this coming Tuesday, June 8. I love this young man's work. He has old school charm and showmanship and he's insightful without being pretentious. I highly recommend checking out this show. There's no cover so you can't say you're too broke to afford it! It's also an early show, 6:00 PM, so you can't bag off because, "I have to be up early the next morning." So, no excuses!

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Adam Taylor To Play Milwaukee Summerfest

One of my favorite musicians, Adam Taylor, is playing Milwaukee's Summerfest 2009. The festival which bills itself as The World's Largest Music Festival runs from June 25 - July 5. This mega festival comprises of 11 days, 11 stages and is hosting a who's who of music acts.

Taylor is playing on July 5 as part of the U.S. Cellular Emerging Artists Series. There is going to be an Emerging Artists Series Compilation CD that will be given out at the festival and some other events and promotions. They're asking people to vote for their favorite artist and the 11 artists with the most votes will be on the compilation.

Go HERE, check out all of the artists and vote for your favorite; you're allowed to vote once per day. Since I live in a democracy, I can't tell you who to vote for. If I could, I'd say vote for Adam Taylor! He of course, is my pick.

If you're going to the festival, go catch Taylor's show. If you're not going to the festival but you're in the area, go just to see him! We all know how much I like his live performances ... well, you do if you've read my past postings! He puts on an incredible show and is amazingly talented. Catch him before he turns legendary and you have to max out your credit card to see him.

adamtaylormusic.com
www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic
www.summerfest.com

Adam Taylor Plays The Living Room

Adam Taylor & Kate Young: April 2 @ The Living Room, New York, NY

I went 'round to see Adam Taylor and Kate Young again. It was exactly a week to the day that I saw them last. This time they were playing Lower East Side venue The Living Room. It's a comfortable place that's name is fitting especially in light of Taylor and Young's shows making you feel warm and welcomed.

Taylor and Young are just so amazingly talented but, you know that, right?! Once again we were given a great show. Of course, I expected nothing less. They started the show with "Jazzonia" which thanks to NYC mass transit I only got to witness the last bits of. As a treat, we were presented with an untitled new song that didn't stay untitled for long. A fellow audience member decided it should be named, "Treat." They did "Oliver," a song that I've come to love thanks to multiple plays of a YouTube video (I believe they did it when I saw them last December too if memory serves me correctly). It's a rather catchy number. It was nice hearing that one. Another delight is "Ali," a song in which Taylor incorporates his audiences into. They closed the set with "Cat's Cradle," a poignant song that I heard them perform the first time saw them.

I had a terrific time. They put their hearts into the show and a smile on my face. Now all I can ask is, when are we going to get another record? Is it too soon to ask that question? Ok, that's me being musically greedy again. I get like that from time to time. But, there are a lot of songs that I've heard live now that I'd love to hear on record too. I'll be patient though and continue to wear out Taylor's wonderful record Play The Piano Drunk.

New Yorker's still have another chance to catch Taylor perform. He'll be at Roots Cafe in Brooklyn on April 24. If you're in the area, you should go. Those of you not in the area, should you happen to see the name Adam Taylor on the bill, pop in and check out the show. You'll enjoy yourself.

Set List (I'm not married to the order in which the songs are listed!)

• Jazzonia
• 12:51
• Painting Leprosy
• Elvis
• Whale Song
• Untitled (Treat)
• Coffee
• Oliver
• Ali
• Lucy
• Cat's Cradle

A few more photos from the show...www.adamtaylormusic.com
www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic

Video: Adam Taylor - Oliver & Ali

A couple of songs from a recent performance that Adam Taylor & Kate Young did. You really should check these two out live if you get the chance.

"Oliver" (live)


"Ali" (live)


www.adamtaylormusic.com
www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic

Video: Adam Taylor - The Box & Whale Song

A couple more from Adam Taylor's show at Arlene's Grocery. New York, you still have a chance to catch a show. Head over to The Living Room on April 2. I'm tellin' ya, you'll have a good time if you go.

Whale Song ("avant-garde" version)

The Box I - III


www.adamtaylormusic.com
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Adam Taylor Plays To An Intimate Gathering

Adam Taylor & Kate Young: March 26 @ Arlene's Grocery, New York, NY

This past Thursday, I took another trip to the Lower East Side. For this outing, I made my way to Arlene's Grocery to see Adam Taylor and Kate Young. I first saw them perform back in December and they hooked me. Not long after that, I purchased Taylor's record Play The Piano Drunk. I've already written about that great piece of work though. Needless to say, I'm a fan now so I was looking forward to the show.

It was an intimate gig. The best way to describe the vibe would be to imagine hanging around with some folks in a friends basement and having two other extremely talented friends singing for you. Both Adam and Kate are blessed with soulful down home voices. They have an easy going style that's so infectious that you can't help but love them. They're great on record but to fully capture the true essence of their talent you have to see them live where they really shine.

They kicked off their ten song, thirty-five minute set with "Jazzonia." You discover right off where their hearts are ... in their music. These two would play Madison Square Garden with just as much passion and conviction as they showed those of us at Arlene's Grocery.

Taylor's songs are filled with wonderfully catchy melodies and well written lyrics that translate well live. Both Taylor and Young have been gifted with a great sense of timing which makes watching the delivery of each song a treat.

Taylor showed off his sense of humor when he forgot the words to "Whale Song" dubbing it avant-garde. Hey, it works for me! When they got to "Elvis," a funky little number and a favorite of mine, Young really showed off her chops. Where that tiny woman got such a big voice I don't know, but she's got it! I could easily hear her doing some good old fashioned Muscle Shoals or Stax soul or even blues songs. "Coffee," is one of my favorites lyrically and should be a giant hit. I can only hope they didn't hear me singing along badly during the song! The night ended all too soon. They closed with "The Box" ... by request, thank you!

If you haven't seen these two perform and they're doing a gig near you, GO! You won't regret it. Don't wait until they're massively huge and whine because you didn't get a chance to see them while they were playing intimate venues. Go see them now. You'll get a great show.

New Yorkers, you still have a chance to catch a show. Head over to The Living Room on April 2!

Many thanks for making a rainy night on the lower east side so much fun. I had a great time and look forward to another show. Y'all made an old gal feel special.

Set List

• Jazzonia
• 12:51
• Painting Leprosy
• Whale Song ("avant-garde" version)
• Elvis
• Coffee
• Bobbing For Apples
• Love Lives At The Bank
• Lucy
• The Box I - III

The videos ...



www.adamtaylormusic.com
www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic

Adam Taylor To Play 2 Shows In New York

New York area fans of Adam Taylor will be happy to know that he has two upcoming gigs in the area next week. He'll be at Arlene's Grocery in Manhattan on March 26. The following night, March 27, he'll be at Roots Cafe in Brooklyn. I saw him perform back in December and he was great. Check him out if you have the chance.If you haven't yet, you should check out his record Play The Piano Drunk.

www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic
www.arlenesgrocery.net
www.myspace.com/rootscafebrooklyn