In his liner notes to his debut CD, MY FUTURE JUST PASSED, Sam Taylor, a tenor saxophonist who creates subtle, searching music that resonates long in the mind, has written this brief credo:
Sometimes, a song enters our life at the perfect moment. It gives clarity and meaning to seemingly random events. It speaks and gives voice to our feelings of love, heartache, joy and jubilation. It taps into our memories, both personal and collective, taking root in our hearts, stirring our imagination.
In August 2015, I heard Sam’s CD and was immediately captivated by what he did — and didn’t — do. Here‘s what I wrote (under the title of BRAVE, PATIENT BEAUTY).
I was more than a little excited to learn that Sam, bassist Aidan O’Donnell, and drummer Taro Okamoto — the trio on this CD — would be giving a CD release concert on October 15th (at the beautifully welcoming Marc A. Scorca Hall at Opera America, 330 Seventh Avenue). Sam graciously welcomed me and my camera, and here are a few highlights of that evening of wonderfully rewarding music.
But first. Many musicians — for whatever reasons — fill the air with notes. This isn’t, in itself, wrong or offensive. But the masters, to my way of thinking, use fewer notes to sing their song, to tell their story. At first, Sam’s playing may seem spare, restrained. But then, if you are willing to follow him, you realize that his approach is that of a great artist who has refined and pared down what he offers. It’s like having a conversation with someone who so beautifully self-edits speech that the two sentences you hear are forever memorable. Sam’s playing rings in my ears and continues to do so as he sculpts his solos, offering deep candor, heartfelt truths.
EVERYTHING I LOVE:
YOU ARE TOO BEAUTIFUL:
MY FUTURE JUST PASSED:
SHE’S FUNNY THAT WAY:
Hearing Sam, Aidan, and Taro, I am in the presence of great beauty, serene yet intent, beauty that does not need to blind us with flourishes and special effects, a wise, poised art that never needs to raise its voice to be heard and felt.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 
This is a fine group.Young Mr.Taylor is remindful of Scott Hamilton when he came on the scene in the seventies.he went the against the grain of the the Traneiacs with his own sound and tunes from the great American songbook..thanks for introducing these young young musicians,Michael.
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An addendum!Sam is to be commended for the tunes he plays.For instance.MY FUTURE JUST PASSED was a hit for an obscure singer Fran Warren many years ago.I haven’t heard it since.Sam sounds wonderful on SHES FUNNY THAT’S WAY,another great,made well known by Billie and Pres in the thirties.