When Joe Taylor plays at The Homestead Wednesday, Aug. 19, the audience can expect a little bit of everything: Rockabilly, jazz, funk, country, even a couple vocal numbers. The versatile guitarist, who has performed on Broadway, with Donna Summer, Dave Koz and Al B. Sure!, and released both contemporary jazz instrumentals and ambient chill/Celtic music, is excited to be coming back to Music On The Mountain.
Taylor says the audience can expect a show encompassing a wide range of styles and songs.
“We work hard to do a show people will enjoy.”
While he is comfortable with the label of jazz guitarist, he notes that he grew up in South Carolina, an area where country was king. He doesn’t turn up his nose at that style, instead incorporating some of those influences into his own instrumental music. “Those beautiful sounds resonated with me,” he says. His music occasionally features a bit of twang, often on the resonator guitar the legendary Chet Atkins gave him.
Though originally from the South, Taylor spent 25 years playing in the clubs, studios and pit bands of New York City. He moved back to the Palmetto State after building a home and a studio there. He now works as a producer for other musicians who record in his studio, as well as creating his own music.
In addition to his work with artists such as The Roches, Kenny Aronoff, Nile Rodgers and the others mentioned above, Taylor was also first-call guitarist for Broadway shows, performing for Cats and Phantom of The Opera, among others. His career in film and television includes scores for the CBS series Stephen King’s Golden Years, the Discovery Channel's SpyTek with Roger Moore, ABC Television's Turning Point and A&E’s Spies.
That versatility has served him well, allowing him to play easily with others and create his own instrumental music, as on recordings such as Sugardust in the Devil Wind, Accidental Sugar, Spellbound, and two ambient/chill excursions under the sobriquet Oracle.
Taylor will once again be accompanied by drummer Ray Marchica, bassist Paul Adamy and Jeff Franzel on keyboards, backing his soulful guitar. It’s the same the group that performed at Music On The Mountain last year and recorded Taylor’s Last Boat Home, and they’ve been back in the studio again. Taylor promises some new music from their recent sessions. “We’ll bring a handful of new tunes from the upcoming album, plus a few new covers,” he says.
Prior to last year’s show, Taylor hadn’t visited or played in Michigan. He and his three NYC bandmates immediately fell in love with the area and are excited about the prospect of returning. He says playing while the sun set over Lake Michigan behind him was magical. “We had the best time playing there,” Taylor says.
Taylor recently played the popular club The Bitter End in New York, where he was reunited with his friend, multi-instrumentalist John Ragusa. Ragusa plays everything from flute and whistles to pocket trumpet and is half of the blues duo Mulebone, which annually tours northern and West Michigan, and Taylor says he would love to add Ragusa to what’s becoming an annual tradition for him here in Michigan if they could work out their schedules.
Following his show here, Taylor will head back home before doing a tour of the South, including Jacksonville, Florida, then New Orleans before heading to the Lone Star State for performances in Austin, San Antonio and Houston.
Taylor’s show here will include a handful of tunes he has written for others. That includes some vocal numbers. He will play some of his favorite songs, likely including “Wichita Lineman” and something by the Beatles. “It’s a fun evening,” he says.
He says the upcoming album is along the same lines as Last Boat Home, though he says it leans more into funk and rock, recalling crossover legends of the 70s like the Crusaders and Stuff. Whatever the approach, he says he remembers the lessons he’s learned from guitar masters like Atkins, Beck, and one of his early mentors, Terry Rosen. “He was Frank Sinatra’s guitarist. He said, ‘Sing your solos. Treat your guitar like a singer.’
“We try to keep it funky,” Taylor continues. “With Ray on drums and Paul on bass churning underneath, I can float on top, and Jeff can do his thing.”
Tickets for the show are $22 and include a ride to the top of Bay Mountain on the ski lift. Golf carts are also available to transport attendees, who are welcome to bring a blanket or lawn chair or sit in the provided seating. Refreshments will also be available. For tickets or additional information, go to tinyurl.com/Tickets-MOTM.
