The James Taylor Quartet
James Taylor, Hammond guru, stands with one foot planted in the new millennium and the other, just as firmly, somewhere south of 1970. Having recently released his fourteenth album, A Bigger Picture, James has consistently remained at the forefront of the acid jazz scene since his solo debut fifteen years ago. The James Taylor Quartet's first album, Mission Impossible, laid the foundation for what would become their signature sound; funked-up, sleazed-down keyboard-driven jazz that could easily be Webster's entry for 'groovy'
In addition to JTQ's obvious studio talents, they are equally known for their unmatchable live performances. With James' Hammond leading the way, JTQ jam out with driving horns, sly rhythms and kitschy cool melodies. Renowned for their film & TV themes, live favourites include their debut single Blow Up, the mesmerising 2001 and of course the inimitable, infamous Starsky and Hutch.
This brings us to Senouci, James' first recording for Blow It Hard Records, and a return to the Quartet's roots. Right from Snowboy's opening shout, Senouci blasts into an old school Hammond jam that locks into a groove and will not let you out until the final beat. If the James Taylor Quartet are one of the stalwarts of the British funk/jazz scene, then the New Mastersounds could be seen as the heirs to the throne. Together, they make Fire/Foxy Lady the most amazing dancefloor record of the year. Two Jimi Hendrix standards are covered in distinctly unique styles.
Sample
The James Taylor Quartet: 'Senouci'
Discography
- BIH004: The James Taylor Quartet, Senouci, 7" Single SOLD OUT
- BIH006: James Taylor & The New Mastersounds, Fire/Foxy Lady, 7" Single SOLD OUT
- BIH011: The James Taylor Quartet feat. Lara Rose, Free/Sky, 7" Single
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Reviews
Senouci
"This is a fine Hammond organ flyer from the quartet... it's been a while since JT pre-released anything that cut it quite like this fast and furious foot tapper. Welcome home James - you know how to rock the house! Five out of five."
Bob Jones, Muzik
"A brain blistering extravagance that is our teaser taste of Snowboy producing the JTQ. It is absolutely essential that you have this intro to Ubiquity's Message From The Godfather… go get it now."
Kahlil Breihaupt, JTQGroove.com