Search - Todd Taylor :: Blazing Bluegrass Banjo

Blazin Bluegrass indeed!

Mark Bee | Vermont, USA | 03/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two words describe Todd Taylors new CD 'Blazin Bluegrass Banjo'. Those words are pure genius. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in the field who is a more accurate, more talented, or more articulate banjo player. Todd's play is remarkable. He speaks directly to the listener with out the use of words. The pictures painted in your mind's eye, tell a story. A story of life, times shared and times remembered, and the music of those times. His fingers never miss, and never is a word I seldom use. From the opening notes of 'Rawhide' you undergo a transformation from listener to participant. By the time you reach the halfway mark of this practical party on a disk, you are visibly smiling and tapping your foot along with the music. It's an uncontrollable, infectious reaction that even listeners who are not bluegrass fans, will be forced to succumb to. You finally realize that something special, if not truly amazing, is happening. It is a spectacle for your ears and for your mind.This project is a exhilarating thrill ride masquerading as a musical endeavor. Any theme park in the world would pay handsomely to have the same effect on people as Todd has managed to do. His music is reminiscent of a time when musicians played genuine instruments and had undoubted talent. There are fourteen tracks on this CD and each stands out. It is refreshing to have such a phenomenal, enchanting project come along, as well as remarkably rare. Having to pick the three top tracks on the CD, I would choose the dizzying and aptly named "The Race Is On", the youthful, sprightly "Linus and Lucy-The Snoopy Theme", (which will have you humming the tune until bedtime), and the amazing "Bluegrass Breakdown" which makes you wonder if Todd has extra fingers to pick with.Todd Taylor hits one out of the park with 'Blazin Bluegrass Banjo'. Every person who loves music, authentic music with heart, should own this Cd.Mark is the Program Director and Host of the internationally syndicated radio programs 'Independent Country Universe' and 'Blades Of Blue: The Homegrown bluegrass Show'."