REVIEW: Sally Taylor, Apt. #6S (Blue Elbow)
- Joann D. Ball It didn't take Sally Taylor very long at all to settle in. After exploring the challenges of following a dream on her no frills acoustic-based debut Tomboy Bride, Taylor returns older, wiser and more free on Apt. #6S . And this time around she has the benefit of her bandmates who generously contribute their talents and inspire her best musical qualities.
Apt. #6S is the well crafted, uptempo pay off for spending much of last year on the road. After several extensive national club tours, Sally Taylor and her fellow road warriors Kenny Castro (bass), Chris Soucy (guitar), original drummer and percussionist Brian McRae, and sound wizard Chris Delucchi refined the band's adult acoustic pop-rock sound. The camaraderie and musical bonds cemented while traveling in the extended white van named Moby, along with the insights and observations Taylor shared freely on her website ( http://www.sallytaylor.com ) provide the solid foundation for this new release.
Apt. #6S opens on a cheerful note with the bouncy pop rocker "All This Time." With a splash of wurlitzer and keyboards courtesy of Jeremy Lawton, this song co-written by Taylor and songwriter Scot Sax is a radio friendly delight. The two also co-wrote the equally catchy "March Like Soldiers" and the bubbly, mandolin-based tune "How Can I." Taylor also shared songwriting duties with guitarist Chris Soucy on both the acoustic ode "Nisa," and on the fluid and gentle rocker "40 Years" which features a saxophone solo from the legendary Maceo Parker.
It is Sally Taylor's solo-penned effort "Give Me the Strength," however, that is the centerpiece of this record. The unplugged number features only Lawton's melodic piano lifting her emotional and crystal clear vocals to the heavens. Even though it sounds like Taylor is in her darkest hour, her voice reveals an inner strength, conviction and determination that suggests without a doubt that she will ultimately overcome her fears and succeed.
Apt. #6S is a sophomore record which reflects incredible wisdom, with a solid confidence and sense of purpose deeply woven into all twelve songs. It is clearly an effort of which Sally Taylor and her bandmates are especially proud. To celebrate the accomplishment, the Sally Taylor Band hit the road and have turned every show into the ultimate record release party.
With new drummer Kyle Comerford in tow, the band was exceptionally tight at their West Coast tour opener in San Diego last month. Performing a perfect blend of songs from the two CDs, they infused new tunes "Split Decisions" and "4 Kim" with an energy and punch that a solo Natalie Merchant should consider. To the crowd's delight, Taylor and company covered the Stealers Wheel hit "Stuck in the Middle With You." And later in the set, bassist Kenny Castro used his trademark funky groove.to magically transform Traffic's "Pearly Queen." The final surprise of the night was a guest appearance by beloved local singer/songwriter Gregory Page. Page joined Taylor on a stinging version of his brilliant kiss-off tune, "Fare Thee Well" from his 1999 record The John Doe Sessions ( http://www.gregorypage.com ). Taylor then ended the show with a solo acoustic guitar encore of her signature song, "Tomboy Bride."
Apt. #6S is available at live shows and online at Taylor's excellent website ( http://www.sallytaylor.com ) . By choosing to remain a fiercely independent artist despite numerous major label offers, Sally Taylor has chosen the road less traveled. And that has made all the difference. Apt success indeed!
