For this album of the week, we’re doing something a bit different! We are reviewing an outstanding record written and produced by Berklee College of Music’s own Taylor Kelly, and arranged by another student Jonah Francese (band leader of Berklee’s acclaimed student big band Thinkin’ Big). Taylor Kelly assembled a group of close friends and musicians to perform on her record, which was tracked in Boston at The Record Company. The process of the album began with the songwriting. Taylor has said that one of her biggest influences, like many of us, is Stevie Wonder, and that shines through in her used of harmony, vocal performance, and positive messages throughout her record.
The first, and last track on the album are derived from the Rhiana hit “Please Don’t Stop The Music,” which brings the mood of the album in full swing before the first full track drops. This transitions into the first original of the record, “Foolish Plan,” a cynical medium-up tempo track about following your dreams. “Dream State,” the third track on the record goes into a swirling, mysterious, vibe. With just piano and Taylor’s vocals, this understated tune is a beautiful departure from dark, groove based tracks like the interlude.
“Where Is My Heart” is just about the most mainstream track on the record. Not wavering on music integrity, this track has a dark, deep groove, always mellow and melancholy. The song speaks of a sense of longing, finding who you are, finding your heart. The title track “In The Meantime” is an optimistic calling for the listener, “love what you do, love what you do, love you for you, love you for you.” The track is a culmination of styles throughout the record. It has qualities of a piano ballad, breaking into a heavy groove with a swinging horn section. Despite other departures on the record, “In The Meantime” is the central idea to Taylor’s view of being a musician. To inspire. The last few tracks a somewhat of a conclusion, with “Better Notion” and “Let Love Live,” it is clear that Taylor is intending to drive home her point of good vibes to the listener before the outro “The Music.”
Among many coming up and changing the jazz scene, Taylor Kelly is bringing her unique brand of soul, arrangement, and songwriting listeners everywhere. As a regular opener for Boston’s Thinkin’ Big Band, Taylor has played to audiences everywhere from Canada to Chicago.
Below visit Taylor Kelly’s website, and listen to the album on bandcamp!
http://www.taylorkellymusic.com/
http://taylorkelly.bandcamp.com/
released 19 July 2013
Mixed by Greg Vogt
Mastered by Tyler Scott
Album artwork by Joanna Duell
Recorded at the Record Co., Boston MA
vocals - Taylor Kelly
piano - HaYoung Lyou
bass - Alex Trevino
guitar - Quinn Jacobs
drums - Aaron Lawson
trumpet - Jonah Francese
trombone - Will Zimmer
alto/sop.sax - Ryo Konishi
tenor sax - Drew Krasner
violin (let love live) - Chase Potter
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