''Articulate, compelling ... brilliant'' (Four stars) Mojo Magazine
"An absolutely superb guitarist... reminiscent of John Martyn" Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
'A fine blues guitarist ... Taylor is a man to watch’ Guardian
Buy the album here
Now that he’s a seasoned performer and recording artist of ten years standing, Sean Taylor has achieved a special maturity — stemming from experience, but also from the excitement in artistic freedom that experience can sometimes bring — with this album 'Flood & Burn'.
Sean puts it like this: “I felt a freedom and confidence in writing the original songs, and in the making of this recording. And that’s exciting.” It sure comes across.
Recorded in Austin, Texas, by ace producer Mark Hallman, known for his work with Eliza Gilkyson and Tom Russell amongst others, 'Flood & Burn' is big enough and confident enough to embrace a variety of genres, a range of feel and texture. And this is with such a rare ease, fluidity and mastery that it works completely towards being first and foremost, a great Sean Taylor album.
Let’s mention just a few songs from this striking album. Codeine Dreams sets up the free and full scope of 'Flood & Burn' with a dream. 'Cruelty Of Man' is close to jazz; indeed, there is something of a jazz undercurrent to the set.
'Troubadour' and 'Life Goes On' have featured in Sean’s live gigs for a couple of years and each has grown over time. Sharp and gorgeous lyrics are everywhere.
'Heartbreak Hotel' is the only cover — one of Sean’s favourite songs, it features Eliza Gilkyson as a guest on backing vocals, Mark Hallman on bass and Andre Moran on slide. And it’s excellent. Majestic closer 'Better Man' is all about the beauty and the danger of being a musician. Written with double bass legend Danny Thompson in mind, it features Danny playing. Danny delivers. “It sticks in my brain,” says Danny. What better way to close out this album could there be.
Other special guests on the album
Other special guests include:
Leonard Cohen’s band leader Roscoe Beck (double bass), the aforementioned Andre Moran (electric & slide guitar), plus Hana Piranha (violin), Ephraim Owens (trumpet), Jaimee Harris (backing vocals), Mike Hardwick (pedal steel), Joe Morales (saxophone), and producer Mark Hallman on all sorts.
For the full credits and lyrics please see the splendid disc package.
For those guitar-minded, two particularly wonderful guitars were used by Sean on this album: a 1951 Gibson J45 acoustic and a Fender Stratocaster 1962 re-issue.
“Flood & Burn may be the best thing I have ever done,” says Sean Taylor. And Sean’s got to be right there.
This is an utterly compelling, assured standout album from a top guy on top form.
Album released February 3rd 2017 by Proper Distribution.
Buy now
You can click here to buy the album.
Video
Check out "Flood & Burn" from the new album below - video by Andy Craig.
Reaction
''A star in the making ...a superb talent'' - Metro
''A bluesy devotional intensity that rightly draws comparisons to John Martyn" - Q Magazine
"Sean Taylor is a wonderfully talented modern troubadour whose sincere, thoughtful songs pull you in. I've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him. He swings. Check him out!" - Eric Bibb