Saxophonist Paul Taylor to Release 10th Album “Tenacity”

SAXMAN PAUL TAYLOR HAS
TENACITY
MARCH 18, 2014 RELEASE SCHEDULED FOR ONE OF CONTEMPORARY JAZZ’S MOST POPULAR ARTISTS

Guest appearances by keyboardists Jeff Lorber and Jonathan Fritzen

(Los Angeles—2014) In the 19 years since Paul Taylor first got On The Horn with his hit debut album, he’s enjoyed an extraordinary journey in the contemporary urban jazz world. The key to the charismatic saxophonist’s success? Beyond those instantly identifiable sax tones, infectious melodies, cutting edge production, and dynamic live performances, it’s one thing: Tenacity–the perfect title for his latest recording on Peak Records/eOne (and 10th overall).

Tenacity marks the first time ever that Taylor has recorded an entire project with a single producer – and his longtime friendship and incredible chemistry with longtime producer Dino Esposito made him the perfect choice for the varied rhythms and progressive sonics that the saxophonist wanted. “I’ve always had this special bond with Dino and it was really exciting to focus on doing an entire project with my great friend, rather than just a few tracks here and there like in the past,” says Taylor.

Taylor has a long history of bringing his favorite urban jazz artists to the mix, and he continues that inspiring tradition by inviting keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen to add his lush piano harmonies to the whimsical, easy flowing soprano-driven opening track “Supernova.” He named “Luxe,” featuring special guest Jeff Lorber on electric piano and guitar, for the luxurious ambiences surrounding his easy swaying soprano. Tenacity wraps with Taylor looking out over the “Empire” he’s created, forging a unique tension between his alto lead and backing spirited horn textures with Esposito’s dark and moody piano textures. “It’s a tune that makes you think about things,” says Taylor, “looking out at everything you’ve done and savoring the moment.”

Long a mainstay among the most popular and elite artists, Taylor has been on one of the most exhilarating upswings of his career over the past seven years, starting with Ladies’ Choice (2007), which marked his first ever #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz. “Burnin’,” the title track from his 2009 album, hit #1 on the airplay charts, and “Push To Start” from Prime Time (2011), hit the pole position on the Smooth Jazz Songs chart. Prime Time further lived up to its colorful name by reaching the Top Ten on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

Over the past few years, Taylor has also been part of two of the genre’s biggest summer tours, Gentlemen of the Night (with Marion Meadows and Warren Hill) and Sax and the City (with Meadows and Vincent Ingala). In December 2012, the longtime basketball enthusiast achieved another longtime dream, performing the National Anthem in Madison Square Garden at a New York Knicks game; their coach Mike Woodson is a longtime fan.

With the 20th anniversary of his recording debut coming up next year, Taylor remains a fresh and vital, forward thinking force in contemporary urban jazz. Talent and vision are a given, but sometimes those things fade. It’s his Tenacity that’s made the difference.

Paul Taylor will be touring with great Tenacity.

Upcoming tour dates:
March 8        Arizona Jazz Festival, Phoenix, Arizona
April 11       Pelham Civic Center Complex, Pelham, AL
May 2           Sculler’s Jazz Club, Boston, MA
May 3           Temecula, CA
June 21       Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA
June 22       Big Bear Lake JAZZ TRAX Summer Music Festival, Big Bear Lake, CA
July 23           Animal Crackers Jazz Series, Racine WI

For further information regarding Paul Taylor go to www.paultaylorsax.com

Peak Records