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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZTAYLOR, Martin(b 20 October 1956, Harlow, Essex) Self-taught jazz guitarist. He began at age four, played with many British groups and led his own as well as working with first-rate jazzmen such as trombonist Roy Williams and reedman John Barnes. He worked with Stéphane Grappelli from '79 to '91 (albums At The Winery and Vintage 1981 on Concord; their album with Vassar Clements Together At Last was nominated for a Grammy '87), as well as Buddy DeFranco and mandolinist David Grisman. He is the most successful guitarist to absorb the fiendishly unique style of Django Reinhardt and merge it with other influences, include Chet Atkins, Lenny Breau and Joe Pass, to make something of his own. He led a Spirit of Django group in the mid-'90s, released albums Taylor Made '79 and Triple Libre '81 on Wave, Skye Boat '81 on Concord (all with Peter Ind on bass) and Sarabanda '89 on Gaia, then recorded for the UK's high-class Linn label including quartets Don't Fret and Change Of Heart '90-1, solo Artistry '93 (using the method invented by George Van Eps of accompanying himself on the lower strings), duo with Grappelli Réunion '93, sextet Spirit Of Django '94, solo Portraits (with guest Atkins) and Years Apart with the sextet (and guest Grappelli), both released '96. Gold '97 is a good compilation; Two's Company '97 had duets with James Morrison, singer Suzanne Wyllie, guitarist Jim Pennell and others. Spirit of Django returned with Gypsy '98, with Jack Emblow on accordion, the spirit different and new. |