The Buzz About Joe Taylor

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Joe Taylor Releases ”Last Boat Home” LP

Joe Taylor is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer and producer known for blending jazz, blues, and instrumental Americana as a genre-bender. A South Carolina native, he moved to New York, becoming a sought-after session musician and later releasing top-charting instrumental records on RCA Victor. Taylor’s music spans jazz, blues, and world influences, and he continues to tour and record as a leading figure in the independent jazz scene, and he’s worked as a guitarist and producer with everyone from Ahmet Ertegun and Dave Koz to Al B. Sure, Taylor’s latest album, Last Boat Home, features a new single “Melba” which also kicks off the collection of ten solid jazz style tunes, all of which bring something compelling to the table. “Melba” wastes no time establishing the entire listening sensation of the album, which is followed by a varied assortment of other songs to write home about.

Taylor is accompanied by Jeff Franzel, Ray Marchica, and Paul Adamy. “Goodnight Gracie” reminds me of an old familiar R&B melody, of which title I do not recall, but it cuts through with the same effect of the past, before going on to some banging percussive parts and back to more blues guitar and a nice fade out into the title track of the album: “Last Boat Home” takes over and continues to float softly, led by piano and followed by more beautiful blues guitar as it drifts along nicely, taking control of the entire vibe of the disc.

“Bumba” comes in with a tropical feel and what could be a Fender Rhoads keyboard with a jazz guitar and a percussive mid-section followed by yet more excellent blues guitar. It’s amazing how the mix of genres on the Last Boat Home album start to unfold at this point. “Well, I Reckon” naturally comes next, with a suspenseful intro to set things up before that bluesy guitar sinks in and the piano plays off it like they were made for each other. The groove here is massive, and the tempo is laid back and strong at the same time on this jazz dominated arrangement with killer blues guitar bits and muted piano flurries. This is where things start peaking before coming down to a close, at which point you simply can’t get enough.

Last Boat Home keeps sailing along “Burnin’ Daylight” as it goes, with more steamy blues that sound like rain coming down to cool it off with some mellower instrumental waterfalls. And the standard never lets up with “Kinda Greasy” providing some more bottom end and slinky passages, playing close to the funk zone. “Mason Jar” is one of the albums highlights, where things go from serious jazz to yacht rock and back, joining the previous track in the mellower space on the disc. And “I See A Spider” keeps the same dirty groove going, as it mesmerizes the ears in the process, hanging on minimalism. And last but not least. “Royal Street” perks things back up for a grand exit of an album that comes highly recommended for every note recorded on it.

-Garth Thomas

Joe Taylor Releases New Music

Joe Taylor has built a successful career as a guitarist, composer, and producer whose work consistently bridges the worlds of jazz, blues, and instrumental music with effortless sophistication.

A Grammy-nominated and award-winning artist, Taylor has spent decades refining a sound that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging. Originally from South Carolina, he later established himself in New York as a highly respected session musician before earning recognition through a series of successful solo recordings. His collaborations have included notable figures such as Ahmet Ertegun, Dave Koz, and Al B. Sure!, further demonstrating the breadth of his musical reach and influence. His latest release, Last Boat Home, showcases exactly why Taylor continues to be regarded as one of the most versatile voices in contemporary instrumental music. Backed by an accomplished ensemble featuring Jeff Franzel, Ray Marchica, and Paul Adamy, Taylor delivers ten compositions that blend jazz, blues, Americana, and subtle world music influences into a cohesive and rewarding listening experience.

The album opens with “Melba,” a track that immediately establishes the warm, inviting character of the album. Rather than overwhelming the listener with complexity, it unfolds bravely, highlighting Taylor’s tasteful work alongside a relaxed yet engaging rhythm section. The song serves as an ideal introduction to the musical journey ahead, and currently goes out as a single at the time of this review.

“Goodnight Gracie” hits with a memorable melodic sensibility that sounds familiar while remaining entirely its own. The arrangement balances expressive guitar passages with dynamic percussion, creating a track that is both reflective and energetic. Its seamless transition into the title track demonstrates the thoughtful sequencing that runs throughout the album. “Last Boat Home” itself is among the album’s most evocative moments. Guided by elegant piano lines and Taylor’s expressive guitar phrasing, the composition drifts gracefully through a landscape of understated beauty. The performance captures a sense of movement and reflection without ever becoming overly sentimental. 

As the album progresses, “Bumba” introduces a brighter, a more outdoorsy atmosphere. The interplay between keyboards, percussion, and guitar adds fresh textures while maintaining the album’s overall identity. This willingness to explore different stylistic territory becomes one of the album’s greatest strengths. “Well, I Reckon” stands out as a particularly compelling piece. Beginning with a subtle sense of anticipation, it gradually develops into a rich conversation between piano and guitar. The groove is deep and unhurried, allowing each musician the room to contribute while preserving the song’s cohesive feel. It represents some of the finest of the ensembles playing on the album.

The second half of the album remains equally strong. “Burnin’ Daylight” combines blues influences with atmospheric textures, while “Kinda Greasy” leans toward funk-infused rhythms that add another dimension to the collection. “Mason Jar” deserves special recognition for its fluid movement between styles, showcasing Taylor’s ability to blend genres without sacrificing fluidity. “I See A Spider” embraces a more stripped back approach, proving that such a thing can be just as effective as complex. The track draws you in through its hypnotic groove and subtle details. Finally, “Royal Street” provides a spirited conclusion, ending the album on an energetic and satisfying note.

Throughout Last Boat Home, Joe Taylor demonstrates why he remains such a respected figure in instrumental music. The album is rich in musicianship, melody, and atmosphere, offering listeners a rewarding experience from beginning to end. Fans of jazz, blues, and contemporary instrumental music will find plenty to admire in a recording that highlights both Taylor’s artistry and the exceptional talents of his collaborators.

-Chadwick Easton

 Joe Taylor’s “Melba”: A Beautiful Instrumental Tribute Filled With Heart and Gratitude

Wait! You see that particular someone that always at every gig or a local bar whenever you look over at the crowd and he’s always there? And it’s ain’t like they trying to act cool or get VIP treatment. They just genuinely love the music. They know all the regular players, they cheer the loudest, and their energy completely warms up the entire room. To musicians, those people are who they live for. They are the true backbone of any live music scene. 

So when a legendary supporter like that passes away, it leaves a massive hole in the community. That is exactly what happened when Melba, the mother of famed pianist Jeff Franzel, passed away. For years, she was a constant, smiling face at the New York City nightclubs where her son and guitarist Joe Taylor performed. You know when such a person passes away, we do the regular and still go ahead to do something extraordinary. So what happened was, instead of just sending a regular condolence card, Joe Taylor did what any great musician would do. He went into the studio and wrote her a beautiful musical love letter. The brand-new single is named simply “Melba”, and it’s a total masterpiece of gratitude.

To those who are new to Joe Taylor, this guy is an absolute heavyweight in the industry. He has worked as a guitarist and producer with everyone from heavy metal pioneer Ahmet Ertegun to jazz icon Dave Koz, and even pop legends like Donna Summer. So forget about the chats, man’s been topping it like coffee in the morning, like how charts on RCA Victor, had a Grammy nod for his electronic work, and scored big television projects for CBS and Discovery Channel.

Now his latest single, Melba, is a standout track from his brilliant new album, Last Boat Home, released through Moonwatcher Music. His previous record, Westside Chill, was all about the fast-paced, high-energy vibe of New York City life. But this new album takes a complete turn, trading the concrete jungle for a rootsy, relaxed blend of instrumental Americana, blues, and jazz.

Coming back to this track Melba. This is a cozy, deeply felt instrumental tune. It features Joe’s signature, clean guitar work paired perfectly with beautiful piano backing. The track doesn’t need any lyrics to tell its story. It relies entirely on a warm, rolling melody that feels like a comfortable Sunday morning. I love how sweet the track feels, it’s a celebration of the unsung heroes of music: the listeners. Infact I love how Joe didn’t write a dark, depressing funeral song. Instead, he crafted a tune that captures the pure warmth, kindness, and dedication of a woman who always showed up for the band.

It serves as a reminder to cherish the people who support our passions and to keep their memories alive through the things they loved most. Jeff Franzel himself joins in on the record, making the tribute to his mother even more personal and meaningful. And the thing is, this is a track that can be used to celebrate those people in our lives, those who are always there, those who will go every mile just to be present in our lives, our events and see our growth, to those people, we say we love you!

Each Measure Feature: Joe Taylor

When life gets hectic for me, I can easily lose sight of what truly matters in this life. I, like many others I imagine, get swept up in focusing on deadlines and to-do lists, failing to see the trees as the saying goes. Whenever I do feel that I am getting swept up in the torrent of life, I find that music can play a crucial role in recentering my focus. By listening to something with a slower tempo and emotion behind the bars, the humdrum of the world slithers away into the shadows, allowing for the spotlight to shine on what truly matters. Joe Taylor recently released a new song that highlights this type of track. “Melba” is an instrumental melodic masterpiece that helps remind us to slow down and give attention to what matters most. 

The song was written for the late mother of pianist Jeff Franzel but it is not a sad song. It is a cozy, jazz track that honestly feels like a love letter to the woman Mrs. Franzel was. It takes you to a well-lit jazz bar that’s not too busy, just getting started for the day. When I listened to this song for the first time, it immediately made me think back to every loved one in my own life and how thankful I am for them. Joe Taylor put his heart into this track and it shows in every note. 

Making the track instrumental was a genius move and it draws the listeners in more intimately to the track. You will find yourself thinking about your own life and those that matter most to you. To this point, I recommend listening to this song and not doing anything else. Sit back, relax, and let the notes wash over you. Quickly you’ll find yourself entranced by the melodies smiling as you remember what is most important in this life.

-Scott Taylor