Album review: SEAN TAYLOR – Short Stories

Website [Release date 14.07.23]

Sean Taylor returns with another album full of melody and thoughtful lyrics. Joining Sean are Ben Walker (guitars, electric piano), Mike Seal (double bass), Paulina Szczepaniak (percussion), Justin Carroll (Hammond organ), Joe Harvey Whyte (pedal steel) and Eric Lounsbury (trumpet).

GRTR! have long been fans of Sean Taylor’s work with his last album, ‘The Beat Goes On’, a particular favourite of this reviewer.

‘Snowdonia’ is the true story of a February swim in Lake Snowdon and captures the magic of the mountain and surroundings. ‘Wildflower’ is a similar beautifully arranged and sung song. The music and singing really draws the listener fully into the song.

‘Mona Lisa’ looks at the tales and myths about the most famous painting in the world set to a jaunty rock n roll beat. This includes the disappearance of the Mona Lisa, which was followed by Picasso’s arrest (for theft) and acquittal, in 1911.

Never one to shy away from hot topics, ‘Gravestones’ is bluesy number about a contemporary conspiracy theory. Whilst ‘Set Me Free’ is a love song set against the background of the cost-of-living crisis.

The album closes with ‘Be Cool’, a free form jazz infused narrative set in a summer heatwave. The trumpet playing of Eric Lounsbury nicely sees the album out. Different from the rest of the album, yet it still fits in with the Sean Taylor sound and songbook.

Sean Taylor must surely become more recognised and known in the musical world with this latest album that is a real treat to listen to. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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