". . . Taylor has managed to make [jazz viola] work through his deft touch and improvisatory skills. " The Washington Post
Imagine what might happen if you dared to blur all these boundaries between pop music and jazz, between rock music and classical music, between the musical realm and the lyrical realm, between the honky-tonk and the church, and in the spirit of art and fun and experimentation, you reached out for something . . . transcendent? more. . . .
The last few years have seen local strings player/composer Will Taylor engaged in numerous musical collaborations, many jazz-based, some pop-oriented, a few highly curious, and all, in the end, responsible for the creation of some wonderful new music. more. . . . Austin Chronicle
"Austin's claim to being the live-music capital might be hyperbolic, but this finely nuanced, gorgeously recorded CD by violist Taylor speaks volumes for that city's scene. . . . there's still much to love, from the imaginatively reworked "Cherokee" to the pensive, original "Raga". " Entertainment Weekly
" Local jazz viola virtuoso Will Taylor is one of the most unusual and exciting young instrumental talents on the national scene. He swings, he soars and he never ceases to amaze. " Austin American Statesman
". . . a well-rehearsed and sensitive ensemble, one whose members demonstrate professionalism as well as cohesiveness." Jon Poses Columbia Daily Tribune
". . . Taylor possesses a versatility, drive and passion that would be the envy of musicians twice his age." Albuquerque Journal
". . . Will Taylor is a serious composer who bridges classical and jazz traditions. His "Bob and Dave" partakes of Stravinsky and Ravel without really imitating them, yet is a full-fledged jazz composition for string quartet and jazz band." Mike Greenberg San Antonio Express-News
". . . [Taylor's] instrumental music melds jazz, pop, and classical influences into a thoroughly original hybrid. . ." Dallas Observer
". . . what lifts Taylor, beyond the novelty category is the originality of his Music. . . . he somehow manages to take some of the swing of Stephane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France into bracingly modern territory that avoids fusion and avantgarde cliches." Boston Globe
"Taylor is breaking all the rules, in a good way. . . . Simple Gifts is haunting, engaging, sexy, intelligent and even humorous. There's a distinct possibility that Taylor will join the ranks of Harry Connick, Jr. and the Marsalis brothers as a classically-trained young artist with mass appeal. " Shepherd Express
". . . a jazz violist and composer who absolutely transcends his instrument's stereotypical European refinement and restraint. His work is dynamic, colorful and, yes, even edgy." Houston Post
". . . There's no one else doing what he's doing and the chance to hear the rich sounds at the edge of jazz is something you'll wish you could wrap up and take home." Austin Chronicle
As to the quality of the music and the professionalism, this production is far superior over the numerous recordings issued by the major record companies. Esquire, Dutch Version
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