Toronto-based singer-songwriter musician Julian Taylor is riding a current prolific wave of activity that has supported an excursion into UK music communities. Two full albums, a career anthology, shorter releases and a couple of trips overseas have cropped up since 2020 when his name first appeared for many. In contrast, Taylor has been making music for over 25 years in his homeland accruing much acclaim and tangible recognition. Now the catalogue is expanded further with the release of PATHWAYS, an eight-track album of original compositions from both solo and collaborative writing set ups.
As is the current trend, half the songs have strategically hit the digital market in a six-month pre-release period culminating in a title track attractively featuring the talents of fellow Canadian Allison Russell. 'Pathways' holds court at the mid-point of this concise release where not an inch of space is wasted. It sedately proceeds in a dreamy haze with a subtle message to 'follow your heart'. A relatable chorus repeats to embed a pleasing mode of soothing music into your bones.
Most of the album strolls along at a contemplative pace, the exception being 'Running Away' where a toe tapping beat induces the odd hip shuffle. The track possesses a rock 'n' soul feel to the vocal style with the theme posing questions like 'am I just running away'. A nifty guitar solo adds to the track's credence in the latter stages.
Faint hints of pedal steel adorn the album in the opening and closing salvos. The pensive 'Weighing Down' introduces the record with Taylor's richly toned vocals catching the ear. The song evolves around hope and self-love exemplified in 'you've been hard on yourself/That's time to let things soften now.' Around half an hour later the softly spun closer 'Into the Waves' exudes melodic and therapeutic qualities, while succinctly and satisfyingly sealing the deal.
Among a handful of co-writes is 'See This Thing Through' a return to a slower pace with a stellar chorus brimming with a similar effect from listening to classic West Coast soft rock. This is a developing standout as you help yourself to extra helpings of an album tempting you into repeat hits. From a personal perspective, 'Love Letters' edges past its contemporaries into the top spot with a sound echoing the basics of love in the realm of a country lullaby. A gentle roots interlude courtesy of mandolin and background atmospheric accordion project the appeal.
The final two tracks hone in on musical diversity. 'Sixth Line Road' is a bluesy sauntering number with a rhythmic bass line. A soulful segment towards the end ups the ante and a clever lyrical structure boosts a message ripe in social commentary. A first class soundtrack from the assorted players adds value to 'Ain't Life Strange'. One of Taylor's solo compositions where a slight vocal deviation accompanies a thinking song seemingly sought from the writer's inner most thoughts.
Julian Taylor comes across as an artist oozing with talent. Writing, playing, singing or interpreting styles proves no obstacle, or at least that's how it transmits to the listener. PATHWAYS may be a small piece in a larger career but its big heart captures the mood of a seriously good musician.