If somebody laid their money down on a gilt-edged lyric line, I would raise them with this Julian Taylor gem:
‘They tried to bury us but they didn’t know we were seeds.’
So much said in so few words. While this line resonates strongly, the entirety of Julian Taylor’s act is stacked with stellar songs. Not just pertinent lyrics but alluring hooks and moments of melodic bliss. He is truly a top notch songwriter with over thirty years experience, mainly in Canada.
Over the last few years, the Toronto-based Taylor has sensed an opportunity to seek what many of his compatriots have done and successfully forged a standing in Europe. The latest albums have been getting overseas press and several trips have started to cultivate a live following. A smart move has been forming a UK band with Michele Stodart, Raevennan Husbandes and Sian Monaghan. The quartet is reunited for larger shows such as The Long Road Festival and the recent AMA UK showcase. However the bread and butter of Julian Taylor touring is the solo show and it was this format that saw a Birmingham debut at the Kitchen Garden.
Generically, there is soulful folk style to Julian Taylor’s act permeated by stories, anecdotes and poignant musings. A wide tempo range is extracted from the acoustic guitar and while the upbeat numbers don’t quite match the impact of the band line up, the intent and feeling is there.
Across a 45-minute opening set plus hour long stint after the break, you learnt a lot about the man behind the artist. Family played a significant part especially influential grandparents. ‘100% Proof’ was a tribute to a grandfather from the Caribbean nation of St.Kitts and Nevis who lived to the ripe old age of 102, give or take a few hours. ‘The Ridge’ draws on Taylor’s childhood experience on a farm in British Columbia. Right at the other end of the scale, different emotions took hold when a request for ‘Murder 13’ was accepted. Set on a heady night when Toronto famously won the baseball World Series for the first time, things take a downward spiral.
Last week the Julian Taylor Band played a wonderful short 30-minute showcase at the AMA Festival in London. They hit the traps running with an invited singalong to ‘Ballad of a Young Troubadour’ and closed likewise in toe-tapping unison with ‘Just a Little Bit’. Birmingham was identical minus the electric, drums and bass. The vibes in a small room were just as connective.
The turnout for this debut show in the city was credible for someone still relatively unknown and not helped by the unfortunate clashing of John Craigie over the road in the Hare and Hounds. Both shows would have been swelled on separate nights. Such as the UK has been on his touring horizon in recent years, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a return to the area in the future, although maybe the summer when a festival slot brings him back over is likely too soon.
Julian Taylor describes himself as a music fan and avid listener. As an aside, he curates the Julian Taylor Jukebox radio show that syndicates across Canada. This trait filters into his songwriting. On the other hand, there is occasionally a scope for a ‘dumb’ song as described in the introduction to ‘Bobbi Champagne’. Still, a song we all enjoyed. More serious songs included ‘Weighing Down’, ’Ain’t Life Strange’ and ‘Pathways’ from the latest album released last year. Among the older songs, ‘Back Again’ stood out.
Perhaps it is best to end a brief song round up where it began. Apart from a Caribbean heritage, Taylor is also part First-Nation and ‘Seeds’ shines a light on the sordid atrocities the Canadian government has committed against these people. But like a lot of his song output, there is a tone of positivity in standing together, not bending and growing a strong resilience.
The power of music to connect is at the heart of Julian Taylor’s artistry. As a performer, he is humble, grateful and appreciative, forever acknowledging the part audience’s play. His gift is stardust sprinkled compositions often fetched from ‘the other side’ as he admitted to not always being able explain the songwriting process. Overall, a right-on-cue measured performance to announce yourself in a new city.
