Artist description Will Taylor is a jazz violinist, violist and composer who melds together the complexity and structure of classical music with the spontanaeity and rhythmic drive of jazz and other improvised music.

Music Style Contemporary Acoustic Jazz

Musical Influences Pat Metheney, Bill Frisell, Ralph Towner, Turtle Island String Quartet, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Kronos

Similar Artists Pat Metheney, John Scofield, Bill Frisell

Artist History As a solo jazz artist, Taylor, 30, has released three international recordings: Reel Life (1993 Amazing), Simple Gifts (1995 Igmod) and Live from Austin (1996 Cymekob, Inc.). All have received significant national radio airplay on programs such as NPR's All Things Considered and New Sounds. In 1992, Taylor was recruited by Windham Hill Jazz Records group Turtle Island String Quartet to play viola on tours of Alaska, California, the Midwest, and for a performance at New York's Town Hall recorded for broadcast on NPR. Taylor was also interviewed with TISQ for a segment on CBS Sunday Morning produced by Dr. Billy Taylor. In September 1996 Taylor was hired by David Rice to arrange and perform string parts on his debut Columbia Records album; most of which was recorded in England at Peter Gabriel's REALWORLD Studios.Recent commissions include a program for jazz quartet and orchestra, jazz viola soloist and orchestra, both premiered in 1997 by the Quincy and Melrose symphony orchestras. In 1991 a work for string quartet and jazz orchestra was premiered by the Creative Opportunity Orchestra in a concert taping for PBS. The work was subsequently funded by a grant award. Also in 1991, his commitment to community and to presentation of live music was shown when Taylor cofounded/produced the first annual Austin Acoustic Music Festival. A few of the diverse artists Taylor has worked with include: Ian Moore, Eddie Harris, 8 1/2 Souvenirs, Sara Hickman, Toni Price, Betty Elders, David Rice, Maryann Price, Julie Burrell, Beth Ullman, Mitch Watkins, Rez Abassi, Nora York, Austin Klezmorim, Suzi Stern, James Polk, Podunk, Doug Hall, Pam Miller, Shirley Dominguez, The Gypsies, Diana Jones, and Amy Atchley. Taylor is available for arranging, composing, recording and performance, solo or accompanied by a variety of ensemble configurations including full symphony orchestra.

Group Members Players Will works with include: Glenn Rexach, Steve Zirkel, Chris Searles, Brad Evilsizer, and Mitch Watkins

Instruments viola,violin,piano,guitar

Albums Reel Life, Simple Gifts, Live from Austin, Peaceful Christmas

Press Reviews [W]hat lifts Taylor beyond the novelty category is the originality of his music. [H]e 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 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 Edition) . . . Taylor has managed to make it [jazz viola] work through his deft touch and improvisatory skills. Washington PostAustin's claim to being the live-music capital might be hyperbolic, but this finely nuanced, gorgeously recorded CD [Live from Austin] by violist Taylor speaks volumes for that city's scene. Entertainment Weekly . . . 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

Location Austin, Texas - USA

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