TAYLOR'S UNIVERSE

That is useful here, as in some ways this is one of Robin's most accessible albums while at others it is incredibly complex. There may be simple keyboard chords, while the drums drive along before a very dirty blues sax breaks through or we could be sweeping along in pure fusion with great guitar. The jazz can be reflective at times while at others it can be almost impossible to comprehend. In lots of ways this is a good introduction to Robin's vast collection of work as it can be enjoyed on so many different levels. Yet again this is something that fans of adventurous music need to seek out. For details visit www.progressor.net/robin-taylor/

Taylor's mysterious composing combinations continue for another album, that contains hints of 70's Progressive Rock, Fusion and Avant-Jazz, which are once more tightly connected.The main style is again melodic and interesting Prog/Fusion with some symphonic themes, which is enriched by the presence of Vogel, who adds a more loose feeling to the whole album.Good and demanding proggy guitar moves are followed by atmospheric synth-drenched textures, often diluted by Vogel's melodic sax works.In between Taylor & co. decided to throw in some more improvised moments with saxes in the forefront, executed in a complete manner, and supported by obscure guitar distortions.This blend seems quite weird but works really well for most of the album's length.However the mass of the grooves (often having a light RUSH vibe) sound a bit sterile and the reason for this might be the overall average mix of the album.The atmospheres change from dramatic and sinister soundscapes to more pleasant and cinematic passages and allow the listener to dive into a more emotional world apart from the good musicianship.

Vogel managed to add another dimension to the nevertheless unique sound of Taylor's Universe.If quality Prog/Fusion is among your preferences then ''Experimental Health'' should be part of your collection.Recommended.

4.5/5

With some help on guitars and wind instruments by session musicians, the trio presented an eclectic Progressive/Jazz Rock style on this album with a versatile approach and lots of different themes.There is some complex Jazz/Fusion ideas thrown in, bordering to demanding Avant-Prog at moments, not fully supported by the average sound of keyboards, but nevertheless with some nice parts here and there.The more melodic approach with the trumpets on the forefront remind a bit of MIRIODOR.But Taylor shows also his Classic Prog roots in a number of pieces with grandiose and very atmospheric keys, complicated guitar lines and shifting moods and these are quite close to the adventurous sound of ECHOLYN or FINNES GAUGE.Despite its complexity the album has plenty of melodic passages to balance the more challenging ideas and Taylor delivered also a different side of himself in a few tracks, bordering with Free Jazz, Electronic or RIO.Of course all these different musical directions hurt the coherence of the release, but the result is more than positive at the end.

This is where the word ''eclectic'' finds its meaning.''Taylor's Universe'' is a great album for anyone searching for some Progressive Rock with diversity and comes at least recommended as a whole to the prog audience in general.

I have been lucky enough to hear the vast majority of Robin's albums, whether solo, his free jazz group Taylor's Free Universe, as well as Taylor's Universe but for his thirtieth album he has brought together a group that musically has as much in common with VDGG, King Crimson and even Faust as they do with Miles. There are some incredibly simple yet poignant sections such as the syncopated rhythms in "Firestone", melodies that are repeated and are extremely effective, leading to gentle keyboards (is that a Hammond I hear?) that brings to mind memories of Procul Harum before the trumpet takes a more centre stage.

The more I listened the more progressive influences I could spot, with Colosseum being particularly noticeable, but this is way more than just a cobbling together of different styles in the vain hope that it will produce something listenable: there is a real structure and layering of the instruments that shows that a master arranger has been at work to produce music that is complex yet incredibly melodic and easy to listen to at the same time.

When artists are prolific it is sometimes hard to know where to start ? I avoided Zappa for years as I felt that I needed a guide (in the end I just plunged in and am so glad that I did) ? and Taylor is a case in point. But take it from me this is an incredible album ? if you have ever enjoyed Robin's work in the past then this is something you will need to have, and if you have yet to start investigating then the time to do so is now.

This is five stars in anyone's language ? incredible.