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TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE

RIO/Avant-Prog • Denmark


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Taylor's Free Universe picture
Taylor's Free Universe biography
Founded in 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark - Disbanded in 2005

TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE was a project formed by Danish composer and multi-instrumentalist ROBIN TAYLOR and legendary Danish saxophonist Karsten Vogel, initially in 2000. It took some time for the project to find it's form though, but in 2001 rehearsals and concerts started to find their form; and for the next four years this outfit made quite a name for itself - in particular in the Danish jazz scene.

The main idea for this band project was to make improvised music - whether recording in the studio or playing live nothing was planned beforehand. Some of these improvisations were released as is, while others were were worked with in the studio by Taylor prior to ending up on CD.

The band was active for 5 years, and issued one album each year on average in that time. File Under Extreme, a studio treated live recording from January 2002, was issued later the same year. On-Plugged in Elsinore came next, an unedited concert from March 2003 featuring Peter Friis Nilsen released a short time after the concert took place. In 2004 the double Cd 9 Eleven - Live at Copenhagen JazzHouse was issued, featuring material recorded by Danish Radio recorded in 2002.

In the autumn of 2004 Kim Menzer substituted for Karsten Vogel for gigs as well as studio recordings; and the studio improvisation that eventually ended up as the album Family Shots in 2005 is the only disc not featuring Karsten Vogel.

In 2006 the last album by Taylor's Free Universe was released, called Manipulated By Taylor. On this production Karsten Vogel was back again, and the album consisted of studio treated recordings from concerts held in September 2005.

Whether or not this rare live project headed by Robin Taylor will revive again - Taylor has stated that he likes the studio much better than the live stage - time will have to tell. In terms of critical acclaim it was a succesfull venture though; the debut album was voted as the 5th best of more than 130 jazz albums in 2002 by Danish magazine Jazz Special, and the live release On-Plugged in Elsinore was nominated for the Jazz Album of the Year in the Danish Music Awards.

See also: TAYLOR'S UNIVERSE

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TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE discography


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TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.00 | 5 ratings
File Under Extreme
2002
3.95 | 6 ratings
Family Shot
2005

TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.57 | 4 ratings
On-Plugged in Elsinore (with Peter Friis Nielsen)
2003
4.00 | 1 ratings
9 Eleven
2004
3.95 | 2 ratings
Manipulated by Taylor
2006

TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

3.55 | 4 ratings
Two-Pack
2010

TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 File Under Extreme by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Studio Album, 2002
4.00 | 5 ratings

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File Under Extreme
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars So, from his previous album which had been carefully constructed by one man we move to an album that was recorded on 28th January 2002 (although there were some subsequent overdubs) with a group. Here Robin was joined again by Karsten, and also by Pierre Tassone (violin, electronics), Johan Segerberg (double bass, electronics) and Kalle Mathiesen (drums, samples). When it states 'File Under Extreme' it really does mean that. What we have here is Present-style RIO melding and moving with free jazz ? anything goes, and it does. This isn't music that is meant to be gentle and laid back ? this is music that is defiant and full of dischord, music that is challenging ? almost daring the listener to turn it off.

But, if this style of music is what you enjoy listening to, then these guys show how it should be done. The interplay and complexity is breathtaking and the feeling very much is of a band that is really cooking. Robin is well known for the use of space and minimalist approaches, but there isn't room or time for that here as each musician is out to make a point while at the same time contributing to and not detracting from the whole. Karsten has been given full rein to go berserk and the note density he generates at times is incredible, but all of the guys here more than hold their own ? each taking turns to be the front man. This is music at the very edge, only just together, and at times is nothing short of genius.

 Family Shot by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.95 | 6 ratings

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Family Shot
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars You'll notice that Robin Taylor is on this site under three different band names. His own personal name,TAYLOR'S UNIVERSE and TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE. He explains in the liner notes of "Family Shot" why he felt the need to form TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE. "TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE is the opposite thing, because the music of this unit is totally improvised. We never rehearse; we usually discuss a few ideas, before we enter the stage, and the rest is kind of magic. W e never know, how a gig will turn out, but till this day, we- knock on wood-haven't played anything regrettable. It was Karsten Vogel, who pushed me into forming this band. He had been working with me in studio for some time, but thought it would be a great idea, if we made a presence on stage as well. I hadn't played live for ages, and with my skeptic nature, it took a lot of persuasion. But he had it his way-and I thank him for it." This was recorded live with no overdubs on November 4th 2004.

"Strategy" is mostly atmosphere as spoken words join in. "M'Fisto Rubberphunk" has some nice chunky bass and intricate sounds that come and go. I like the guitar after 3 minutes and the horns also become more prominant. It settles back before 6 minutes with the atmosphere and bass standing out.It continues to calm down. Horns start to come and go. It's starting to get more intense after 11 minutes with violin, drums and more. It settles late to end it. "Angel Stairs" is experimental with some suspense thrown in as well.

We then get this nine piece suite called "Nine Nice 'N' Easy Pieces". It starts off avant and loud then drums, bass and dissonant horns take over but it's not as loud. Horns and violin play over top in the Fifth Piece then it turns intense before settling back on the Seventh Piece. It becomes more intense on the final section and also eerie after 2 1/2 minutes. The bass becomes prominant around a minute on "Like A Nervous Car Wreck" then the guitar starts to make some beautiful noise. "The Elephant Cure" opens with sparse sounds and it starts to build around 4 minutes.Incredible ! "Z Return" is experimental as horns come in over top. Drums around 1 1/2 minutes. It's building and another horn joins in. It settles before 7 1/2 minutes then calms down even more a minute later.

This is a great album that I highly recommend. Improvs are hit and miss with me but this record along with "File Under Extreme" by this band are incredible. I had a hard time with their "On-Plugged In Elsinore" though. Just sayin'.

 On-Plugged in Elsinore (with Peter Friis Nielsen) by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Live, 2003
3.57 | 4 ratings

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On-Plugged in Elsinore (with Peter Friis Nielsen)
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

3 stars This was a live concert done by Robin Taylor and his band and it features bassist Peter Friis Nielen. We also get Karsten Vogel on sax, Pierre Tassone on violin and Kalle Mathiesen on drums. Robin adds guitar and electronics. I should mention that these are improvs and the music is for the most part minimalistic and difficult. At least for me this is difficult music to get into. Not a lot of melody.Some refer to this as experimental Free Jazz. This was up for an award at the Demnark Music Awards.

"Amalie" has what sounds like picked guitar and bass that come and go. Sax before 2 minutes as the bass continues. Cymbals 3 minutes in and violin replaces the sax around 6 minutes.Tough going. "Picnic At Noon" is minimalistic and eventually various sounds start to come and go. No melody. The mood turns dark and the guitar comes to the fore late along with violin.

"Tight Little Waves" is again a track with not much going on. Sax before a minute and bass becomes more prominant after 4 minutes. "The Fifth Element" is significant as a title, and if you've ever visited the Progressor web-site you'll be familiar with this term. Actually it's Robin's user name on another site as well. Sax and violin eventually lead then the guitar and bass take over. Sax is back after 7 minutes as the song slowly evolves and changes.

"Exit Elsinore" and the final track are the two songs I can enjoy. This one is dark and spooky and sax comes in just before 2 minutes. Some vocal expressions before 8 1/2 minutes. Drums come to the fore after 10 1/2 minutes. Sax a minute later as the haunting atmosphere continues. "Train" opens with sax and these bass sounds that come and go.It starts to pick up before 1 1/2 minutes. Best part of the album right here as the guitar grinds it out. Sax is back after 3 minutes. It gets more intense after 5 minutes.Violin before 7 minutes. It settles back later.

So a good album but if I want to listen to this style of music I would be inclined to reach for something else.

 File Under Extreme by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Studio Album, 2002
4.00 | 5 ratings

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File Under Extreme
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars "File Under Extreme" is the first album released under the TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE name and this project is the Avant-garde and improvizing side of Denmark's Robin Taylor, while TAYLOR'S UNIVERSE is his more melodic outlet. Just wanted to get that out of the way. I'll always think of the Progressor site when I think of Robin Taylor because it was there that I first heard of him back around 2004. Robin's bands are so highly rated there, but the reason I held back in buying any of his music was the lack of reviews from other sites to back up the praise. Well I finally took the plunge and now I wonder what took me so long. This album is a beast i'll tell you that. A six piece band here with SECRET OYSTER's Karsten Vogel on a variety of saxophones. We also get processed violin, fuzz bass, electronics, guitar, drums, percussion, tape collage and more. In Jazzweekly the writer says "Not since my first encounters with the music of PRESENT, UNIVERS ZERO and ART ZOYD have I heard such a distinctive and seamless blend of Jazz, metallic Progressive Rock, free improv, and late 20th century European Classical music".This was voted fifth best Danish jazz release in 2002 (out of 136) by the staff of the Danish magazine "Jazz Special".

"Germanism" opens with slowly played piano as relaxed sax joins in then other sounds.This is mellow and atmospheric stuff. A dark calm before 5 minutes as the violin comes in. Outbursts of drums before 6 minutes as the violin continues. "Stand Apart" is a 12 second drum piece. "Free-Bop" is free alright as the drums, sax and violin all seem to be playing different songs (haha).The violin comes to the fore at 2 1/2 minutes as the drums pound. It settles before 4 minutes and we get some angular guitar. Dissonant sax kicks in to end it. "More Germanism" has these psychedelic spoken words as the violin plays over top.The atmosphere comes in then drums around 2 1/2 minutes. A very cool sound here. Sax a minute later to end it.

"Age Concern" has a catchy rhythm with some energy as the sax starts to play over top.The rhythm stops as it turns experimental. Percussion and bass are back after 3 1/2 minutes then drums and sax a minute after that.Great sound ! "Less Is More" has this haunting intro as the violin makes spooky sounds.Very cool. Halfway through we get sax and other sounds coming and going in this dark soundscape. "Evaluation" opens in a chaotic manner. Insanity ! Violin comes to the fore after 2 minutes. Sax blasts away after 4 minutes then it gets crazy again. "Aspects Of A Myth" has a dark atmosphere with sax as the drums join in. It's intense 3 1/2 minutes in. Bass joins in and then that that tape collage. Haunting stuff especially after 6 minutes.Violin follows.

A very solid 4 stars and recommended to the adventerous music lover.

 Manipulated by Taylor by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Live, 2006
3.95 | 2 ratings

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Manipulated by Taylor
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars This is an unusual concept, in that Taylor's Free Universe are renowned for their avant-garde improvised pieces, yet the entire material on this CD was selected, mixed, edited and manipulated by Robin Taylor from live recordings made at Copenhagen JazzHouse on September 15th 2005. So it is a live album, but it has been mixed and changed in the studio. One may think that this would lead to a more melodic and restrained version of the band, but that is certainly not the case. Robin has taken this concept and has treated some of the instruments and combined them so that they stay true to the avant-garde sensibilities but have taken on a totally new flavour. The line-up is slightly different to normal, in that although he is joined by long-time compatriots Karsten Vogel (saxophones), Pierre Tassone (Grand piano; processed violin) and Lars Juul (drums; electronics), this is the only time that Klavs Hovman (acoustic bass; loops) has made an appearance ? and a very fine fretless bassist he is too.

This may be a manipulated album, cut and lovingly spliced back together by Robin, but first and foremost this is a live album that contains stunning interplay and runs from guys that live and breathe jazz. As always, this may contain too much dissonance, chaos and invention from those who woud much rather have their music served up in radio-friendly 3 minute segments. But, if you want music that is on the very edge of being described as such, and who feel that Art Zoyd has a place in their own personal music colelction, then this is an album for you. With this his 20th release, yet again Taylor proves to be a master of his craft.

 On-Plugged in Elsinore (with Peter Friis Nielsen) by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Live, 2003
3.57 | 4 ratings

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On-Plugged in Elsinore (with Peter Friis Nielsen)
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars This is the 12th Taylor's Free Universe album, where they joined bassist Peter Fris Nielsen for a concert of improvised and eclectic jazz. As with all other TFU releases, this is either a masterpiece or something that you would play just a few seconds of before using the disc as a gun target. There really is no middle ground with these guys, you either love them or hate them and I definitely fall into the former camp. The musicianship, as always, is incredible and the interplay between the five musicians is awesome. Peter is a great bassist, but what really makes this album work is the way that all of the guys can (and do) take the lead, driving the band along before it is time for someone else to define the path. There are times when all of the guys seem to be at the front, all vying to be heard, but it all still works. 'Picnic At Moon' features some great violin, both bowed and plucked, but within the background is a maelstrom of sound from the rest ' all of which works to make this an incredible tour de force to my ears, although it may not seem the same to everyone.

I don't think Robin knows how to release a bad album, this is yet another killer and when released in 2004 was nominated for a Danish Jazz Award. But, if you want your jazz to be mild and meek and behave itself then be warned, this is not like that!

 Family Shot by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.95 | 6 ratings

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Family Shot
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars So, Robin's 17th album is another under the label TFU, but this is with a different line-up to that which appeared elsewhere and the only one not to feature Karsten Vogel (here replaced by Kim Menzer). As one would exepct from TFU ? this is improvisational music at the cutting edge of avant-garde. I was intrigued to see that the prog bible dprp.net gave this just 1/10, which says way more about the person writing that particular review than it does about the music itself. Yes, this is not easy listening and yes it is challenging ? but that is exactly what it is supposed to be! This is not music that is aimed for large audiences and radio programmes, but music that is challenging and on the edge. Dissonance and the use of free form definitely has its' place in modern music, as much as it did in classical.

There are some incredibly complex passages within this and the short Nice 'n' Easy interplays are just superb. There are some great bass runs within this as the musicians all go off their own way, possibly never to return but may they just might. There is a lot of space in this album, and the use of the lack of sound and gaps where there could be notes is just as important as the notes they actually play. Again, if you enjoy avant-garde jazz and music that is out there then try this ? if you want simple repeated harmonies then don't!

 9 Eleven by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Live, 2004
4.00 | 1 ratings

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9 Eleven
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

— First review of this album —
4 stars This album was recorded 9 years ago today (as I write this), on 11th September 2002 at the Copenhagen Jazzhouse. The line-up was Robin Taylor (guitar, electronics), Pierre Tassone (violin, electronics), Karsten Vogel (saxophones), Johan Segerberg (basses, electronics) and Kalle Mathiesen (drums, electronics). The result of these guys combining and building off each other is hugely powerful, with Robin taking the lead at times with incredible Gilmore/Hillage driving over the top guitars while at other times it is Karsten with his incredible saxwork or Pierre flying through. There is a real togetherness and understanding which allows the five of them to blast off into extreme tangents knowing that the others will follow, and that if they do end up taking a path into the wilderness somehow together they will get back to some sort of civilisation.

This is not music that the majority will enjoy, but who wants to be part of the majority? According to LastFM my tastes are eclectic ? possibly because I will listen to jazz, folk and death metal all in the same sitting ? and I would much rather be eclectic than following the herd. That is the same with these guys ? they are making music for themselves, knowing they will never make a fortune - but it is better to be true to yourself than doing something that is against the grain. If you feel intrigued enough by this review to find out more then I urge you to do so, and listen to their music with an open mind. This is an awesome avant-garde outing that I truly wish I had been at.

 Two-Pack by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2010
3.55 | 4 ratings

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Two-Pack
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Music By Mail

3 stars Two-Pack, as the title implies, is a package of two mini CDs presenting two versions of Taylor's bands. The swan song by Taylor's Free Universe (TFU), recorded in 2006, was maybe the most accessible music made by the band, close to the Miles Davis kind of fusion of the 70's but with their unmistakably avant-prog brand! And again a renewed rhythm section (Rasmus Grosell and Assi Roar) alongside Taylor on guitars, Tassone on processed violin and Vogel on sax. I'd like here to correct a common misunderstanding, unfortunately wrongly accented by what one reads on the covers; TFU's music has never been composed by Robin Taylor! TFU is an improvisational unit and all players were equally composing in real time, as NOTHING was ever preconceived or even instructed by Taylor! the reasons behind the compositional crediting are in fact non musical and unfortunately financial, Taylor bearing the production costs and needing something in return, despites the fact that ALL players who in turn appeared and contributed to the several releases always played for free for him. The Taylor's Universe mini CD presents three new tracks, recorded in september 2010 and presenting his newest output at this time; one more time Taylor called for about the same musicians who played on his previous albums (Return to Whatever, Art Cinema) and those in the know will surely recognize the classic Taylor brand here, nothing really unheard but further melodic excursions and sonic experiments. In all, 45 minutes that can get you out of your sofa to practice your favorite odd-metered brain dance!
 Two-Pack by TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2010
3.55 | 4 ratings

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Two-Pack
Taylor's Free Universe RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Ovidiu

4 stars This new TAYLOR'S FREE UNIVERSE new musical extravaganza is the part 2 of an unusual release ,composed of 2 mini cd's -a true really interesting package-on this cd-2 songs extremely catchy and very well composed and performed!The sound-the production is astonishing-something quite usual-a trademark for all Robin Taylor's albums-but this recording is something amazing!Crystal clear sound and great musical diversity,very rich soundscapes!Only 2 songs-but 2 brilliant songs-full of moody and wonderful atmosphere- a great percussion work here,and Robin's mesmerizing and almost mystical guitar everywhere with some unbelieveble technical effects!Karsten Vogel's sax is trully omnipresent here and the register is very free jazz orientated!All this ingredients are making a great musical mayonaise-and all Taylor fans will be plenty rewarded with some great music of a true gifted musician!Satisfaction guaranteed and a 4.5 stars for a great musical cookie!23 minutes is too few...we want more!
Thanks to windhawk for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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