TAYLOR'S UNIVERSE & KARSTEN VOGEL: EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH

''Pork'' was the last time Taylor fully collaborated with Jan Marsfeldt, who completely quit the music business, and Taylor decided to join Hugh Steinmetz'es Avant-Garde project Communio Musica in mid-90's.There he had the chance to meet Burnin Red Ivanhoe's and Secret Oyster's leader and sax player Karsten Vogel, whom he asked if he was willing to follow him in the third Taylor's Universe effort.The answer was positive and along with drummer Rasmus Grosell the trio recorded the album ''Experimental Health'' with the help again by Marsfeldt on a few tracks, flutist Kim Menzer, guitarist Henning Plannthin and singer Jytte Lindberg.The album was released in 1998 on Taylor's Marvel of Beauty Records.

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.