WORN OUT

One of the real joys of listening to Robin Taylor's work is that one is never quite sure what is going to come out of the speakers when the CD is put on. This was quite a lengthy recording process, with the sessions taking six months to complete, but the result is yet again another wonderful album from the mad Dane. What is particularly interesting on this album is the way that the music moves between progressive rock, soft jazz, fusion, RIO, avant-garde jazz etc. It is a seamless move, something that is definitely enhanced by having three different brass players involved, with Karsten Vogel making an appearance back with Robin for the first time since 'Soundwall'. Robin also brought in renowned Danish guitarist Jon Hemmersam to assist with the solos. As well as playing jazz, Jon has recorded with Evelyn Glennie and has a real understanding of different types of music.

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/

Danish project TAYLOR'S UNIVERSE is, as the name implies, a vehicle for the creative mind of Danish composer and musician Robin Taylor, the sole currently active band of his and one which appears to have steadied itself into a release pattern of one full length album each year by now. "Worn Out" is the latest of these, and was issued in January 2013.

Taylor's Universe remains a band that continues to supply the world with high quality music blending elements from vintage symphonic rock with details from jazz and the realms of the avant-garde in a peculiar, likeable and accessible manner. Instrumental progressive rock of a peculiar nature that isn't easily comparable to any other artist, and "Worn Out" is an album that documents the quality and creativity of the musicians involved in this venture in a fine manner.

2013 brings a new album of one of the most original,prolific and creative musicians from Europe-the brilliant Dane-ROBIN TAYLOR and his musical project-TAYLOR'S UNIVERSE!First of all I want to say that this cover is absolutelly fantastic,one of the most bizarre,original and expressive album cover that I've ever seen!Musically speaking-WORN OUT could be considered like one of the most accessible and not dfifficult to listen Taylor's albums!The production is excellent-as usual-and the musical ideas exposed are sensational!Great percussion work ,great instrumental alchemy between all the instruments and one of the most rhythmic albums of Mr Taylor indeed!The sound of the alto sax is brilliant-Karsten Vogel is a trusty and faithful collaborator of Mr Taylor-and his serious and commited involvement in this album is obvious!The only "weird' track of the album can be considered JENS IN AFGHANISTSN-all the others are more song orientated and,definitelly-the song writting on this album is more present,precise and exposed here than on other previous releases of Mr Taylor!-way too adventurous and willing to explore new musical territories!As I ve said before- WORN OUT is a more accessible album under all aspects,with solid avant gardistic musical structures and wonderful soundscapes builded with an unique musical wisdom and solid componistic and musicianship skills by Robin Taylor-very inspired on this fresh and attractive album!In fact,there is a paradox-because the audition of this album is not at all an easy one- but ,in the same time-for those who know the previous releases of Mr Taylor-WORN OUT seems to be something a little different!There's still plenty of musical puzzles here and the combination of it gives something very attractive in the end!There's a little fusion vibe here- some RIO avant prog structures-pure jazz rock moments and maybee some world music too- a clever mix of many styles put together with maximum precission and intelligence by it's author!Definitelly an axcellent album,but I recommend many auditions to fully understand the message and essence of WORN OUT-another musical triumph for Robin Taylor-a sure value of the European innovative prog music!4.5 stars and all the respect in the world for one of the most fair and a example of musical integrity in today's music-Robin Taylor!

Good evening folks, now you must introduce yourselves to the Danish group Taylor's Universe's music! It's a very interesting band, you can call them avant-prog but I think fusion would have been a good definition. They are from Denmark and has been making music since 1994 and "Worn out" seams to be their twelfth record. The cover picture of this record shows a pair of worn out shoes and I find it artistic.

I have already told you this should be something to explore. There is a lot to like in Taylor's universe. The group features Robin C Taylor (guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion), Jakob Mygind(saxophones), Karsten Vogel(saxophones), Hugh Steinmetz(trumpet & flugelhorn) and Klaus Thrane(drums). All these instruments give a glimpse of the world of this music. The music is instrumental and borderless. The record contains six tracks and here I'm going to say what I think about the tracks.

"Floating rats" is a perfect introder, which includes almost everything you need in music. I also think this sounds little like 70s sound and perhaps some Zappa(10/10). "Munich" is the longest track, partially very mighty and of course I love the saxes(8/10). "Imaginary church" proves it's unique music in this track with a fully nice sound, well it is ingratiating but still perfect(10/10). "Cruelty in words" is a little different, darker than the others(6/10) and "Jens in Afghanistan" has an intriguing intruduction which is very experimental(6/10). The last track "Sergeant Pepperoni" is a crazy and well-fitted end of the record(8/10).

I can't find anything boring or bad in the album "Worn out". Of course it could have been interesting with vocals but if you want to hear vocals you can try another band. Taylor's universe is an interesting Danish progressive band which newest record I recommend. Four even stars!