Brilliant guitarist, intense in what he does, he writes and performs his songs in a blues style, a style that draws the listener in no matter the mood or tempo to leave them captivated, such the subtle twists and turns as the music spills forth.
Some people obtain inspiration from friends, people on the street, events in the news, stories that touch their soul but Taylor gains many of his ideas from the work of great writers, painters, humanitarian attitude of former Uruguay president Joe ‘Pepe’ Mujica (the inspiration for the album title-track, “The Only Good Addiction Is Love”) and poets. His favourite poet Federico Garcia “Lorca” is the inspiration behind the artful, tender instrumental “Lorca”. A guitar, bass duet with producer Mark Hallman (Eliza Gilkyson, Carole King, Ani DeFranco) it evokes Latin imagery steeped in great beauty.
“Tienes Mi Alma En Tus Manos” has a restless feel to it, almost Kelly Joe Phelps-like as he speaks of his love of a woman. While Taylor sings in breathy fashion on wistful affair “Flesh And Mind”, another song very much in keeping with Phelps' style. Eric Bibb’s assessment of his talent is worth noting; ‘Sean Taylor is a wonderfully talented modern troubadour whose sincere, thoughtful songs pull you in.’ I could not agree more.
“Moma” with regular tour partner Danny Thompson on double bass and Hallman, backing vocals has an engaging, hooky rhythmic pounding that draws the listener ever closer and it doesn’t let go. More mellow, sombre even is “Desolation Angels” as Taylor’s goes out into the world, onto the road with a song that gains its title from a novel by a man associated with the road, famed writer Jack Kerouac. So powerful and evocative Taylor creates a feel of a mystical world where dimly lit alleyways and shadowy figures are the staple diet. To close Taylor goes for a cover, not of a popular song or otherwise but W.B Yeats’ poem “The White Birds”, and with the help of Hallman (bass, drums), Kim Deschamps (pedal steel), Paul Deemer (trombone) and Kevin Flatt (trumpet) to go with his guitar and piano needless to say he pulls it off in style.
Maurice Hope