Nick Taylor – Not Alone
With a commanding vocal Southeast Texas singer-songwriter Nick Taylor focuses on the neglected details of a romanticized life between the recesses of relationships. Nick keeps his tales in gear so listeners can relate to his songs & they will. In “Future Past” he sincerely & poetically succeeds.
His country ideal is potent, but the contemporary pulse drives his intelligently written songs. Austin-based Taylor recorded Not Alone (Dropped June 21/Independent/40:17) in Nashville, TN & the 10 pieces were produced by William Gawley. Whether Nick wears a big western hat or not what Nick does possess is a big voice. It’s not quirky, or twangy, just appealing effectively as his white t-shirt, denim jeans, short-cropped beard & a dude look with cowboy boot assertiveness. Why wouldn’t it work?
“3 am On the Interstate” is about as different a country song as you’d find today. Followed by the delectable Deanie Richardson fiddle of “Dead Land Future.” It has a dark heat lightning sky of fluorescence with an upbeat splash of beats across deserted landscapes. Spacious & liberated from country cliché.
It adds up to a meticulous showcase that doesn’t underpin tradition for conformity. The respect for the music is there but the boundaries are pushed. Nick applies country resources to a more folky lyric progression with expertise. “Getting Along” could easily be a Hank Williams tune, as well as, Woody Guthrie.
Nothing’s overnourished or under-fed. Performances have significance & it’s never embellished with musical sweetness, seasoning, or bravura. Some may say Nick sings too smoothly for country. There’s no grit in the tone, no hard country breadth of styles, but maybe Nick is more from the school of the late Jim Reeves since no one in country sounds as smooth as Jim.
But I should add that Nick’s vocal tenacity is strongly mindful of folk legend the late Fred Neil (“Carry You Home” with Deanie’s fine fiddle again). “Kentucky Girl” is pure, nothing corny or hokum. It sounds freshly minted. It’s what old country should sound like today sans today’s pop transformation ingredients.
“Heart on the Run” drives enough to be a vivid country-rock romp that would make the late Gram Parsons smile. Terrific stuff. Nick Taylor has an effective instinctively sharp showcase. Songs are strong, enriched by a persistent rich tone & each lyric is articulate.
This is highly recommended for those who love country music but need something with more meat on its bones. You’re not alone.
Highlights – “Future Past,” “3 am On the Interstate,” “Dead Land Future,” “Getting Along,” “Kentucky Girl,” “Heart on the Run,” “Carry You Home” & “Songs About the Glory.”
Musicians – Wayne Killius (drums), Dave Francis (bass), Pat McGrath & Nicholas Taylor Wimberg (acoustic guitar), David Flint (electric, baritone & acoustic guitars/mandolin), Chris Nole (piano/keys), James Paul Mitchell (steel guitar/dobro) & Billy Thomas (bgv).
Photos courtesy of Brynn Osborn. CD @ https://nicktaylormusician.com/
