Retro Blackness

Gary Taylor has never let me down. To me he is the epitome of the “thinking man’s” soul singer. In an ever-increasing world where marketing and target groups merge with what I call the globalization effect where music, games, video and film are being molded together there is little or no scope for quality artists to express themselves exactly how they feel fit. In other words, there is no room for individuality and uniqueness.

Gary Taylor was well ahead of this game when he realized that he and major label thinking were not compatible. Thankfully this was the making of Gary Taylor and through his own efforts he gives us exactly what he wants us to have. As it happens it is exactly the sort of material I want to hear. Furthermore I feel that “Retro Blackness” is a defining moment in Gary’s career. Gary has always addressed issues of love and relationship, and rightly so, and he takes this theme of love to another level, and also a lot deeper. Love for his people, for his culture and his hopes and fears are all here. It is a piece of powerful music, strong, positive music all wrapped up in that unique blend of haunting, erotic, soulful sound that we all love. I can’t really pick out a favourite song.

Just put it in the CD player and press play. This album deserves massive airplay and recognition. For me it is a timely release, and serves as an evaluation for all who wisely invest their time listening to it. I get the impression, through Gary’s music and this CD in particular that he is a very serious, intelligent and very deep man. Gary himself admits that he can be ‘opinionated’, and this CD lets him do that in a very poignant way. Many out there – especially in the rap community – comment on Social issues as they see them, but none so deep, relevant or pertinent as Gary. The Family is a very important institution, and although lots has been written about this, I have not heard anyone really talk about the love relationship the way it is spoken about in the first track “Love Like No Other”. Love, as they say, “is a many splendored thing”, and Gary pinpoints the different love from his parents, his children and the love returned from himself to them in turn.

To read entire review visit: www.soulexpress.net/garytaylor_retro.htm

Barry Towler

Gary Taylor has been doing the “indie soul” thing longer than just about anyone, and has shown that a successful career can be forged outside of the major label world. And while his releases have generally celebrated love and romance, on Retro Blackness he instead celebrates a culture — the culture of Black America. So while there is still an awful lot of sensual romance on the disc, it shines largely due to Taylor’s exposition on his brothers and sisters, a view that is loving and refreshing without being preachy or Pollyanna-like. Taylor simply takes a path that is counter to much of modern urban music, a path of thankfulness and appreciation rather than cynicism.

Musically, Retro Blackness bears a number of fine, memorable compositions. The album (particularly on some of the slower cuts) is occasionally dragged down a bit by repetitive arrangements of electronic keyboards, guitar and programmed drums. But strong songwriting overcomes those limitations, particularly on upbeat cuts such as “Love Like No Other,” “Lovin’ My People” and “My Blackness.” And Taylor’s unassuming tenor voice sounds crisp and clear, working well throughout the disc.

Retro Blackness should both please Taylor’s core base and add new fans. It is a lyrically interesting, musically solid album that is a fine addition to this talented artist’s already-significant discography. Recommended.

Review as posted at: www.soultracks.com/gary_taylor.htm

CR

Okay…whew! Let’s see if I can keep this comment short and sweet, but a sista can go awhile when she’s feelin’ the music. 🙂

My hubby (Tony Brown of WDAS FM in Philadelphia) received Retro Blackness in the mail at the station last night. We decided to listen to it in the car on the long ride into the station this evening (I love listening to CDs in the car, because I can completely absorb them without distraction). Talk about a phenomenal project!!!!!…This album, from start to finish, is absolutely incredible!!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed every tune, and I can’t wait for the ride home at midnight to listen to it again. Thank you, Gary, for always giving us the best!

This one comes highly recommended from this “true” music lover, so friends and fans (new and old) of Gary Taylor, make sure you get your hands on a copy as soon as you are able.

Continued love, peace, blessings and success to you Gary!

Review as posted at: www.myspace.com/garytaylorbohemian

~Sunshine~

(Musical One)

(Sent to radio stations across the country)

Black & Beautiful. Gary Taylor has a hot CD called “Retro Blackness” that recently found its way to my computer. Gary has worked with The Whispers, Anita Baker, Vanessa Williams, Will Downing and many others but he charts a new direction with this project. Retro Blackness is introspective, moody, uplifting, enlightening, and raw. Gary Taylor is a singer/songwriter baring his soul. Retro Blackness is a soulful musical celebration and heartfelt contemplation of a people and a culture. “Anyone who knows me personally knows I’m opinionated.

I just hadn’t voiced these particular thoughts in my music before. But today, you only have to look around to see what is happening to Black America, and I wanted to write about it—about us,” says Taylor. “You don’t have to be a revolutionary to tell it like it is.” Retro Blackness basic and beautiful. Gary is taking us back to the days of Donny Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye with his lyrics and content. This is R&B is stripped to the bone and I dig it. Formula be damned, I don’t even think Gary looped his background vocals. If you’d like to hear some old school music with new school production values, then check out Retro Blackness. I’m really diggin’ the culturally conscience, “Lovin’ My People.” Hit Gary Taylor up at [email protected].

He’ll be more than happy to send you a taste of Retro Blackness.

KF… (The Fly On The Wall)