Quirky NY Chick: Early Evening Crowd Delighted By Adam Taylor

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Early Evening Crowd Delighted By Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor: June 8 @ Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY

This past Tuesday, I headed to the LES to see folk-rock, singer/songwriter Adam Taylor perform an early (6PM) set at Rockwood Music Hall. I've seen Taylor

perform several times, along with his songstress partner-in-crime Kate Young. This show was different, well, at least it was to us New Yorkers. This was a full band show!

I've written about Taylor and Young before. They're both incredibly talented and never fail to put on a terrific show. I always look forward to catching them when they're in town. So, when I found out this would be a band show, I got even more excited. How could I not be excited to hear two great voices kicking things up a notch with a band.

Taylor is a down-to-earth, charming and witty performer. That didn't change with the added instrumentation. It enhanced it. Everyone seemed to be having a great time on-stage. His shows always make you feel like he's welcoming you into his home. I suppose in essence, he is. For those forty-five minutes or so, the venue is his living room and he has invited you over to hang out and listen to music; opening the door to his world song by song.

For those of us who hadn't experienced Taylor in full band form before, it was a true treat. The show even saw Taylor strapping on an electric guitar for a couple of songs ... getting a little bluesy. The group capably handled a variety of genres which is part of Taylor's charm. One minute Taylor was leading his band, Jason Hoffheins (drums) and Mike Giblin (bass) through "Jazzonia" a song that could easily fit into any pop standard catalogue. The next moment he's taking you through jazzy waters with "Story of the Sea-green Sky, Pt. 2" and then taking you into funky James Brown territory with "Elvis." There was even

his cover of "No Diggity/Come Together." Until Tuesday, I'd only heard it via a YouTube clip. It was fun to hear live.

It was over all too quickly for me. I could listen to Taylor perform all night. Just when I think this young man can't get any better than he already is, he proves me wrong. He writes terrific songs and surrounds himself with equally talented musicians. He's a star waiting to happen. I highly recommend catching a show if you have the opportunity, be it as a duo or a full band. You won't be disappointed.

Taylor has an upcoming New York performance at The Living Room on June 30. This too will be a full band show and also an early show, 7PM. Pop 'round and catch him at this intimate venue before he blows up.

Check out photos and videos from Tuesday's set.