TAZ TAYLOR
"Caffeine
Racer" (Warner Bros./No Hair; 2004)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
The twelve tracks on the all-instrumental “Caffeine Racer” don’t really stretch the boundaries of guitar instrumentals ... nor did I expect it to. Sometimes it’s enough to hear an artist pour every ounce of emotion into their music and that’s exactly what happens with Taz Taylor’s first disc.
One of my greatest fears when listening to a guitar instrumental is that it will sound too much like Joe Satriani. There are no such problems with “Caffeine Racer” I can assure you. To be sure, the Satriani influences are easy to spot on occasion due to some of the more technical aspects of a few songs, but it’s really the heavy influence of guitarist Michael Schenker that gives “Caffeine Racer” its base and support. I also hear a lot of Vinnie Moore circa the “Meltdown” CD as tracks like “Major Minority” and “On The Edge” will attest to.
“Caffeine Racer” doesn’t overstay its welcome either. The album’s twelve tracks clock in a memorable 35 minutes with zero wasted notes. It’s almost perfect in the senses that it is nearly completely satisfying with just that little hint that leaves you wanting more.
Melody is the bottom line in nearly every single guitar-oriented song and the challenge to come up with twelve memorable songs is no easy trick. Taz Taylor handles the challenge well. The bottom line is that “Caffeine Racer” is chock-full of heartfelt music and I can’t argue with that.
“Caffeine Racer” was produced by Taz Taylor and Richard Livoni; engineering conducted by Livoni. There is a clarity to the production that allows the melodies and tones to shine through like beacons.
On “Caffeine Racer” Taz Taylor plays all guitars, bass, and keyboards; Calvin Lakin plays drums.
For more information visit http://www.taztaylor.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 11 Nov 2008 02:09:05 -0600.
