Paul Taylor plays Studio688 this Friday.
Paul “Snowflake” Taylor’s reputation as one of the most versatile and talented musicians in Memphis, TN is well-earned. He’s a virtuosic multi-instrumentalist, capable on almost any instrument, including bass, drums, guitar, and the loop-station, and a veteran of countless local bands. Taylor is also an accomplished songwriter and bandleader, with two excellent solo albums – 2007’s Open Closed and 2009’s Share It – under his belt.
This Friday night at Studio688, Taylor will stage what he’s calling a “coming-out party” for his latest musical endeavor, a new EP of material dubbed The Old Forest Trail. For those familiar with Taylor’s work, the record is a dramatic shift from the frenetic, funky pop-style he’s known for.
“I have such a knack for unintentionally totally overcomplicating things to the point of making them unfinishable,” says Taylor.
“This EP, and all of the acoustic music I’ve been leaning toward in general, is a move towards stripping away the image of me being some sort of musician’s musician, and hopefully now making music that actual music listeners can relate to.”
Joining Taylor on-stage Friday will be a collection of talented musicians, including members of Taylor’s live outfit The Merry Mobile and local folk/bluegrass banjo-picker Richard Alan Ford, who will also open the show.
“I should have chosen an opener (Ford) that wouldn’t make me look so bad, but he’s absolutely one of my favorite local artists and he very rarely plays shows. He’s so sublime,” says Taylor.
Paul Taylor and Richard Alan Ford play Studio688 (688 S. Cox) on Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
