Tommy Smith & John Taylor – Love Unrequited
(Available from Bandcamp. Download Review by Patrick Hadfield)
Recorded in New York at the same time as saxophonist Tommy Smith‘s 2003 release Evolution, on which pianist John Taylor also appears, Love Unrequited is a collection of four standards plus “Pure Imagination”, from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and one spontaneous improvisation. A conversation between two masters of their instruments, it is simply beautiful.
The standards are mostly long-time favourites of Smith’s. Billy Strayhorn’s “A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing” is a melody that Smith has played for over 30 years in various settings, including several duos and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Jimmy Rowles’ The Peacocks still often features in Smith’s duo gigs with pianist Peter Johnstone.
In Smith and Taylor’s hands these melodies are a springboard for unhurried improvisation. Both musicians were happy to leave silence to work for them, creating a particular case of “less is more”. The effect feels quite organic – almost as if the tunes were waiting to be discovered so they could grow.
Smith’s connection to Taylor, who died in 2015, began in 1988 when the saxophonist led a quartet featuring Taylor, Norwegian double bass master Arild Andersen and drummer John Marshall.
In a companion note on Bandcamp, Smith writes movingly of the inspiration he took from Taylor:
“John Taylor was an inspirational light that has gone out into the universe. He was a scholarly man with the kindest heart who projected the purest, most exquisite piano sound that ever dawned in the jazz world. One note from John could debase your soul. I will miss him with profound sadness but with a twist of wistfulness, as his beautiful persona has left a warm memory in my soul, like many of those he touched.”
This album, consisting of a series of beautiful interpretations of well-known pieces, is a fitting tribute.
Patrick Hadfield lives in Edinburgh, occasionally takes photographs, and sometimes blogs at On the Beat. He is @patrickhadfield@mastodon.scot on Mastodon.
LINK: Love Unrequited on Bandcamp
