Ah, live gigs do you remember them? They're hard to beat and this brings back fond memories of the good old days before COVID-19 lockdown when a few hundred or so real music fans crowded into their local club, bar, or in this case, London's The Green Note.
Sean Taylor is a troubadour on stage who has paid his dues over something like two decades around bars, clubs, concert halls, and festivals, playing and singing with no small amount of skill and passion. ‘Live in London’ features songs old and new, self-penned, and covers drawn from a rich tradition of blues and roots music. Perhaps it’s best enjoyed with a refreshing glass or two. Will we ever see and hear the likes again?
Your heart goes out to the likes of Sean Taylor at the present time. He makes a living on the road; a fine honest living, playing venues throughout Europe and beyond. He had a list of gigs lined up from March to September 2020, taking him through England, Scotland, and Germany. All now gone.
‘Live in London’ documents one of his nightly shows at The Green Note from October 2019. The recording expertly captures the show and the atmosphere replete with the crisp sound of acoustic guitar and vocals. It really does remind you that it is, was, hard to beat a live gig. The material comes from his back catalogue with a couple of covers thrown in.
I like his songwriting. It’s honest and direct, personal and passionate, fresh and modern while showing a respect and knowledge for those that have come before. ‘Little Donny’ fairly spears the leader of the free world. ‘This is England’ reminds me of Billy Bragg at his best. As well as the political, he can also write the touching and personal such as ‘The Only Good Addiction is Love’, and ‘Troubadour’.
Taylor has strong voice and fine, effective guitar playing. He seems to have built up an
excellent stage presence and through a great connection with his audience has them hanging on every word and note.
I would happily go to a Sean Taylor gig confident that I would hear a skilled performer playing great music. This album is a great introduction to, or souvenir of his art – highly recommended and it might keep you going until live music is once again a vital part of our lives.