From Nai Palm of Melbourne’s Hiatus Kaiyote on “The Antidote”, through Emily King on “Decisions” (“one of the best singers alive in my opinion” – McFerrin) and on to labelmate RYAT’s collaboration on “A Place In My Heart”, each adds a different mood and lift to the music they’re involved with. Taylor’s father, the legendary Bobby McFerrin, teams up with Brazilian master Cesar Mariano on “Invisible/Visible” for one of the jazziest moments on the record. Robert Glasper, Thundercat and Marcus Gilmore also provide their substantial jazz chops to “Already There”. But the key to the whole record is the balance which McFerrin keeps throughout – between his guest’s individuality and his own vision, between the styles of music he loves, between a feeling of intense, sunlit joy and a deep aching sadness, which, it could be argued, is a definition of soul. Since creating a major buzz with his first EP, Broken Vibes, McFerrin has toured worldwide as a one man show and has played major festivals such as Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, The Big Chill, and Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival. Nike KD 9 In his home base of New York City, he has performed at such legendary venues as The Apollo, The Blue Note, Radio City Music Hall and The Lincoln Jazz Center opening up for artists such as Erykah Badu, The Roots, Nas, Talib Kweli and Robert Glasper. Nike Air More Uptempo In addition to producing and performing, Taylor has served as the Head Instructor of the pioneering Beat Rockers program over the past 4 years, teaching beatboxing and musical self-expression to students who are blind and/or have multiple disabilities at the Lavelle School for the Blind in the Bronx. Asics authentique Taylor’s ability to create and evolve musically by drawing inspiration from all corners of his life translates into a music of exceptional honesty and emotional directness, deep sophistication and effortless style.
-
Jon Murphy