'Allan Taylor' History:
BIOFor 30 years Allan Taylor has been considered as the consummate performer, a writer of literary gracefulness whose troubadour chronicles encapsulate the realism of otherwise unsung heroes, otherwise uncharted lives. His songs are faultlessly constructed and flawlessly performed, with his instantly recognisable voice, attractively dark and mellow, accompanied by his intricately detailed yet full-sounding guitar. His album “The Traveller” won the Grand Prix du Disque de Montreaux for the best European album, and his new CD, “Colour to the Moon,” represents the work of an artist at the height of his powers. Looking back as well as forward, few people can convey with such eloquence their life experiences. His songs are written from a lifetime of travelling. Always the observer passing through, each song is a vignette of life, like a story told over a drink in a bar. Each has an integrity that tells you it comes from something real; characters come to life like people you know and places become as familiar as if you had been there. As Allan says at the beginning of each concert, “Sit back and enjoy the journey.” He is an artist, a poet, a singer, call him what you like, but he has the ability to paint pictures using the minimum of words, pictures which demand closer study. (The Living Tradition) I think you are more purely musical than just about anyone I know. I would find it pure pleasure to work with you someday in any way – writing, sharing the stage, whatever. You are one of the very few who record as well as you perform. (Tom Paxton) There's no mystery about his appeal: beautifully crafted, worldly-wise songs with beguiling, precision-built guitar accompaniments, delivered in a firm, American-tinged voice that sounds as if it is telling you a story. (Alistair Clark writing in The Scotsman) He manages to draw to draw you into his world, sometimes amusing you, at other times disturbing you. His gentle sense of humour wins you over as he regales you with anecdotes. Then when your guard is down, he gives you a song that leaves you with a lump in your throat. (Review by Drew McAdam of The Edinburgh Evening News of A.T.’s concert in Edinburgh) Allan Taylor is one of the more literate and sensitive of contemporary songwriters in terms of words and music, and one who is capable of exploring more complex subjects than most of his contemporaries… he should probably be regarded as potentially the most important songwriter of his generation. (Dr. Frederick Woods, The Oxford Book of Traditional Verse) Such is the quality of Allan’s songs that they have been recorded by many performers, including: Don Williams, De Danaan, Dick Gaughan, Fairport Convention, The McCalmans, The John Wright Band, The Fureys, The Clancy Brothers, The Poozies |
Allan Taylor Discography:
| Release Title and date | |
 | Hotels & Dreamers 2003 |
 | The American Album & Cajun Moon 2000 |
 | Colour to the Moon 2000 |
 | Sometimes - The Lady 1998 |
 | Looking for You 1996 |
 | Faded Light 1995 |
 | So Long 1993 |
 | Out of Time 1991 |
 | Lines 1988 |
 | Roll on the Day 1980 |
 | The Traveller 1978 |
