Benjamin Taylor - The Legend of Kung Folk Part 1 (Iris)

Just a couple of years after Benjamin Taylor released the album Another Run Around The Sun, he’s back. But now he’s Benjamin, not Ben, and it does appear that he's added a bit of 'jamin' (apologies for the bad pun). This is a more upbeat adventure and certainly more engaging than his previous efforts.

The son of James Taylor and Carly Simon is obviously blessed with a musical pedigree that few can match, but the burden that comes with that is often hard to live up to. Another Run Around The Sun sounded great, but lacked something. On his third main release it appears Ben (or Benjamin) has found more of a groove.

‘Wrong’ starts with a gentle female vocal enticing you with the refrain “Be So Wrong” before a lovely bass and drum kick in. There’s even a bit of whistling later on as you’re taken for a summery jaunt at a slow and seductive pace. If this is what’s in store for the whole ride, then jump on-board. Equally delicious is the second track ‘She’s Gone’, which has a touch of Tony Rich Project.

If the first two tracks seduced you, then Ben’s quite open about his intentions come track three. The meaning of ‘Wicked Way’ doesn’t need much working out, as the female target is told outright that the singer doesn’t want anything else other than a little bit of bed action; “I don’t want to meet your friends or pretend I like you” she’s told. Here, he really does sound like the naughty son of James Taylor.

We move to a smoky late night club (if there are any left with the smoking ban!) for ‘Dangerous Girl’, which is a full-on slice of R and B; it continues with ‘Something For Nothing’ as the pace drops a bit midway through.

Later, ‘You’re The One For Me’ brightens things back up, with a lovely brass backing and addictive chorus, before the more simple acoustic ‘Space’. The stripped-down piano ballad ‘After It’s Over’ round things off.

Forget all the waffle about the album’s title and ‘Kung Folk’, which is just a little too pretentious; instead focus on winning tracks like ‘It’s Only Love’. This album provides a real opportunity for Benjamin Taylor to shake off his parents' shadow. And with its wonderfully sensual tones and beautiful production, he might do just that.

Rating: 4/5

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Artist: Benjamin Taylor Title: Mass Released: 28/10/1997 Buy Now \| View Details	Artist: Benjamin Taylor Title: Best Loved Hymns Released: 27/03/2001 Buy Now \| View Details

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http://www.bentaylormusic.com/

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Published: 01/04/2009 at 06:23
Author: David Spencer
Links: Permanent Link