Jazz Coop @ The Globe: Paul Taylor/ Simon Taylor And The Sundowners: June 20

Paul Taylor (keys, electronics)

The Sundowners: Simon Taylor (guitar, voice); Paul Taylor (keys); Dan Pietruszka (bass guitar);

Jon Foster (drums); Ivelina Moverderska (voice)

(Review by Ann Alex/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew.)

A double-header tonight and intriguingly different music. Paul Taylor played Clavinova, arguably, like it’s never been played before!  Music, completely improvised, but with help from a small electronic device on the top of the instrument.  Forget the horrendous mismatched tones of some electronic music – this was lovely, mellifluous, flowing, sometimes concerto-like, echoes, bending notes, gentle reverb, musical-box effects, insistent riffs, some jazzy blue note phrases (did I hear bits of Summertime?).  Very relaxing to listen to. Taylor did a good job, playing continuously throughout the first set.  Try to catch Paul at your next opportunity.

Enter The Sundowners.  I don’t think I’d call this jazz but it was very enjoyable, especially Ivelina who,  dressed in a sparkly black top, leggings and a long white scarf,  had a strong sultry voice and loads of stage presence.  She had what we used to call ‘big hair’ in the 1970’s and she occasionally produced a fan with which to cool herself down.  Difficult to classify, so why try?  Perhaps rock with elements of cabaret and call and response duets from the singers.  What’s more, all the songs were original, with titles such as Cadiz; Gigilo Daddy; Continental Girl; Hollywood Smile; Mystery Blues; Corazon; In The Sun. Very competent musicians, especially good on the Bossa numbers.  Memorable hooks in the songs too, such as:

 ‘Hollywood smile, the girl’s got style’ and ‘Where can I find the true spark of the mystery’ in a song about walking in Paris.

Their CD Continental Girl is available and a second CD is on its way shortly, entitled New York City Girl.

Ann Alex