Andrea Verdin - Vision Magazine April 2008

It's really hard to find music that actually has a message behind it. So when I picked up Christopher Taylor's CD Remains To Be Seen, I was immediately impressed with the fact that this guy is actually singing about things that are happening in my life. I think it's the fact that Taylor is singing about experiences that he's had in his own life and reflections about the world surrounding him that make it worthwhile. Some of his songs, like The Hum and Oudman, are just fun beats that kept my head bobbing while at work.

What makes Taylor's music different from everything else you'll hear is the fact that while there are definitely some rarely heard instruments like the pennywhistle, ebow, and balalaika, the sound and rhythm of the music still have a contemporary feel. It's hard to find the balance between experimenting with instruments and just creating noise and sounding cheesy, and Taylor's CD does a good job of keeping that balance. The reason I'd keep listening to this CD is because while the music is great, Taylor's ethereal voice is infused very well with his background singers, creating some amazing harmonies that set a serene setting, whether you're using the CD to help you relax or if you just want to listen to something positive while you're at work. My favorite song is Fate, because it's got an intense message.

Here's a sample of the lyrics: Sometimes I question/ Just what there is to lose;/ I realize that it's way too much/And I'm back to see it through. Definitely pick up this CD if you're feeling like you need something relaxing but with a funky beat! - AV

Some artists mature over time, while others seem to appear at a place considerably along the maturation process. In the case of Christopher Taylor, a songwriter who has a considerable amount to share, I experienced all kinds of maturing from repeated listenings, as the songs and expert musicianship kept calling me back to revisit the thematic vignettes that appear from song to song. His "Remains to be Seen" CD is not unlike a movie with intersecting scenes that work to piece together the greater whole. Overflowing with an abundance of real life metaphors and simple symbolism, the baker's dozen of 13 songs find this artist consistently rendering gems that mine the language of the labyrinths of the heart. And the manner in which he explores these realms with compelling simplicity lends a well-founded credibility that he knows of what he sings, both in himself and about the world surrounding him. While his CD is thoroughly modern, I found it noteworthy that two musical reference points were a couple of icons from decades past, namely The Moody Blues and Jimmy Buffett. The messages and intermittent harmonies are closer to the universality of The Moody Blues, while what I heard in common with Buffett is the often laid-back island flavor, not the lifestyle!

The musicianship is such that it took a few listens for the excellence to fully surface. Seasoned players, such as Jack Lee and M.B. Gordy (who collectively played with Tracy Nelson & Mother Earth, Bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, Frank Zappa, John Tesh, Three Dog Night, Loggins and Messina, Bill Withers, Green Day, REO Speedwagon, Neil Diamond.) bring perfectly evident elements of interplay, a few unusual instruments and a balanced approach that shifts from the forefront to background exactly as required to help the songs come to life. Other artists, such as Richard Hardy, Onyay Pheori and co-producer/multi-instrumentalist Johhny Om comprise a band that was quite clearly having a playfully joyous time mixing contemporary sounds with ample rhythmic portions and plenty of chances for the players to stretch out. The camaraderie of the musicians is easy to tap into, as you get a strong sense of how much they enjoyed laying down the often sophisticated and always pleasurable music layers that provide the inspired backdrop for the knowing songs.

I encourage you to spend some quality time with these songs, and assure you that will be thoroughly rewarded, as Christopher Taylor has poured a lot of himself into this fine CD. While his songs indeed cover a lot of bases, it is not an "on the fence" kind of outing, even though a couple compositions deal directly with decisiveness. All feet are firmly planted on the earth where growth, awareness and positive outlook co-exist among the growing pains and surrender as equal parts in the mix of life. As well, hearts are open and the soul's gaze is clearly skyward, whether it feels serene, energetic or even a bit raucous here and there. "Remains to be Seen" is an honest and poetic account of Taylor's own journey as a human being, and you just may find it offers a mirror of your own path as well.

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Quotes

There are only a few New Age Vocalists and most of them are mostly Celtic, Gregorian or Mantra chants. Christopher Taylor is an exception. His lyrics are intelligent, encouraging and engaging. Christopher Taylor's songs on his new thought album REMAINS TO BE SEEN are inspiring for anyone who is on a spiritual path and/or experiences personal growth and transformation.

His lyrics are very personal and tell his own story, on the other hand they are universal and ring true to the heart. His music is a beautiful blend of soft rock, folk and new age. A great production from Organically
Grown Music!

-Suzanne Doucet
Only New Age Music

'Honest and heartfelt....Christopher Taylor's "Remains to be Seen" inspires listeners with a look into self-discovery, humanity and social consciousness.'

-Kathleen Monahan
KDM Promotions

Christopher Taylor's voice is so beautiful, so deep and passionate, as is his music ...moving every emotion in my soul.

-April Miranda,
Open Mind Radio

Christopher Taylor creates music that will leave you wanting more. His heartfelt lyrics and memorable songs will please your ears and touch your soul.

-Eugene Foley,
Foley Entertainment, Inc.

Christopher Taylor's "Love's Just Around The Corner" is a gentle uplifting tune carried by soft guitars, whose soothing instrumentation and vocals really make you believe what the song's title suggests.

-Amanda Alexandrakis, SBMP

"Christopher Taylor's sound is a delightful blend of pop, rock and world music. The upbeat lyrics and soulful tunes on his "Remains to Be Seen" CD just make you feel good."

-Carolyn Fox
Host of KHZ Radio with Carolyn Fox

"Relaxing music to soothe your weary soul. There's a lot of noise out there. Christopher will help you forget it so that you can focus on what's important."

-Jodi Krangle
Proprietress of The Muse's Muse Songwriting Resource

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