Eva Taylor – Live At The Pawnshop (2007) [SACD / Opus 3 – CD 22071]
Title: Eva Taylor – Live At The Pawnshop (2007)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC
Singer Eva Taylor (1985-1977) was a blues-jazz vocal star in the first half of the twentieth century, and one of the very first African-American voices to be heard on the radio. Taylor sang in bands led or directed by the protean Clarence Williams, songwriter, pianist, and producer (also her husband). Before they became stars, jazz icons Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet also performed on some of her recordings. While she officially retired in the 1940’s, Taylor would perform sporadically. LEGENDARY is a live set recorded in Sweden in 1976 with a group of traditionally oriented (i.e., New Orleans, hot jazz, and ‘20s pop styles) locals. Backed by a band immersed in the era from which she sprang, Taylor’s rough yet resolute performances are a joy-filled link to pre-WWII classic jazz history.
It was certainly a magical night at the Pawnshop in March, 1976 when a young lady of 81 completely captured and entranced the audience with her stage presence and vibrant personality. Her communication with the musicians and audience combined to elevate her artistry beyond the aural level to include that indefinable ingredient…atmosphere. This atmosphere was retrieved from the Opus 3 vaults from 31 years ago and like a good wine has aged well as lovers of jazz from the twenties will appreciate. Eva Taylor is a direct link with the great era of jazz when she was singing with the Clarence Williams Blue Five and also with Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet who were coming to their peak as influential jazz geniuses in the mid twenties. The band which perfectly complements her artistry is Maggie’s Blue Five and includes Tomas Örnberg on clarinet & soprano saxophone and Bent Persson, trumpet from Tomas Örnberg’s Blue Five and later on, The Swedish Jazz Kings.