Written By Kliphton Taylor
Music Review Liaison
What You Should Know
What you should know is that music without words can be some of the most impactful creations. The feeling within the tunes, the inner movements that they cause, can raise someone’s frequency to that of an enthusiastic being. That is most definitely what Taylor Fleming’s recent release does- it causes such good, warm feelings.
Taylor Fleming is a pianist, educator and producer from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. In 2021, he graduated from Berklee College of Music after studying Piano Performance and Contemporary Writing & Production. Some of his colleagues are Alain Mallet, Lee Abe, and Dave Santoro just to list a few. His modern take on jazz speaks to his love of traditional music, as well as his musical curiosities as he achieves contemporary jazz.
Fleming’s music is inspired by many, diverse artists such as Alan Pasqua, Third Eye Blind, and the late west coast Grammy Award-winning drummer Steve Mitchell. In fact, Mitchell mentored Fleming, sharing profound experiences and wisdom. Taylor’s zest for music and music education was seen in his work directing the music program at Pennsylvania’s Donald Heiter Community Center. His passion for helping the youth was acknowledged by his alma mater when he received the Berklee Urban Service Award. It would appear that Taylor Fleming is destined for success in music and in the court of public opinion.
What It Sounds Like
A Book About Birds - EP sounds like a lucid daydream. It seamlessly interweaves resonances of Bossa Nova, Classical, Flamenco, Hip-Hop and Jazz. This four-track extended play is refreshing to the ears and can affect any true music lover. Fleming is giving us diversity on a platter. He’s giving us a celebration of life, love, beauty and wholeness. His music allows a mind to relax, a soul to decompress, and a body to move & shake with a kundalini sway.
August 12, 2022, Taylor released the adventuresome lead single ‘Oiseau,’ and it is a starred fan favorite on Apple Music; highly indicative of his impact on fans. The album cover is just as bright and lovely as the track list. He adds more layers to beautiful light instrumentals, adding slight vocals to songs like ‘Lintu’ and the unassuming ‘Paloma.’ Delightfully arranged, “A Book About Birds” is top-notch contemporary jazz. Tell your friends.
Spiritual Highlights
To be frank, the entire extended play is a spiritual highlight. Taylor Fleming’s creative expression music feels innate, it feels to be a reveal of his great soul. Spending time with his mentor Steve Mitchell helped Fleming to discover the power of not only spirituality, but the power of spirituality in music.
If you want to unwind after work, press play on “A Book About Birds.” If you want to unwind before work, press play on “A Book About Birds.” Thinking of going on a nice stroll? Don’t leave the house without adding “A Book About Birds” to your queue of songs. Thinking of sending someone you love a message of love & light, send a link to “A Book About Birds.” Inquisitive minds will follow Taylor Fleming because they know he releases excellence.
Standout Tracks
‘Paloma,’ the last track to “A Book About Birds” is a standout track, because it begins very coy like and then unfolds into a tune having its own mind. All harmonious resonance coming from a song that demonstrates remarkable combinations and melodies. The drums are dancing along with the piano.
Another fly track on this new extended play is ‘Flamenco,’ the first track. Fleming captures Spanish and traditional vibrations and lays them out wonderfully in less than five minutes. This song mesmerizes with incredible culture, spirit, and tonality. Music fans will have to add this EP to their music libraries after pressing play.
For Fans Of
Igor Levit, David Billingsley, Fabiano do Nascimento, Vikingur Olafsson
Final Recommendation
It is highly recommended that you purchase, stream, and support the debut release from Pennsylvania pianist & leader. The more streams, the more we call on Fleming for another release- prayerfully, a long-play album. But for now, we can bask in the newness of “A Book About Birds.” He and the piano are unbreakable, like Alicia Keys. When she hears this project, she just may have to reach out to give props.
Taylor Fleming On the Web
Official Website
