Moon River – new single 2 Jun 2024, 12:04 pm

ALISON BURNS & MARTIN TAYLOR RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘MOON RIVER’ 

AHEAD OF THE RELEASE OF FORTHCOMING ALBUM “SONGS FOR NATURE”  OUT ON JUNE 5^TH VIA P3 MUSIC

Listen ‘Moon River’ HERE
Pre-Order “Songs For Nature” HERE

Scottish-Canadian jazz singer Alison Burns and British fingerstyle guitarist Martin Taylor are releasing today a new single, ‘Moon River,’ ahead of the release of their forthcoming album, Songs for Nature, set for June 5^th via P3 Music.

The duo explains the story behind this legendary jazz standard and their approach to it in a new video, available here.

More than just a collection of timeless jazz standards, “Songs for Nature” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of the natural world and the creative souls it has influenced. The album emerges as a beacon of hope amidst today’s environmental challenges. In an era of global environmental upheaval, the redemptive power of music carves out a sanctuary of solace, a theme resonating deeply in “Songs for Nature”. Marking its release on World Environment Day, on June 5^th, this album stands as a tribute to the enduring bond between music and nature. Watch Alison Burns & Martin Taylor explaining the concept of the album and talking about the making of it here.

When every action towards environmental preservation counts, Alison and Martin’s “Songs for Nature” will inspire a gentler, kinder, more sustainable interaction with our planet.

“This album is not just about great love but more about the protection of all animals and nature”. – states Alison Burns. “Through the timeless music and enchanting lyrics of these carefully hand-picked songs, we began to create a musical love letter to the natural world. The beauty and delicate balance of nature become ever clearer when we see ourselves as a part of it and not apart from it so as not to be indifferent to animals and the planet’s precious ecosystems”.

Martin Taylor adds: “Alison and I are both very passionate about nature, the environment, and the protection of all animal and plant life. This music reflects our love of nature and the gratitude we feel for being born on this unique planet. We are surrounded by miracles, and we are part of that miracle. We share this music to remind ourselves of the importance of being in harmony with nature and, through that connection, seeing our place within this miracle”.

Alison Burns brings a smoky, sultry, and understated delivery that seems tailor-made for the intimate embrace of a dimly lit jazz club yet has enthralled everyone from exuberant music festival attendees to British royalty.

Martin Taylor, described by Pat Metheny as one of the most spectacular solo guitar players in the instrument’s history, co-pilots this journey. Taylor, a virtuoso whose fingers dance over strings with a finesse that’s both heart-stopping and profound, ensures that “Songs for Nature” is imbued with the touch of a master craftsman.

The album was recorded amidst the pristine beauty of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Produced by James Taylor and engineered by John Valesio (Norah Jones), Grammy-Award winner Dave O’Donnell (Jason Mraz, Kurt Elling, Sheryl Crow), Cicely Balston (David Bowie, Nick Cave) – each song resonates with the care and intention that only true reverence for nature can inspire.

Alison and Martin are not just musicians at the height of their powers; they are also sonic naturalists. This album is their field recording, capturing not the sounds of the wild but the emotions it stirs within us.

2024 Tour Dates

May 25, 2024 Wareham, Devon, UK – Purbeck Guitar Festival
June 17-20, 2024 Gubbio, Umbria, Italy – Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat
Sep 23-24, 2024 London, England – Pizza Express Jazz Club – Soho
Oct 18, 2024 Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, Wales – Rhosygilwen
Oct 20, 2024 Colchester, Essex, England – Colchester Arts Centre
Oct 23, 2024 Eastleigh, Hampshire, England – Concorde Club
Oct 25, 2024 Perth, Perthshire, Scotland – Perth Theatre
Oct 30, 2024 Shoreham by the Sea, Sussex, England – Ropetackle Arts Centre

The post Moon River – new single first appeared on Martin Taylor.

Lullaby of the Leaves – new single 9 May 2024, 9:42 pm

ALISON BURNS & MARTIN TAYLOR RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘LULLABY OF THE LEAVES’ FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM “SONGS FOR NATURE” OUT ON JUNE 5^TH VIA P3 MUSIC

Listen to ‘Lullaby Of The Leaves’ on Spotify
Listen to ‘Lullaby Of The Leaves’ on Apple Music
Pre-Order “Songs For Nature” HERE

Scottish-Canadian jazz singer Alison Burns and British fingerstyle guitarist Martin Taylor are releasing today a new single, ‘Lullaby Of The Leaves,’ the third take from their forthcoming album, Songs for Nature. They also recently announced a series of UK tour dates, plus a Guitar Retreat in Italy.

The new single drops just a few days before the ‘Love A Tree Day’ on May 16^th, underlining the duo’s strong commitment to sustainability. Alison & Martin are partnering with ‘Trees for Life’ to plant a woodland in Scotland to offset the carbon created from the recording, manufacturing, and touring of the album. More information here.

“Songs for Nature”is scheduled for release on June 5th via P3 Music. More than just a collection of timeless jazz standards, “Songs for Nature”serves as a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of the natural world and the creative souls it has influenced. The album emerges as a beacon of hope amidst today’s environmental challenges. In an era of global environmental upheaval, the redemptive power of music carves out a sanctuary of solace, a theme resonating deeply in “Songs for Nature”. Marking its release on World Environment Day, on June 5^th, this album stands as a tribute to the enduring bond between music and nature.

When every action towards environmental preservation counts, Alison and Martin’s “Songs for Nature” will inspire a gentler, kinder, more sustainable interaction with our planet.

“This album is not just about great love but more about the protection of all animals and nature”. – states Alison Burns. “Through the timeless music and enchanting lyrics of these carefully hand-picked songs, we began to create a musical love letter to the natural world. The beauty and delicate balance of nature become ever clearer when we see ourselves as a part of it and not apart from it so as not to be indifferent to animals and the planet’s precious ecosystems”.

Martin Taylor adds: “Alison and I are both very passionate about nature, the environment, and the protection of all animal and plant life. This music reflects our love of nature and the gratitude we feel for being born on this unique planet. We are surrounded by miracles, and we are part of that miracle. We share this music to remind ourselves of the importance of being in harmony with nature and, through that connection, seeing our place within this miracle”.

Alison Burns brings a smoky, sultry, and understated delivery that seems tailor-made for the intimate embrace of a dimly lit jazz club yet has enthralled everyone from exuberant music festival attendees to British royalty.

Martin Taylor, described by Pat Metheny as one of the most spectacular solo guitar players in the instrument’s history, co-pilots this journey. Taylor, a virtuoso whose fingers dance over strings with a finesse that’s both heart-stopping and profound, ensures that “Songs for Nature” is imbued with the touch of a master craftsman.

The album was recorded amidst the pristine beauty of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Produced by James Taylor and engineered by John Valesio (Norah Jones), Grammy-Award winner Dave O’Donnell (Jason Mraz, Kurt Elling, Sheryl Crow), Cicely Balston (David Bowie, Nick Cave) – each song resonates with the care and intention that only true reverence for nature can inspire.

Alison and Martin are not just musicians at the height of their powers; they are also sonic naturalists. This album is their field recording, capturing not the sounds of the wild but the emotions it stirs within us.

The post Lullaby of the Leaves – new single first appeared on Martin Taylor.

Songs for Nature – New Album Out Now 5 May 2024, 1:06 am

ALISON BURNS & MARTIN TAYLOR RELEASE NEW ALBUM “SONGS FOR NATURE” OUT NOW VIA P3 MUSIC ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Listen/Order “Songs For Nature” HERE

Scottish-Canadian jazz singer Alison Burns and British fingerstyle guitarist Martin Taylor are proud to release their new album, “Songs for Nature”, today via P3 Music.

Marking its release on World Environment Day, this album is a testament to Alison and Martin’s commitment to ecological awareness, standing as a tribute to the enduring bond between music and nature. More than just a collection of timeless jazz standards, “Songs for Nature” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of the natural world and the creative souls it has influenced. The album emerges as a beacon of hope amidst today’s environmental challenges. In an era of global environmental upheaval, the redemptive power of music carves out a sanctuary of solace, a theme resonating deeply in “Songs for Nature”. Watch Alison Burns & Martin Taylor explaining the concept of the album and talking about the making of it here.

When every action towards environmental preservation counts, Alison and Martin’s “Songs for Nature” inspires a gentler, kinder, more sustainable interaction with our planet.

“This album is not just about great love but more about the protection of all animals and nature”. – states Alison Burns. “Through the timeless music and enchanting lyrics of these carefully hand-picked songs, we began to create a musical love letter to the natural world. The beauty and delicate balance of nature become ever clearer when we see ourselves as a part of it and not apart from it so as not to be indifferent to animals and the planet’s precious ecosystems”.

Martin Taylor adds: “Alison and I are both very passionate about nature, the environment, and the protection of all animal and plant life. This music reflects our love of nature and the gratitude we feel for being born on this unique planet. We are surrounded by miracles, and we are part of that miracle. We share this music to remind ourselves of the importance of being in harmony with nature and, through that connection, seeing our place within this miracle”.

Alison Burns brings a smoky, sultry, and understated delivery that seems tailor-made for the intimate embrace of a dimly lit jazz club yet has enthralled everyone from exuberant music festival attendees to British royalty.

Martin Taylor, described by Pat Metheny as one of the most spectacular solo guitar players in the instrument’s history, co-pilots this journey. Taylor, a virtuoso whose fingers dance over strings with a finesse that’s both heart-stopping and profound, ensures that “Songs for Nature” is imbued with the touch of a master craftsman.

Alison Burns & Martin Taylor will embark on a UK tour in September and October; right after a series of live dates in the US during the summer. Check the UK dates here.

The album was recorded amidst the pristine beauty of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Produced by James Taylor and engineered by John Valesio (Norah Jones), Grammy-Award winner Dave O’Donnell (Jason Mraz, Kurt Elling, Sheryl Crow), Cicely Balston (David Bowie, Nick Cave) – each song resonates with the care and intention that only true reverence for nature can inspire.

Alison and Martin are not just musicians at the height of their powers; they are also sonic naturalists. This album is their field recording, capturing not the sounds of the wild but the emotions it stirs within us.

SONGS FOR NATURE
1. The Gentle Rain
2. Nature Boy
3. The Best Things In Life Are Free
4. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
5. Hushabye Mountain
6. Little Jazz Bird
7. Lemon Twist
8. Someone To Watch Over Me
9. I’ve Got The World On A String
10. Lullaby Of The Leaves
11. A Foggy Day
12. You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me
13. Lullaby Of Birdland
14. Moon River

About Alison Burns & Martin Taylor

Martin Taylor is widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing. He dazzles audiences with a signature style that artfully combines his virtuosity, emotion and humour with a strong, engaging stage presence. In addition to his solo concerts and recordings, he has collaborated with musicians from many different genres, including Jeff Beck, Bill Wyman, Stephane Grappelli, Bryn Terfel, and George Harrison. Over his stellar career, Taylor has amassed a record 14 British Jazz Awards as a guitarist, received two Honorary Doctorates, and received an MBE for Services To Jazz Music.

There are singers, and there are jazz singers. There are jazz singers, and there are a few artists who bring more to the microphone – their life, love, heartaches and joy. Alison Burns is one of those artists. She released her debut album ‘Kissing Bug’ in 2007, followed by 1:AM, Last Train to Hauteville, Freternity, and I’ll Be Home For Christmas. These acclaimed albums captured the essence of jazz divas like Julie London and Ella Fitzgerald but with a modern sensibility that resonates globally, underscoring her unique ability to marry the spirit of a bygone jazz age with a contemporary and wide-reaching appeal. Alison Burns is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and was awarded the International Brand Laureate Award whose other recipients have included Aretha Franklin, Taylor Swift and Adele.

The post Songs for Nature – New Album Out Now first appeared on Martin Taylor.

The Gentle Rain – new single and video from Martin Taylor and Alison Burns 2 May 2024, 3:20 pm

Scottish-Canadian jazz singer Alison Burns and British fingerstyle jazz guitarist Martin Taylor have announced UK and US tour dates to promote their forthcoming album ‘Songs for Nature’. The announcement of the tour dates on May 3rd coincides with the release of ‘The Gentle Rain’, the second single from the album.

The tour will make stops in New York, Seattle, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, England, Wales and Scotland. And to mark the tour announcement Alison Burns and Martin Taylor are releasing ‘The Gentle Rain’ a single and video from their forthcoming album ‘Songs for Nature’. The single is released on May 3rd while the album is released on P3 Music on June 5th.

Alison Burns brings a smoky, sultry, and understated delivery that seems tailor-made for the intimate embrace of a dimly lit jazz club, yet has enthralled everyone from exuberant music festival attendees to British royalty. Her acclaimed albums ‘Kissing Bug’ and ‘1:AM’ captured the essence of jazz divas like Julie London and Ella Fitzgerald but with a modern sensibility that resonates globally, underscoring her unique ability to marry the spirit of a bygone jazz age with a contemporary and wide-reaching appeal. This musical blend has taken her on four worldwide tours, enchanting audiences in cities from San Francisco to Shanghai, London to Los Angeles, and solidifying her reputation as a modern-day torchbearer of the vocal jazz tradition.

Martin Taylor, described by Pat Metheny as one of the most spectacular solo guitar players in the history of the instrument, co-pilots this journey. Taylor, a virtuoso whose fingers dance over strings with a finesse that’s both heart-stopping and profound, ensures that ‘Songs for Nature’ is imbued with the touch of a master craftsman. With a career that includes collaborations ranging from Jeff Beck and Stephane Grappelli to Bill Wyman and Jamie Cullum, Taylor’s guitar playing weaves a rich tapestry of sound that perfectly complements Burns’ vocal artistry.

This duo’s collaborative alchemy is on full display on ‘The Gentle Rain.’ Together they have crafted a soundtrack that is as evocative of the earth’s wonders as it is of human emotion. Recorded amidst the pristine beauty of New York’s Catskill Mountains, each song resonates with the care and intention that only true reverence for nature can inspire.

Visit Martin Taylor’s tour dates for ticket information:

‘Songs for Nature’ Tour Dates:

May 25, 2024 Wareham, Devon, UK – Purbeck Guitar Festival
June 17-20, 2024 Gubbio, Umbria, Italy – Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat
Aug 3, 2024 Stony Brook, NY, USA – Art of the Guitar Festival at The Jazz Loft
Aug 26-29, 2024 Big Indian, NY, USA – Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat
Sep 5, 2024 Old Saybrook, CT, USA – The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
Sep 6, 2024 Sellersville, PA, USA – Sellersville Theater
Sep 7, 2024 Mission Viejo, CA, USA – Mission Viejo Civic Center
Sep 10-11, 2024 Seattle, WA, USA – Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
Sep 23-24, 2024 London, England – Pizza Express Jazz Club – Soho
Oct 18, 2024 Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, Wales – Rhosygilwen
Oct 20, 2024 Colchester, Essex, England – Colchester Arts Centre
Oct 23, 2024 Eastleigh, Hampshire, England – Concorde Club
Oct 25, 2024 Perth, Perthshire, Scotland – Perth Theatre
Oct 30, 2024 Shoreham by the Sea, Sussex, England – Ropetackle Arts Centre

The post The Gentle Rain – new single and video from Martin Taylor and Alison Burns first appeared on Martin Taylor.

Nature Boy – single release for Earth Day 19 Apr 2024, 8:36 am

Nature Boy is the first single from Alison Burns and Martin Taylor’s new album ‘Songs for Nature’. Listen to the album on Spotify, Apple or pre-order the album here.  

‘Nature Boy’ video created by Patrick Rooney  

Scottish-Canadian jazz singer Alison Burns and British fingerstyle guitarist Martin Taylor are thrilled to announce their new album, “Songs for Nature”. The release of the first single “Nature Boy” will coincide with Earth Day on April 22nd.  

“Songs for Nature” is scheduled for release on June 5th via P3 Music. More than just a collection of timeless jazz standards, “Songs for Nature” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of the natural world and the creative souls it has influenced. The album emerges as a beacon of hope amidst today’s environmental challenges. In an era of global environmental upheaval, the redemptive power of music carves out a sanctuary of solace, a theme resonating deeply in “Songs for Nature”.  

Marking its release on World Environment Day, on June 5th, this album stands as a tribute to the enduring bond between music and nature. The first single “Nature Boy” evokes elemental emotions in the listener, akin to the experience of being immersed in nature. From awe and wonder to peace and tranquillity, from joy and melancholy, from the highest highs to the lowest lows, Alison voice resonates with the very essence of our natural world.

The post Nature Boy – single release for Earth Day first appeared on Martin Taylor.

10 Principles of Jazz Accompaniment | Martin Taylor & Alison Burns (New Truefire Course) 11 Mar 2024, 6:31 am

The art of comping for a vocalist requires a significantly different approach than comping with a soloist. Supporting a soloist requires more complex play and adapting to improvisations with varied chords and rhythms. Comping for a vocalist calls for a more elegant approach that underscores the melody without overshadowing the vocal performance.

Fingerstyle jazz legend Martin Taylor has collaborated with hundreds of world-class musicians in virtually every setting, from duos and trios to ensembles and big bands. Drawing on years of experience, Martin and special guest Alison Burns guide you through a highly enlightening, interactive masterclass, 10 Principles of Jazz Accompaniment.

” Joining me on this course is the highly acclaimed jazz vocalist Alison Burns. Together, we’ll share and demonstrate what we consider to be the ten most important considerations for guitarists when accompanying a singer.

We’ll cover approaches for determining the optimal key, mood, and tempo for a song. We’ll also demonstrate how guitarists can complement the performance with dynamics, space, and fills. You’ll also learn key considerations for integrating the voice and guitar into a seamless conversation.”

Martin and Alison use five songs, in various feels and tempos, as the framework for the masterclass. Each individual song features a series of lessons explaining and demonstrating the ‘principles’ that they will embrace when performing the song in a duo setting. After the performance, you’ll apply what learned in a musical context by practicing with a playalong track featuring just Alison’s vocal performance.

You’ll have TrueFire’s interactive learning tools to personalize your workspace and learn at your own pace.

The demonstrations and performances are tabbed, notated, and synced to videos with controls for looping, slow motion, fretboard animation, and many other tools designed to accelerate learning.

Grab your guitar, and let’s dig in with Martin Taylor and Alison Burns!

Start learning today: https://bit.ly/43aPECA
Learn more about the course: https://bit.ly/3v4G07V

The post 10 Principles of Jazz Accompaniment | Martin Taylor & Alison Burns (New Truefire Course) first appeared on Martin Taylor.

Guitar Conversations – Peppino D’Agostino (Part 1)[GC014] 25 Nov 2020, 8:00 pm

Here is the episode of my guitar conversation with Peppino D’Agostino(Part 1). To see the full interview go to http://bit.ly/MTML-patreon

Support these videos by becoming a Martin Taylor Patron on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/martintaylormusic 

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• Guitar Retreats
• YouTube
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Guitar Conversation – Peter Ind (Part 1)[GC013] 11 Nov 2020, 8:00 pm

Here is the episode of my guitar conversation with Peter Ind (Part 1). To see the full interview go to http://bit.ly/MTML-patreon

Support these videos by becoming a Martin Taylor Patron on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/martintaylormusic 

• Website
• Patreon
• Guitar School
• Guitar Retreats
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The post Guitar Conversation – Peter Ind (Part 1)[GC013] first appeared on Martin Taylor.

The Dolphin – Martin Taylor [SS033] 4 Nov 2020, 7:00 pm

Hi, This is Martin Taylor Studio Sessions.
Today I play the fingerstyle guitar version of The Dolphin. Enjoy The Show

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Two For The Road – Martin Taylor [CS013] 28 Oct 2020, 7:00 pm

In This Episode of my Concert Session, I play the Fingerstyle version of Two For The Road. Feel free to share this video widely : )

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