The Guitar Player's Resource
Especially noteworthy this time is the long-anticipated debut album from California's LT, aka Linda Taylor. Entitled Pulse, the CD is a self-produced, mostly self-performed work of instrumental funk, drawing upon LT's background in R&B and funk while showcasing her blues driven guitar playing and her jazz-based harmonies. We had a hard time getting this one out of our CD player; the nine tracks exude confident playing, while blending creativity with a drive to entertain the listener. LT's fusion has sometimes been described as "MonkFunk", but no matter how you describe it, the performance is stellar and the vibe is gripping - you've got elements of acid-jazz and hip-hop to pepper the funk and keep the groove happening. More, please! Highly recommended. Excellent work. LT was originally profiled in the June-July, 2001 edition of The Undiscovered.
Born and raised in Southern California, LT began playing the guitar at the age of 4. Primarily self-taught, her first important break was when she began touring heavily with jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum. In the mid '90s, LT toured the world with Tracy Chapman for several years. She has done US tours with artists such as Thelma Houston, Vesta Williams, Chante Moore and Jesse Powell, and performed at the Image Awards in 1999. LT may be best known for her work on the ABC Television show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", hosted by Drew Carey and now in production on its fifth season. On the show, LT gets to improvise music in styles ranging from seldom-heard Latin grooves to current pop hits. Her work as a sideman can be heard on releases from many artists, instrumentalists and singers.
In 1998, LT and executive producer Barbara De Lury formed Rubicon Music, a home for LT's projects, both collaborative and solo. A regional tour of the West Coast is planned for mid-summer of 2001 in support of Pulse.
Rubicon Music
United States
Web site: www.rubiconmusic.com