Taylor Harvey Band: Press

"If this were a car, we'd be talking about a slightly forward-tilting '72 Pontiac GTO with slicks and flames on the side. And these are the guys leaning on its side, talking to chicks in the parking lot. Steve Langdon's able production got the machine tuned, the boys tight, and the chrome polished. It's a soundtrack to a fun little spin during the summer. Turn it up, rev it up, come on over..."
From La Mesa springs a classic rock quartet format in songwriter Taylor Harvey on guitars and vocals, Jason Lyon on drums, Tim Edwards on lead guitar and vocals, and Steve Campana on bass. The sound is no-frills Americana not far from the BoDeans at times, the Georgia Satellites at others. The first song has a "Hootie" thing going for it.
These boys best describe themselves in "Roadhousin." "We're just an old-school rock band comin' atcha, t'nite!"
"Tease" bears a Tom Petty meets Angus Young hybrid, and although I hear this likely reference, I dig it anyway. Fun guitars.
And that's what this CD is all about. These guys aren't pontificating about the meaning of life. They just say it like it is. No pretending. Taking rock n roll's true form- the bars, the garage, the summer parties, a few brews, volume, and fun to a new polish.
"One of These Days" is a kick-ass-cracker-jack-little shuffle that kicks itself through four minutes, suiting this band just fine.
Sporting great guitar work, it's one the finest representation of the overall vocal mix. Solid performances and exciting capture of the performance. "Victim of the Moment" hints at Gordon Lightfoot yet remains beautifully executed on acoustic and slide guitar. In the thick of the tremolo, Tim Edwards rips a pretty slick tele-lick in "Absolutely Nothing To Complain About Blues." "I Thought I Knew You" comes on strong with a rippin' guitar and gravelly voice like Bob Dylan in his "Traveling Willbury" days.
If you like good ol' rock and roll, these guys will see to it you get your partying done right.

This disc, "A Place To Call My Own," is Taylor Harvey's sophomore effort, but the first with his new band. This CD, from the opening acoustic strains of the title track to the ending chords of "Audrey's Song," is simply non-stop, old-school rock-n-roll. While Harvey handles all of the lead vocals like the pro that he is, guitarist Tim Edwards lends his backing-vocal ability to songs like "Roadhousin,' "Tease," and "Long Walk Home." Edwards also offers up tasteful, yet indispensible, lead tracks throughout the disc. For those wanting a change of pace about four songs in, check out "One Of These Days." This is country music at its' finest, yet with a tint of rock surrounding it. A fun, foot-stomping song to make you want more of what's to come. My favorite track on this disc is "G.I. Blue." This song is heavy on subtle acoustic guitar, but strong in its' simple message. "G.I. Blue" tells the story of a lifelong friend gone much too soon. In this day and age of military uncertainties around the world, this one brings the effects of world events home in a simple, yet overwhelming, tribute to a friend who came home one last time. Now, the band as a whole... It's clear that Tim Edwards is the consumate professional, never over-playing or understating his parts. His sense of what fits is uncanny, and he always slips comfortably into the groove of what's surrounding him musically. Now, a lot of what surrounds Edwards is courtesy of drummer Jaron Lyons and bassist Steve Campana. Lyons and Campana are clearly on the same page, and provide a rock solid base on which to support the song. Harvey's own guitar playing prowess is evident all over this disc, as well. It's not something you necessarily notice, but that's because it's a perfect fit. Take it away, and the void would be enormouos. Taylor Harvey is a guy who, initially, I thought I'd compare to Tom Petty and Jimmy Buffett. Then I thought, no, he's more like Jim Croce or Harry Chapin. Then it dawned on me: he's like all of these guys, with maybe a little John Hiatt thrown in for good measure. He can write the whimsical "Nothing To Complain About Blues" in a style reminiscent of Buffett and, in the very next breath, pen something like "G.I. Blue," evoking memories I have of Harry Chapin. Harvey, not unlike a chameleon, can change color to fit the mood he's in at any given time, in such a way that the change is absolutely seamless; completely natural. This is something that's just too rare these days, and it's refreshing to see it when it happens. Now, rarely is something like this a one-man-show, or even a one-band-show. Producer Steve Langdon exhibits his formidable production chops while at the helm of this recording. It's clear that Langdon is a musician's producer. Frankly, I can't think of a higher compliment to give to someone who gets to sit behind a mixing board while the guys in the band get to have all the fun playing music. The fact, though, is that Langdon (who's also a pretty good guitarist in his own right) knows exactly how to communicate with the musicians to get onto a recording that which they really want on the recording. This isn't a talent that's learned; you won't find it in books or by surfing the internet. It's a talent that's nurtured and realized only through experience. All in all, I'm of the opinion that "A Place To Call My Own" should find its' way into the rotation of every home CD player. I know it found its' way into mine.

Taylor captures everything and more of what Tom Petty had going those first 10 or so years in this awesome CD. I watched this kid grow into the music man he has become. He's finally having a blast doing what he has always loved and it shows in this CD. You deserve to hear this. Taylor, rock on brother. I wish I had your talent.

No Loitering has someything for everyone. From the acoustic ballads Life Is Too Short and Twist Of Fate that bring a young Buffet to mind, to the roadhouse type rockers 100,000 Mile Broken Down Greasy Hand Blues and Don't Tread On Me, Taylor Harvey has woven together an album of cleverly written and well crafted songs. Sunglasses and White Trash Blues are sure to bring a smile to your face, while the beautiful I Remenber You and The Bottom Line will make one sit back and think. This album is sure to find a place in any music lovers collection and will be loitering in ones stereo for a long time.

This is a fine effort from The Taylor Harvey Band with ringing guitars and plaintive, effective vocals. Their savvy use of a varied list of influences make the album immediately appealing, while injecting those same influences with a fresh, invigorated spirit of adventure and kick ass rock & roll. It's a fun record and one you'll play more often than not. Pop in into the car CD - it makes for great motoring down the highway music.

First, and foremost we'd like to thank you for your overwhelming support! The San Diego Walk for Autism had a record attendance of over 1400 people.

Secondly, we would like to thank all our Sponsors, and Volunteers whose contributions made this Walk even possible. We had an incredible volunteer team!

A special thanks to the Taylor Harvey Band for keeping us all entertained while ensuring our sensitive children did not get overstimulated. We enjoyed the music!

Got my copy of "Beauty In The Eye" and listened to it for 5 straight hours. Taylor and the band have taken things to a new level, with the most finely crafted songs to date. Every song on this CD is of the quality to be cut by major label artists in Nashville. Don't miss out on this one! Well, done, THB...

As the first alt-country tune rocks out of my speakers, I'm reading a liner note that says: "At this stage of the game it's all about those who support you just because they like your songs."

Bands that begin here always begin from the right place in their heart but always fall into a category where they either "truly suck" or are "truly cool." I like this band not because they're perfect, not because they're gonna invent or discover the next "eruption" solo, not because they pay tribute to their influences - which runs from a Stonesy "Wild Horses" era sound to the sound of Dylan in his "Willbury" days. I like this band because it's fun. It's honest and doesn't pretend for one quarter-note to be anything more than what it is: a buncha dudes rocking out, drinkin' beer at your backyard party, pushin people in the pool.

They play great. Taylor Harvey is out front, writing the tunes, singing and playing guitar. He's got a band that sounds like they play in the kind of band they wanna play in: Tim Edwards plays a gritty lead guitar and sings, while Boyd Gardiner holds down the fort on drums along with Mike Chandler on bass.

"Trailer Park Rhythm Blues," is a fun little track that makes me wonder what ZZ Top would sound like if you hired them for your own wedding reception. It's that much fun.

"Love Song No.4" is also emblematic of some serious writing skills. Overall, the production is a well-done demo-esque effort. But with a slicker production, this tune would be a radio-ready "hit." I hear a slight Tom Petty thing going on here (but not really) and a little Johnny Cash "thang" going on there (but not really)... and yet it arrives in its own matter of style, its own skin, its own voice, its own song.

In lieu of a hidden track, they sport an "unlisted" track of outtakes and crazy band practice hilarity. If you ever wanted to be the fly on the wall at your basic practice, you need to hear this. Bring your own mood lighting, breath mints, and cucumber wrapped in foil. It's balls out... and at full-volume....at the same time. Check them out at www.taylorharveyband.com.