AMG Review of Double Standards

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

Martin Taylor has long been one of the most accomplished guitarists on the jazz scene and while he has performed with a number of different guitarists in a duo setting, this time around he chose to play duets with himself via overdubbing. Choosing a dozen tunes, including standards, jazz classics, and bossa novas, Taylor weaves masterful mostly improvised arrangements, recording one line while imagining what the accompanying part might sound like in his head as he was playing. The duo performance of Duke Ellington's "Drop Me Off in Harlem" is a highlight, with an intricate introduction and a punchy chart that swings like mad. One can just imagine how his old boss, the late Stéphane Grappelli, would have enjoyed taking part on this track, along with the buoyant setting of Toots Thielemans' engaging "Bluesette." His poignant take of "Young and Foolish" and light-hearted brisk waltz setting of "Alice in Wonderland," two gems not played very often in the early 21st century, are great melodies rejuvenated by his imaginative scoring. His intimate reading of "Estaté" and lyrical treatment of "Triste" almost seem to sing though there are no vocals. It's impossible not to break into a smile and think of pianist/vocalist Nat King Cole when Taylor offers his take of "When I Take My Sugar to Tea." Double Standards easily doubles the listening experience for jazz guitar fans from start to finish.