Freternity

AMG Review of Freternity

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Although still most famous for his 11-year association with Stéphane Grappelli, guitarist Martin Taylor has had a strong solo career for the past two decades. When playing unaccompanied, he can create on the level of a Joe Pass, and he is also a superior group player, too. On Freternity, Taylor is featured in a variety of settings, from solo to a quintet. While "Stella by Starlight" and Clifford Brown's "Joy Spring" probably did not need to be revived again, Taylor's two originals are excellent, he also plays a couple of excellent tunes by pianist David Newton, and his renditions of "Skylark" and "Lullaby of the Leaves" give new life to the vintage tunes. Singer Alison Burns makes a guest appearance on "Kissing Bug," trumpeter Guy Barker is a welcome addition whenever he appears (he deserves to be much better known), and the rhythm section is excellent. Taylor is generous in featuring his sidemen but still emerges as the main star throughout this highly enjoyable release.