John Taylor - words, broken grooves, guitar. Clovius Hoofus - drumming, percussioning, fluent enochian spoons. E. Bobgoblin - eBow, sprites, cellophane. Gregory Samsanite - beetle dentist, porcelain shimmer, ivory tusk surrender. "Little Frankie" Cascade - crescendo loops and timeless sheen.
Influences
Beatles, Rolling Stones ('65-'78), Soft Boys & Robyn Hitchcock, Dirk Hamilton, Peter Case, Julian Cope & Teardrop Explodes, Crowded House and Neil Finn, Roy Harper, Led Zeppelin and everyone they ever stole from (Skip James, Howlin' Wolf, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Davy Graham, Bert Jansch, etc etc etc etc etc), Van Morrison, Skip Spence, Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd '67-'80, Joni Mitchell, Roberta Flack, Burt Bacharach, Montrose, Aerosmith, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, King Crimson & Robert Fripp, Spoon, Flaming Lips, Radiohead, Neko Case, John Haitt, Nino Rota, Brian Eno, Roxy Music & Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera and 801 and Quiet Sun, Lindsey Buckingham, Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac, Television and Tom Verlaine, Thin White Rope and True West & Richard McGrath, The Animals, Bob Dylan, Martin Carthy, Leo Kottke, Robbie Basho, John Fahey
I have been writing and recording music since the late 70s. My first recording set up was a fostex x-15. I;ve got at least 115 cassette tapes - four track source and stereo mixes - in boxes in my garage, from that machine, which I sold to Jackson Brian Griffith (Pulse!) - a great songwriter. The next machine, acquired around 1986, was a Studiomaster four track cassette player. English made and delicate, it still lives in that garage but no doubt has been choked by dust and travel. 144 tapes. Next machine, a Tascam Porta MkII, acquired around '96 and used for a few years (perhaps 50 tapes) until the arrival of the Roland 880EX, used from 98 until 2004, which the acquisition of Powerbook G4 and Logic Pro 7 made the issue of tape and digital stand-alone studio sort of moot. Yes, I love analog, but I can't argue with convenience. I'm no torch bearer of old technology.
I am more than a little interested in fingerstyle guitar. I count Jimmy Page as my original 'influence' in this regard but since those heady days in the mid-70s when I saw the first Led Zeppelin album music in book form thanks to my step brother David Rose, I've moved on to JPs influences and others too. These include in no particular order: Leo Kottke, John Fahey, Robbie Basho (I recorded a tribute to him a few years ago called "Bashofleurs"), Roy Harper, Davy Graham, Steve Howe. I like some others too but am not extremely impressed with pure technique and perfection.
I tend to have at least one guitar tuned to open C (C-G-C-G-C-E) at all times, often capo'd to the 4th fret.
Other guitars - ESP Strat with Bill Lawrence pickups, Gretsch (inexpensive Eltromatic), Squier Telecaster, Rogue electric sitar. I use the ebow a lot. And now I have a grand piano to prop up my mortal remains.
The newest CD is Too Far Down the Line. By far my best writing, not least because I was lucky to be part of Peter Case's songwriter workshop in Santa Monica last summer. A great experience.
John Taylor (Whisper Machine)'s Friend Space (Top 30)
WE RECORD!! If you have any questions please feel free to ask! Our pricing sheet is in our photos. You cannot find a better recording/production quality for less!
Hola Plopper Brother! Greetings from the planet Auburn...nice picture on your site. I love the tunes...keep the machine going until we meet again for another plopper adventure. Check out the band- Incredible Torpedos page. Great to hear from ya bro- Jerry
Hey, Shawn & Kevin from LA's Rock Cover Band Forever Vinyl wants to invite you down to our Open-Mike Nights. We will be hosting Open-Mike the next 3 Wednesday (tonight) @ Venice Bistro in Venice (5:30-10pm). Right on the boardwalk with tons of foot traffic!. We will also be hosting one every Tues (except May 13) at a great venue, Aura Rest. & Nightclub in Studio City (8-11pmWe will provide PA, acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, electric piano, and percussion. Just come on down, sign-in and you'll get to play (atleast) 2-3 songs (original or covers). This is a great opportunity to play your music, promote shows, sell cds, and network with many other musicians. Spread the word and let me know if you're interested and I'll get you the addresses. Thanks Shawn ~ Forever Vinyl
Ute Lemper hosts Evening Music on NYC Public Radio
"Berlin Without Walls" Join star chanteuse Ute Lemper, as she takes us on a musical tour of cabaret — from the classic songs of Kurt Weill and Berthold Brecht to a roundup of her favorite international artists. We hear rare samples from Ute's personal collection, as well as her own recordings and related audio materials.
Monday, November 5th through Friday, November 9th at 7PM (GMT -4 hours.....Please check time difference from New York to where you live)on 93.9FM and can also be heard on http://www.wnyc.org
If you are not able to catch the live broadcasts, often the station will archive the shows for later listening. The page on their website detailing the show is: http://www.wnyc.org/music/articles/87676
Online Now!
