Chip Taylor (from the album Behind the Sky

Chip Taylor (from the album Behind the Sky

Chip Taylor (from the album Behind the Sky available on Train Wreck Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Chip Taylor’s recent bout with throat cancer, and the continuing treatments that’s part and parcel of his recovery, inspired the songs on his new album, Behind the Sky, a series of reflections on his ongoing ordeal. It’s a heartfelt paean to the doctors and nurses who helped him during that painful period while giving him the care and concern that’s been so vital along the way.
 
Taylor, the writer of such timeless standards as “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning”, among the many, takes a decidedly different tone here, courtesy of sobering, yet sentimental, songs that resonate with remembrance and reflection. In the process, he channels the combined spirits of Leonard Cohen, and John Prine, the latter of whom provided the music Chip credits with comforting him during his procedures.
 
Chip Taylor’s parched vocals reflect the toll taken on his body, but nonetheless, his gratitude is clearly conveyed throughout. It’s manifest in “Momma was the Queen,” a tender tribute to his mother, father, and siblings (“Daddy was a prince…Daddy was a good guy/Momma was the queen…queen of my world”) and “Nurse Joan” (a reference to his wife who stood by him every step of the way), “Radiation Song” and “George in Radiation”, each of which is dedicated to the individuals who gave him comfort and support when it was needed the most. Likewise, “The Blessing” sums up his faith in God and the comfort he found in prayer.
 
Needless to say, this is an intensely personal set of songs, both intimate and expressive. Chip Taylor gives listeners unimpeded access to his thoughts and feelings, including the most exacting details of the challenges and trials he faced during radiation and recovery. Several songs are accompanied by spoken commentary, offering added insight into every experience. Taylor occasionally adopts a darker demeanor, but the stark settings simply reflect the reality of what it means to face life-changing circumstance. An impressive cast of musicians express and articulate it all — guitarist John Platania (known for his work with Van Morrison in particular), bassist Tony Mercadante, drummer Tony Leone, and keyboardist Goran Grini — but they allow plenty of space for Taylor to ruminate on an otherwise excruciating experience.
 
Hopefully, Chip Taylor will continue to recover and share the songs that have become so memorable and meaningful throughout his career. Indeed, Behind the Sky finds him glancing upward towards a hopeful horizon.  (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Chip Taylor from AMAZON
 
Visit the Chip Taylor website for more information