Lewis Taylor

Lewis Taylor Reissue edition

In 1996, Lewis Taylor released his self-titled masterpiece. A true modern

classic, it's an album that was years ahead of its time. Forget 25 years ago, it

could easily have been made in 2021. An effortless blend of neo-soul,

sophisticated pop, smart grooves and laid-back white funk, it enjoyed rapturous

reviews from critics and music legends alike. But the album never managed to

make an impact and given what was likely a token vinyl release at the time, the

original records have long since been near-impossible to find. Lewis Taylor's

Lewis Taylor remains a holy relic for some and criminally unknown to most.

Lewis Taylor's impeccable influences created a dazzling sonic palette: the LP as

a whole suggests the visionary brilliance of Prince; the vocal stylings evoke

the yearning power of Marvin Gaye; the effortless guitar playing shares the

virtuosity of Jimi Hendrix; the haunting tones conjure Tricky; the innovative

production and engineering invite comparisons to studio mavericks like Todd

Rundgren and Brian Eno; the multi-layered, complex harmonies flash on Pet

Sounds-era Brian Wilson; the dark, drama is reminiscent of both Scott Walker and

Stevie Wonder; the complex arrangements create textures and moods with the feel

of Shuggie Otis on Inspiration Information; the bold experimentation is akin to

progressive artists like Faust and Tangerine Dream; the atmosphere is in

conversation with Jeff Buckley's Grace... and we could go on. That might all sound

like marketing hyperbole, but not as far as Be With is concerned. It is a

genuine wonder how an album this good could've passed so many people by.