Carol Robbins - Taylor Street (2016)

Jazz harpist Carol Robbins new CD Taylor Street features nine eclectic original compositions showcasing her unique talents along with those of her eminent musical collaborators. She is joined by Billy Childs, Bob Sheppard and Larry Koonse, fellow group members in Childs acclaimed Jazz Chamber Ensemble. Bassist Darek Oles and drummer Gary Novak form her world-class rhythm section and trumpeter Curtis Taylor and electric bassist Ben Shepherd are prominently featured. Taylor Street is a departure for Robbins. Her writing here explores several musical genres. Her signature lyricism lives on in the ballad Grey River and this project brings new attitudes and expressions through both R&B and traditional jazz. She proves once again that the classical concert harp can inspire the listener in the context of jazz.

CAROL ROBBINS/Taylor Street: It's nice to see the spirit of Dorothy Ashby kept alive and well. The title tracks pays tribute to the Little Italy section of Chicago, so even if this was recorded in LA with top session jazzbos, the heartbeat of Chi remains at the core. Played as an ensemble date more than a look at me solo with background and coloration, the crew works well as one making this simply a sparkling, contemporary jazz date. Solid stuff that works well throughout. --midwest record CHRIS SPECTOREditor and Publisher