Taylor Carson

Taylor Carson is a talented young singer/songwriter, and after having released a few albums, he has finally made the album that is going to take him to the next level. His newest album is full of great songs that showcase Carson's masterful lyrics and his uncanny ability to tell stories through songs. He is able to convey his feelings and emotions through each word and each guitar chord. "Someone To Love" is the anchor of the album, having been released for quite some time. The rest of the album that encompassed this song is a trip inside the life and mind of Taylor Carson. It's not a far stretch to compare Carson's lyricism to the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Paul Simon, and James Taylor. "Five" and "Freight Train" are instant classics, and the vivid imagery depicted in songs like "Moonshiner" and "Baby Away" transcends just simple storytelling. Taylor Carson's new album is his heart, soul, mind, and life set to genius song. - THISisMODERN.net

Well-renowned indie rocker Taylor Carson traveled to the East Coast to promote his second album "Tangled in Truth." He is not afraid to reach new frontiers and sample bluegrass, reggae and rock.

Carson taught himself how to play the guitar. He writes and plays all of his own music. His career began in New Jersey and his first major gig came only a year after he started, with the band Dispatch. He formed his first band with Scott Harlan (later replaced by Patrick Thornton) and Chris Keever, which led to more positive praise from critics as he worked with Toots and the Maytals and Barenaked Ladies lead singer Ed Robertson. The band was hot with their debut album "Open Invitation," and have only soared further with their second release, "Tangled In Truth."

When asked about influences, Carson spoke highly of Paul Simon and hoped to someday work with Wyclef Jean. As for Carson's performance, there was no arguing that his guitar skills were arguably superior to most that have been showcased on the VCS stage. His voice was reminiscent of the members of Hanson post - "MMMBop." He enticed the audience with songs such as "Lucky Tonight" and "Dance." The audience could sense Carson's passion for his music and it only kept them wanting more. - The Bates Student (January 29, 2008)

On his latest release, Carson strips down to just guitar and vocals to bring us a collection of songs that showcase his immense talent. Each song tells a story and you can really grab hold to the album because of it's organic and sensitive sound and feel. - ThisIsModern.net

Last week I caught a show at Sullivan Hall with up and coming musician Taylor Carson. A friend of mine told me about him and after having a listen to his latest album, Standing Alone, we decided to check him out.

I read a quote on his MySpace page from a recent album review that said, "Generation X had Dave Matthews, Generation Y has John Mayer and Generation Z will have Taylor Carson." I was a little skeptical, being a John Mayer fan myself, but Taylor definitely surprised me and still has me wondering if that quote will pan out to be true.

Taylor's singing and guitar style was reminiscent to John Mayer and Jason Mraz at some points, with a deeper voice and intricate guitar features in many of his songs. But there was something else. My friend mentioned that she could picture a full rock band behind him and I think that's what it was. Taylor is a little bit more rock. His 50-minute, 14-song set had most in attendance singing along to verses he taught them, saying, "Y'all wanna sing along with me? Don't be shy!"

While he played a few songs off his latest album, Standing Alone, Taylor also covered some songs including the Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," the theme song to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the Temptations' "My Girl" - often putting his own spin on the songs. His stage presence was strong and for many seeing him for the first time, he definitely impressed.

One of his later songs was a new one, which he told the audience had no title and he was open to suggestions. Last song of the night was "Lucky Tonight," which in the middle of playing he stopped, telling the crowd he forgot the lyrics. You wouldn't have noticed it though, because he segued right into some improvisation, singing lyrics from Cypress Hill's "Insane in the Brain," getting laughs from the crowd.

So is Taylor Carson the next John Mayer? Check him out in concert to see for yourself!

I sat down with Taylor after his performance and chatted about how he got into music, his current east coast tour and where he finds his inspiration for the music he writes. Check back in a few days for the full interview! And if you haven't yet, listen to him on MySpace. - yousingiwrite.blogspot.com

On his third album, “Standing Alone,” Arlington-based singer/songwriter Taylor Carson treads familiar musical terrain, but this time he’s walking alone. Featuring nothing but Carson’s vocals over guitar (or piano in the case of “Where We’ve Been”), the album reflects years of steady solo gigging around the area honing his craft. His songwriting is sharp, his voice polished and his guitar work is subtle but accomplished. Carson compares favorably to obvious influences like John Mayer, and peers like Matt Nathanson, Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw. - ontaponline.com