John Taglieri
There aren’t many musicians who can say they’ve released 10 albums solely on their own terms, but that’s exactly what you’ve got with singer/songwriter John Taglieri. Having released his first solo album, Leap Of Faith, back in 1999, Taglieri began to make a name for himself within the ranks of the independent world of melodic rock, pushing his sound and getting noticed. Going on to win the 1999 Artist Of The Year award on Kweevaks Tracks before touring, then hitting the studio once again, Taglieri has gone from strength to strength, quitting his job and making a living from what he loves most – music. Having now released his eleventh effort, Southern Paradise, we were sent through details of the album to check out to see what we thought, so I figured I’d hit play to see what was going on!
Opening proceedings with title track Southern Paradise things get off to a melodic and upbeat start, layering the catchy sound with guitars, piano, solid drum work and a deep bass line. Immediately offering up a sound which is catchy, fun, and perfectly suited to a sunny day with friends, there’s nothing offensive or over the top about the track here, but more a sense of good old rock, something which has been missing for far too long. Soaring lead lines continue to push a sound that’s sure to captivate everyone who hears it, the opening moments of the album here set us up for an album that’s going to be perfect for radio play, live shows, and times when you need a soundtrack to accompany life.
When I think About continues this approach further, once again leaning on a soaring lead line to set the tone before once again ushering in some laid back yet captivating vocal melodies, forming another mix which immediately evokes images of sunshine, good times, and good friends. Catchy from the word go, this is a sing along classic in the waiting, a track that’s going to bring back memories, form new ones, and have you coming back time and time again. Pulling back to an almost more blues style approach for Down The Road we’re led into a slower and more emotionally charged track, sticking to the catchy approach whilst at the same time hitting the message home with organs, guitars and soaring vocal lines. Catchy once again, this is a track which has two sides, the side that gets you singing along and wanting more, and the side which sits you back and simply encourages you to listen, both aspects working with aplomb and continuing the progression of the album nicely.
Sticking to the emotionally charged approach for It’s You we’re presented with another high point, beginning with acoustic guitar lines before building on the mix into a hard hitting and charged chorus, forming into the sort of thing which is surely primed to be a single release. Radio friendly throughout, the laid back, acoustic and emotional approach of this track is sure to make it a favourite amongst those who hear it, standing out as a moment to make sure you check out.
Penultimate track Days Of Night once again marks a slight change in progression, this time crafting a sound akin to the stadium rock of the early to mid 90’s, whilst managing to keep that deep and powerful sense of real emotion running through it. Massively deep thanks to the elements incorporated throughout, this is another slice of radio friendly rock, and the sort of thing that live, is surely going to get fans singing, dancing, and begging for more. It’s only then left to Turn Around to close the album for us, finishing with a laid back example of Taglieri’s approach to music and life all in one. To me, this track represents the musical outlook that’s found throughout this album, not going over the top or too far in any aspect, but instead sticking to a sound that’s going to connect with those who hear it, keeping you listening, wanting more, and knowing that no matter what, Taglieri will always be there to lift your spirits.
I know I’m a self confessed fan of the heavy assed metal we feature a lot of the time, but I’m also a fan of music in general, so listening to Southern Paradise from John Taglieri I’ve found myself sitting, singing, turning the volume higher and enjoying everything I’ve heard. This isn’t a heavy album, it’s an album that you’re going to put on, sit back to , share some time with friends to, drink some beer to, and enjoy every time you hear it – highly recommended.
To find out more about John Taglieri, check out his Facebook page HERE, his Website HERE, and the video to Southern Paradise below.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening proceedings with title track Southern Paradise things get off to a melodic and upbeat start, layering the catchy sound with guitars, piano, solid drum work and a deep bass line. Immediately offering up a sound which is catchy, fun, and perfectly suited to a sunny day with friends, there’s nothing offensive or over the top about the track here, but more a sense of good old rock, something which has been missing for far too long. Soaring lead lines continue to push a sound that’s sure to captivate everyone who hears it, the opening moments of the album here set us up for an album that’s going to be perfect for radio play, live shows, and times when you need a soundtrack to accompany life.
When I think About continues this approach further, once again leaning on a soaring lead line to set the tone before once again ushering in some laid back yet captivating vocal melodies, forming another mix which immediately evokes images of sunshine, good times, and good friends. Catchy from the word go, this is a sing along classic in the waiting, a track that’s going to bring back memories, form new ones, and have you coming back time and time again. Pulling back to an almost more blues style approach for Down The Road we’re led into a slower and more emotionally charged track, sticking to the catchy approach whilst at the same time hitting the message home with organs, guitars and soaring vocal lines. Catchy once again, this is a track which has two sides, the side that gets you singing along and wanting more, and the side which sits you back and simply encourages you to listen, both aspects working with aplomb and continuing the progression of the album nicely.
Sticking to the emotionally charged approach for It’s You we’re presented with another high point, beginning with acoustic guitar lines before building on the mix into a hard hitting and charged chorus, forming into the sort of thing which is surely primed to be a single release. Radio friendly throughout, the laid back, acoustic and emotional approach of this track is sure to make it a favourite amongst those who hear it, standing out as a moment to make sure you check out.
Penultimate track Days Of Night once again marks a slight change in progression, this time crafting a sound akin to the stadium rock of the early to mid 90’s, whilst managing to keep that deep and powerful sense of real emotion running through it. Massively deep thanks to the elements incorporated throughout, this is another slice of radio friendly rock, and the sort of thing that live, is surely going to get fans singing, dancing, and begging for more. It’s only then left to Turn Around to close the album for us, finishing with a laid back example of Taglieri’s approach to music and life all in one. To me, this track represents the musical outlook that’s found throughout this album, not going over the top or too far in any aspect, but instead sticking to a sound that’s going to connect with those who hear it, keeping you listening, wanting more, and knowing that no matter what, Taglieri will always be there to lift your spirits.
I know I’m a self confessed fan of the heavy assed metal we feature a lot of the time, but I’m also a fan of music in general, so listening to Southern Paradise from John Taglieri I’ve found myself sitting, singing, turning the volume higher and enjoying everything I’ve heard. This isn’t a heavy album, it’s an album that you’re going to put on, sit back to , share some time with friends to, drink some beer to, and enjoy every time you hear it – highly recommended.
To find out more about John Taglieri, check out his Facebook page HERE, his Website HERE, and the video to Southern Paradise below.
Words: Dave Nicholls