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Frank Taylor, The Flying Scotsman - Atlantic Gig Review |
Traditional music is named so because of its longevity. The music has survived the trends and fickleness of popular music because of its deep roots in the soul of those it touches. New Brunswick artist Frank Taylor is passing on his connection to traditional music in his recent release Thistledown Thunder.
Taylor immigrated to Canada from Lanarkshire, Scotland 30 some years ago. He has lived in New Brunswick for the past 10 of those years. His life as a musician has taken him through many provinces. In each place he gladly left behind a little of his Scottish song and tales behind. Like the songs he sings and shares, Taylor has years of music and musicianship to his credit. At 52 years of age Taylor is no stranger to folk music or the folk scene. His life is peppered with names like Tommy Makem, Long John Baldry, and folk clubs and pubs too numerous to mention. Taylor was there in the middle of the original folk music boom, keeping alive the tradition he lives and breaths.
In 1990 Taylor started Celtic Connections, a radio program dedicated to the preservation of folk music on CHSR UNB Campus radio, and the Fredericton FolkSong Club, where singers and musicians young and old came together to trade and learn music and perform for one another. The club ran for many years and spawned many talented groups and careers in the local and Atlantic Music scene. Wherever folk or Celtic music is being played, you can be sure somewhere in the crowd or on the stage Frank Taylor is singing about his and the other's heritage. Concerts, festivals, pubs and house parties alike, Taylor is there sharing his life and experience. Hence the name of this second CD Thistledown Thunder. The music is like the thistledown floating free to plant a new seed, and pass on the tradition of the songs.
Taylor, this wee Scottish minstrel in his Scotsman's kilt, plays the guitar with years of magic in his fingers. His lilting accent makes the music sound more authentic and traditional. The listener is transported back to the old country with ease. The thunderous bodhran played by an Irish lass, Taylor's wife Jane, is the ancient heartbeat throughout the tracks.
Reuniting with his old partner Marilyn Inch, her superb penny whistle haunts you throughout the music as any good Irish penny whistle should. Her fingers fly over melodies and harmonies like a graceful vocal aria. She lends her vocal harmonies to blend with Taylor as if the two belonged to one voice. They lyrics are old in some songs and new in others as Taylor put pen to paper to lend a piece of himself to the recording. He sings of his love of his adopted home.
At this point in his life, Taylor wishes that Canadians would stop passing over New Brunswick in search for authentic folk music. New Brunswick has a plethora of cultures and music. Celtic folk, traditional folk music, 60s style, contemporary: all can be found right here. It's part of the culture of Acadians, First Nations, transplanted Irish and Scottish, as well as our own home grown talent. Although it may be Canada's biggest secret, shadowed by the success of names like Rita MacNeil, Great Big Sea, Lennie Gallant and Natalie MacMaster, authentic folk music is here in New Brunswick.
New Brunswick is, of course, part of Atlantic Canada, but its lack of identity has led to its becoming a drive through province. In the quest for traditional folk and Celtic music, New Brunswick is forgotten in the celebration of the East Coast tradition.
Taylor struggles with the issue that he has to leave his home province to work. The province is not overrun with music headhunters, agents or producers. Unable to find enough work in New Brunswick, Taylor has become known as The Flying Scotsman, as he frequently wings his way to Ontario where he is received like a long-lost son. All he wants is for the musical arena to recognise that New Brunswick contains as many talented folks as other areas. Like other traditional musicians in New Brunswick, he has paid his dues, and is ready to receive recognition of his talents.
Through hard work and years of dedication, Taylor has earned his laurels. His CD, Thistledown Thunder is a credit to Celtic heritage and its traditions. "I want to do what I want to do. Write what I want to write. Sing what I want to sing," says Taylor. He has earned that freedom in his 30 years of music.
Life has given him Jane, his love and inspiration. Hard work has earned him Thistledown Hall, a piece of heaven hidden away amoung the trees by the Mactaquac Headpond. His career has given him wonderful memories. Yet the lack of recognition haunts him Taylor says determinedly, "Musically, I am surviving in spite of the odds. We New Brunswick musicians are not going away."
Atlantic Gig Magazine, Michele Boudreau, November 1999