Paul Taylor: The Smooth Jazz Saxophonist

Paul Taylor is an American saxophonist and composer who has become a defining voice in contemporary smooth jazz. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, his melodic, groove-oriented sound has consistently placed his albums high on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, with several achieving gold sales status.

Early career

Born in 1960, Paul Taylor began his musical journey on the piano before switching to the saxophone. His professional break came in the late 1980s when he toured with the popular R&B group The Rippingtons, which brought his playing to a wider audience and set the stage for his solo work.

Breakthrough

Taylor's solo breakthrough arrived with his 1995 debut album, "On The Horn," released on the then-fledgling smooth jazz label Noteworthy Records. The album's success, driven by strong radio play for its singles, led to a major label deal with Peak Records, a division of Concord Music Group, where his career truly flourished.

Key tracks

Pleasure Seeker — This track from his 1997 album of the same name became his first major smooth jazz radio hit, establishing his signature sound.

Night Rider — A fan favorite and concert staple, this song showcases Taylor's ability to craft infectious, danceable grooves.

Steppin' Out — The title track from his 2001 album exemplifies his polished production and memorable, singable saxophone melodies.

Deja Vu — Featuring guitarist Peter White, this collaboration highlights Taylor's skill in successful musical partnerships within the genre.

Throughout the 2000s, Paul Taylor released a string of successful albums on Peak Records, including "Hypnotic" and "Ladies' Choice," which often featured collaborations with artists like Jonathan Butler and Jeff Lorber. His consistent presence on radio playlists and his energetic live performances solidified his reputation as a smooth jazz mainstay. Later albums like "Tenacity" and "Countdown" continued to refine his formula, blending R&B rhythms with his clear, expressive saxophone lines.

Fans of Paul Taylor's accessible and melodic style also enjoy the work of similar artists featured on our site. Dave Koz shares Taylor's flair for pop-influenced saxophone anthems and high-energy stage shows. Euge Groove delivers a comparable blend of soulful sax and deep rhythmic grooves. Richard Elliot offers a similarly powerful and soul-driven tenor saxophone sound. Peter White, a frequent Taylor collaborator, creates the same sunny, melodic atmosphere on acoustic guitar.

Paul Taylor's catalog remains a staple on smooth jazz and adult contemporary FM stations worldwide, ensuring his music reaches both long-time enthusiasts and new listeners daily. His tracks are frequently featured in the rotations of online jazz radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in instrumental formats.

Listeners can discover the smooth jazz sound of Paul Taylor by tuning into the various radio stations available on onairium.com, where his hits and deep cuts are regularly played.