JOHN TAGLIERI – Southern Paradise (2013)
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JOHN TAGLIERI has been featured HERE last year with his very good EP, but I have been following his musical steps since the 1999 debut, continuously delivering fine working class rock & AOR albums.
A prolific singer & songwriter, lately Taglieri has established himself around Florida / the east coast, and seems this is reflected in his brand new, eleventh album “Southern Paradise”, a warm, friendly, feel-good summertime affair.
Title track opens with that uplifting, positive attitude, offering a roll of drums and chords, a tinkling piano and a stanza-like chorus that acts as a very bright, infectious introduction to the new material. Where Taglieri was lately known for his upbeat mix of powerpop AOR and classic American rock, or at least songs with a little bit of an edge, this song is smoother and more contemporary musically, and the vocals are what provide most of the edge. With its tempo and summer holiday vibe, “Southern Paradise” is a perfect feel-good melodic song for this season.
Then we hear “When I Think About”, which has a bit of a rootsy spice woven through its fabric. The rhythm in the verses builds up perfectly and the chorus is pure gold. The warmth of these hazy melodies is a reminder of how effective Taglieri can be on his day. It still astounds me that he’s not more well known in the popular music press, and if only a couple of radio DJs would get their hands on this, it could take off quickly.
On “Down The Road” Taglieri takes down the pace a little bit. This midtempo has a breezy melody, with elaborated guitar work and the arrangement held a lot more to it than you noticed at first listen.
“It’s You” is the ballad, with nice acoustics and a full orchestral sound enveloping the good chorus. The lyrics are homage to love, whether it is for a lover, a friend, a higher power or a family member. And let’s be honest, aren’t we all suckers for a well crafted love song?
“Days Of Night” is a moody number, and is closest to Taglieri’s AOR roots, a perfect example of his delicate songwriting style. Listen to the song and how it builds up and finds power in the exact right moments. The honesty and emotion just spring out of it. There are few artists as convincing as John Taglieri is in that department.
The disc ends with “Turn Around” which is a bit of a departure in style. It really has a sort of Americana / classic rock taste to it, with an acoustic basis and a campfire feel. Taglieri builds up the song to a more intense chorus that tones down as it leads towards the next verse. It has the right mix of introspection and energy and leaves the listener satisfied.
Taglieri is an integral artist, a sensitive songwriter able to create wonderful melodic pop/rock tunes, and this is reflected again on “Southern Paradise”, a feel-good summertime recording.
John is at a point in life and career where he’s found a great balance. “Southern Paradise” shows that balance with songs that celebrate Taglieri’s place in life, and it seems to be a good one. In fact, he’s sounding better than ever.
Working with the production team of Sean Mormelo and Mark Cohn out of Nashville, and mastered by multi-Grammy winner Richard Dodd, they crafted a release that will have your toes tapping right from the first note all the way to the last with easy, enjoyable melodies.
John Taglieri keeps doing what hes best at: writing infectious songs with strong choruses and a feel-good vibe.
01. Southern Paradise
02. When I Think About
03. Down The Road
04. It’s You
05. Days Of Night
06. Turn Around
John Taglieri – vocals, guitars, bass, keys, real drums
BUY IT !
itunes.apple.com/us/album/southern-paradise-ep/id625967869
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