Rick Taylor was a man with a big sound, and a big heart who left behind a big legacy. A trombonist who touched audiences and musicians alike with his generosity, genius, kindness and huge musical knowledge, this sentiment was ever present at Celtic Connections’ recent tribute to him ‘Skye in his Heart’ on the 25th of January.
The Saturday afternoon line-up included many of his musical friends from throughout his colourful life, with his daughter Laura Taylor at the forefront. The full sound of the band was made up of close musical and lifelong friends and fans from the jazz and traditional music world who all came together in celebration of not only a great friend but a huge influence in their own lives. The range of sound on stage is testament to the man himself and the impact he had on all musicians he came across.
The gig opened with the sound of the bagpipes from Angus Nicholson and Alana MacInnes and continued with beautiful soulful singing and playing of pieces which had been composed and arranged by Rick Taylor in the past. A rocking rhythm section was made up of Tom Bancroft, Stuart Brown, Mario Caribé, Christine Hanson, and Greg Bone. The fabulous and energetic brass section was made up by Paul Spong, Phil Bancroft, John Kenny and Chris Greive. Peppered throughout the gig were some songs that Rick had written alongside some old favourites of his own which were sensitively and beautifully sung by Anna Massie, Brian MacAlpine, Eilidh Shaw, Johnny Hardie, Inge Thomson and Corrina Hewat with the whole afternoon’s music being sewn together and directed by Dave Milligan.
‘Skye in his Heart’, a tribute to Rick Taylor was treated all afternoon with sensitivity, joy and respect for a great man and friend who made each and every musician who crossed his path feel like a Rockstar, no matter their ability. Rick was a true inspiration and the admiration felt for him was as loud and clear as his spirit in the room.
In his own words “It was beautiful man!”
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to post a review.