Rudolph Taylor

Memphis artist Rudolph Taylor had a single session with Charles Chalmers which produced this really excellent two sided disc. Tell Him Tonight is one of those deep soul ballads that just sound so right – the band includes several of the AGP crew like drummer Gene Chrisman, bassist Tommy Cogbill and Reggie Young on guitar, so the backing (sadly no horns) is quite exemplary – and Taylor, who starts off rather quietly, really gets into the beautifully constructed song after the first verse. His low tone baritone voice is powerful and demonstrative, and he brings some fine gospel nuances to the performance as well. Chalmers also cut William Bollinger on “Tell Him Tonight” using the same rhythm track and leased the result to Chess.

Doorsteps To Sorrow raises the pace ever so slightly, but this is another deep soul winner. Young’s fills are simply wonderful, and the addition of horns gives the whole number greater tonal colouration. Taylor is as good vocally here as he is on the other side. Which of the two is the better track is your choice. An essential single.

Taylor’s return to recording in the 80s for Raymond Moore’s Hot Rays concern showed him still to be in good voice, but the synths and weak production spoil the disc beyond repair.

 

 

 

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