Legendary songwriter Chip Taylor will be inducted into the hallowed Songwriters Hall of Fame (along with Marvin Gaye, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello) in a special ceremony taking place on June 9 in New York City. The author of “Wild Thing,” “Angel of the Morning” and “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder),” among many others, continues to make his mark on the music world – his last album, The Little Prayers Trilogy, received massive critical acclaim, landing on Uncut magazine’s Best of 2015 list and was described as a “masterpiece” by Mojo. In celebration of his Hall of Fame induction and the release of two new releases, Taylor will play a special show at the famed Cutting Room in NYC on June 29.
Taylor’s new album, Little Brothers (out June 17 on Train Wreck Records, distributed by RED), is a charming collection filled with engaging, graceful songs that will make you both smile and think. It is the perfect soundtrack for a peaceful, sunny morning; a quietly fun album that also rewards close listening.
The cover photo is an old boyhood snapshot of Chip and his two brothers – acclaimed actor Jon Voight and renowned volcanologist Barry Voight – on the cover; but the songs contained therein are universal in appeal. Recorded at Athletic Sound in Halden, Norway, Little Brothers features Taylor backed by a splendid band that includes Goran Grini (keyboards), long-time musical compatriot John Platania (guitar), Bill Troiani (bass), and a backing chorus of Taylor’s granddaughters, Riley, Kate and Sammy Ennis.
The album’s title track has special meaning to Chip Taylor. “As the song says, the episode I sing about is actually from a dream,” he states. “The morning after, I called both of my brothers to document the dream so it would never be forgotten. There was lots of good natured laughter in those conversations. Later that day, I further documented the dream events with this song.”
Another special song in this collection is “Times Goes By,” which he dedicates to his wife, Joan. “Certainly one of my favorites of all the songs I’ve ever written,” he declares. “It closed most shows on my recent Sweden/Norway tour. I’ve always felt that, if a songwriter communicated an honest, passionate feeling – no matter how personal – it would connect with others. This song is a good example. On that tour, this song totally connected.”
More prolific than ever, Taylor is immediately following Little Brothers with a mini-album, I’ll Carry for You. The instant classic title track was inspired by Canadian golfing sisters Brooke (currently ranked #4 in the world) and Brittany Henderson, who caddy for each other, and is a song about the power of love. The other songs have similar themes of Olympic passion, just in time for the 2016 Rio games.
For more information, visit www.trainwreckrecords.com
