Straight-ahead jazz saxophonist Sam Taylor ran the Philadelphia Marathon on the heels of his new album release.
Focused and locked in, Sam Taylor toed the start line of last month’s Philadelphia Marathon in the same manner as he stands backstage prior to being introduced. With a number plate pinned to his chest, he inhaled deeply just like before he puts his saxophone to his lips to play the first note. When the starter pistol fired, Taylor did exactly what he does when music fills his being and emotes through his horn: he let go. Taking off to conquer 26.2 miles, he surrendered to the experience of his first marathon, in his hometown, in the days prior to his fortieth birthday, and in the shadow of his newly released straight-ahead jazz album, “Let Go.”
“Returning to my hometown of Philadelphia, the place where my love for music took hold, was nurtured and allowed to grow, the moment was pregnant with possibility,” said Taylor who now resides in Harlem. “Music and running are both universal. Musicians surrender to the music, interpret the song and share with others. The marathon brings together a sea of humanity - each of us with our own vulnerability of mind/body/spirit. We surrender to that vulnerability - let go - inspiring each other along the way.”
Taylor attended The Performing Arts High School in Philly. As a student, he bused over to Temple University where he listened to acclaimed trumpeter Terrell Stafford play and lecture about jazz. On the new album, Taylor exhibits his studies flanked by Stafford, who is spotlighted throughout the swinging ten-song set that climbed into the top 30 on the Jazz Week chart.
As he ran the historic streets of Philadelphia past scenic landmarks, urban neighborhoods and beautiful waterfront vistas on a “crazy cold” November morning, Taylor recalled the jazz artists he saw play in local clubs while he was growing up and the impact those musicians had on cultivating his love of music. His feet hit the pavement mile after mile and along the way, Taylor thought of another saxman from Philly, Benny Golson. On “Let Go, which Taylor produced with Cory Weeds, he pays homage to Golson by performing the now 93-year-old’s “Out of the Past,” adding his own touch to the lyrical melody set to a bluesy swing groove.
Eight miles in, Taylor felt completely free and open to the adventure. In full stride, he began pondering the music and running connection.
“There is a desire in everyone for openness and freedom; both music and running serve this need,” reflected Taylor.
Passing the halfway mark, the tempo of Taylor’s rhythmic run continued like a metronome as he recalled seeing trumpeters John Swana and Joe Magnarelli play in Philly jazz joints. On “Let Go,” Taylor memorialized the influence they had on him by recording “Philly New York Junction,” a tune he saw the duo perform many times.
Grabbing an energy gel and a cup of water from the twenty-mile feed station, Taylor felt a much-needed boost, bringing to mind the pride he felt in recording his first composition that serves as the title track to his third album, “Let Go.” The song reflects his belief that music is an act of giving. Taylor feels that a life in music is about generosity and letting go. It’s about surrender, which requires being both tender and strong. It’s how he approached training for the marathon. Taylor knew the effort would require building endurance and strength – physically and mentally. Equally, he recognized the need to focus on “tender” qualities such as nutrition, recovery and rest.
In the final miles, Taylor realized that he was about to achieve his dream of completing a marathon prior to his milestone birthday. The realization brought to mind the intention he set for the “Let Go” recording date, which took place in Van Gelder Studios, the same studio were legends John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Turrentine recorded. The morning of the session, Taylor put pen to paper to write his intention to be grateful, mindful and present while giving and letting go. In the company of pianist Jeb Patton, bassist Neal Miner and drummer Willie Jones III, Taylor tracked “Let Go,” the set list of which includes standards from the Great American Songbook written by Barry Harris, Hank Jones and Jule Styne.
Crossing the finish line in front of the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art in jubilation – and exhaustion, Taylor relished his accomplishment. He’d given his all, which is what mattered to him most of all. Early on during the pandemic, Taylor started running to replace his yoga practice. It provides an outlet for him to stay fit, clear his mind, and build cardiovascular strength that benefits his saxophone play. Running a marathon offered a goal to challenge his limits. Finishing underscored the music and running connection for him, emphasizing his ethos to let go and give.
“In a way, crossing the finish line is but a moment in time, a stop along the journey. Playing music is much the same: enter the studio, step foot on stage and express a moment; give voice to personal and collective forms of memory and feeling; inspire hope; and move others to create and share their own beauty and joy. It is the process: showing up, again and again, letting go and giving what you can,” said Taylor who will run the United Airlines NYC Half in March.
For more information, please visit www.samtaylormusic.com.
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