JASON “MALLETMAN” TAYLOR
A pair of mallets fly high up
into the air, twirling at least two times before the hands that
will strike them against the golden bars of a vibraphone catches
the wooden sticks. What happens next is best described as being
“hypnotic” as Jason “Malletman” Taylor plays the instrument he
loves, while also placing his audience in a trance, as they
witness something they have never seen before…
Taylor grew up in Brooklyn, NY listening to Lionel Hampton’s
music. His mother, who was a fan of Hampton’s and would go see him
perform at the Apollo Theater, introduced her son to the jazz
legend’s work. Taylor started out playing the drums when he was 12
years old. He then went on to play the xylophone before falling in
love with the vibraphone, which he describes as being “the most
beautiful sounding instrument.” He became dedicated to mastering
the “vibes” just like Hampton, who was so impressed during his
first meeting with Taylor in 1981, that he took in the young
“Malletman” as his protégé and became his mentor. In addition to
touring the U.S. and Europe with Hampton and his 18-piece band,
Taylor also lived with him and received the kind of personal
training and experience that can only be described as “priceless.”
It was during that time when Taylor also formed Mallet Records, a
record company dedicated to its mission of “Keeping Real Music
Alive.”
Taylor flew away from Hampton’s nest in 1985. That was the year he
began to heavily promote his first recording, “Once Upon a Mallet”
(1984) which caught the attention of quite a few people. In 1986,
Taylor released his sophomore recording, “Good Grief/My Destiny”
after which, Taylor returned to his true love - performing. Over
the years to follow, he developed his unique live show into one
that awed audiences and critics alike. As the 1980’s ended, Taylor
released the successful “Love Attack” album, which features the
singles, “Love Attack” and “Pick Me Up.” “Love Attack (The Remix)”
was number 24 on the Let’s Dance! Record Pool Urban Chart in
December 2000, placing higher than singles recorded by Outkast,
Lil’ Kim, Eminem and Erykah Badu. Taylor is a five-time Grammy
ballot-nominee. His nominations include Best Jazz Instrumental
Solo for “The Christmas Song” (1998). His most recent CD single,
“Live at Mallet’s Place” (2005) features “Once Upon a Mallet,” a
lively original composition, and a seductive version of the jazz
standard, “Misty.”
Taylor is known for his unique presentation of Jazz, R&B and
Swing, creating a signature sound that he calls “Vibrafunk.” He
has been in the company of such greats as Benny Goodman, Dizzy
Gillespie, James Brown, Branford Marsalis, Steve Washington, B.B.
King, Albert King, Carmine Appice, Randy Brecker, Teddy Riley,
Will Calhoun, and Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. Taylor has opened up
for Earth Wind and Fire (2003), Isaac Hayes (2002), Pancho Sanchez
(2000), The Manhattans (1996), Paquito D’Rivera (1996), Pieces of
a Dream (1996), Diana Reeves (1995), and Maya Angelou (1992).
Taylor teamed up with the Berger Organization to open up “Mallet’s
Place,” a jazz club that launched as a tremendous success in
December 2001. Those who visited the venue included Taylor’s
mentor, the late Lionel Hampton and John Amos (”Good Times”). The
club operated until 2003. Taylor also used the venue for special
children’s events to generate their interest in jazz and educate
them about the music that serves as the foundation and inspiration
for the music they enjoy today.
Taylor studied music at Suffolk Community College, Schenectady
Community College, and Berklee College of Music.
Taylor became a Yamaha artist and clinician in 1991. He presents
music clinics and master classes throughout the United States at
schools, colleges, music stores, and churches.
Mike Balter Mallets, an Illinois-based mallet company, honored
Taylor with his very own signature mallet in June 2005. In
addition to Yamaha and Mike Balter Mallets, Taylor also serves as
an endorser for AKG Acoustics, Dream Cymbals, and Reunion Blues
Gig Bags & Cases.
Taylor performs with his six-piece “Malletman Band,” and also with
his “All-Star Band,” which features fellow percussionists Bernard
“Pretty” Purdie on drums and Tito Puente, Jr. on timbales.
While his roots are in jazz, Taylor has expanded into many other
genres. His instrument knows no boundaries. His performances
attract people of all ages and cultures. Taylor’s instructional
DVD, “The Mallet Code,” teaches vibraphone techniques to beginning
and intermediate students. |