For those not in the know, Harlem based saxophonist and Philadelphia native, Sam Taylor presents his third release for Cellar Live, entitled Let Go, featuring trumpet master Terell Stafford.

Recorded at Van Gelder Studios in January of 2022, a time when much of what we believed in as a society was being redefined and reimagined, Taylor chose to invite his musical elders to join him on a journey of generosity and letting go.

Surrendering to the music he loves, interpreting the songs and sharing with others, Let Go remains true to Sam Taylor’s musical values. There is an emphasis on mentorship and tradition, as Terell Stafford was a childhood hero of the young saxophonist while in Philadelphia.

Joined by Jeb Patton (piano), Neal Miner (bass) and Willie Jones III (drums), Taylor and Stafford joyfully perform a collection of songs by the great Barry Harris, Benny Golson, and Coleman Hawkins, along with interpretations of rarely played standards from the American Songbook.

Indeed, the title track, Let Go, is an original by Taylor, his first to be recorded. The quintet swings hard and with purpose, honoring the spirit of those who came before, with a clear message: Music is an act of giving. Let go.

1. Luminescence
2. Let Go
3. Angel Face
4. Gettin’ Together
5. Out of the Past
6. Philly New York Junction
7. Bye Bye Baby
8. Here’s That Rainy Day
9. You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile
10. Prisoner of Love

This beautifully crafted, melodically infectious new album opens on the aptly-named Luminescence and the upbeat and joyous titular Let Go and then backs them up seamlessly with the smooth and creamy Angel Face, the fervently-rhythmic Gettin’ Together and the yearnful melodies within Out of the Past.

Up next is the soft, slow, delicate gossamer that makes up Philly New York Junction and that is in turn backed by the veritably shimmering sparkle within the delicious Bye Bye Baby, the dance floor swing of Here’s That Rainy Day, the album rounding out on the studious You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, closing on the fervently flirtatious Prisoner of Love.

Taylor incorporated two metropolises into the mix: his hometown of Philadelphia and his adopted home, New York City. Both cities add nuance that is heard on the ten-song collection produced by Taylor and Cory Weeds.

For one, Stafford is a prominent part of the Philly jazz and arts scene, and his solos, accents and duets with the saxophonist on “Let Go” are prodigious. One of the songs on the album is “Philly New York Junction,” a tune that Taylor saw trumpeters John Swana and Joe Magnarelli perform in local clubs when he was growing up.

Recording a classy version of Benny Golson’s “Out of the Past” is another tribute to the City of Brotherly Love; Golson is a fellow saxman from Philly.

Simply put, “Let Go” is a swinging set, where astute rhythms abound, bebop grooves, and varied melodic hues provide structure for Taylor & Company’s improvisational explorations.

One of the highlights of the set list composed primarily of Great American Songbook standards is Taylor’s first ever recording of one of his own compositions: the title track.

Indeed, Taylor’s inspiration for “Let Go” comes from his belief that living a life of music is “an act of defiance” that involves surrendering and generously giving oneself to the music, that music is an expression of love and respect, inspiring hope and a reason to overcome challenges and triumphs.

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