TRACKS

ALL MY TOMORROWS 5:38

by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen

THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU 5:52

by Ray Noble

IMAGINE MY FRUSTRATION 5:25

by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and Gerald Wilson

A STATE OF GRACE 4:44

by Ross Taggart and Joani Taylor

FOR ALL WE KNOW 5:14

by J. Fred Coots and Sam M. Lewis

SEEING FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME 4:41

by Michael Ruff

YOU Y'LOOK GOOD 3:26

by Joe Fahrni

ANSWER MY QUESTION 5:36

by Ross Taggart, Jimm Taylor and Joani Taylor

I AIN'T GOT NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES 5:38

by Duke Ellington and Don George

YOU'RE BLASÉ 4:18

by Ord Hamilton and Bruce Sievier

DETOUR AHEAD 6:14

by Lou Carter, Herb Ellis and Johnny Frigo

YOU MUST BELIEVE IN SPRING 5:04

by Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Jacques Demy

A State of Grace

2002

CBC Radio

The dictionary definition of empathy is an understanding to intimate that the thoughts and feelings of one are comprehended by another. There may as well be a picture of this group. No rehearsals, no going over arrangements between Ross and Joani; just a one-take session that remained in the pocket from start to finish. And since it was that easy, I for one, expect to hear lots more from this group.”

— Guy MacPherson

It has been a dream to record a CD with Joani Taylor for quite some time. Scratching out the arrangements and leading the sessions I was finally able to boss Joani around for a change! Joani, Ken, Buff and Jack more than exceeded my expectations. Their friendship, professionalism and wonderful musicianship inspired two of the most laid-back, relaxed sessions I have experienced. I hope that you enjoy listening to this record as much as we did creating it.

— Ross Taggart

Feeling as I do about Ross's work, I was thrilled when he asked me to join him on his CBC Jazz Beat recording session. Ross chose most of the tunes, which delighted me. The session went so well Ross suggested we record a few more for a CD release. Ross had a couple gorgeous melodies he had written so I wrote lyrics for "A State of Grace" and I talked my brother Jimm into the lyric for "Answer My Question." The tune "Seeing for the Very First Time" is such a beautiful song, and I sincerely want to thank Ross for supporting my every note as if he were holding something precious. This was an inspiring project for me to work on, playing with people whose art I admire so much. To the listener… I hope you enjoy this album as much as we loved creating it for you. With extreme love, Joani.

— Joani Taylor

FROM THE SESSION

CREDITS

Joani Taylor, vocals

Ross Taggart, piano

Ken Lister, bass

Buff Allen, drums

Jack Stafford, alto and tenor sax

Arrangements: Ross Taggart

Produced by Ross Taggart, Joani Taylor and Claire Lawrence

Recorded live at the CBC and Bob Murphy's Wall Street studio

Engineered and mixed by Gary Heald and Miles Hill

Cover photo: "Karen Buoy," Burma 1985

LINER NOTES

Recorded live at the CBC and Bob Murphy's Wall Street studio. Distributed by Roadhouse Records.

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