Above photo Taylor Roberts – photo credit: Ashley Napolitano
Being named “Jacksonville’s Best Musician of 2023” was a tremendous honor, yet if you were to ask me to define my genre, “jazz guitarist” wouldn’t be the full story. While jazz is deeply ingrained in my musical foundation after countless hours of practice and study, I’ve always felt the need to expand beyond genre constraints. My current musical journey involves crafting solo 7-string guitar arrangements that span popular songs across genres and eras, often infused with what one might call a “Jazz Accent.”
Given that Folio Weekly’s awards don’t categorize such a specific niche, I am simply honored to be recognized as a guitarist, or even more broadly, a musician within Jacksonville’s vibrant music scene.
This context is crucial because many were surprised that a musician with jazz roots would win in Jacksonville, a city internationally recognized for iconic bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet, and The Allman Brothers – bands synonymous with the electric guitar and Southern rock anthems. Frankly, I was quite taken aback myself. Jacksonville’s musical identity is so deeply intertwined with the raw energy of bands known for their guitar prowess, particularly the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd and their signature guitar sound.
Guitarist Taylor Roberts. Photo credit Frank Allen, Sr.
Folio Weekly, a long-standing local publication, has been a vital voice in my hometown for many years. Having known and collaborated with many of their staff, I appreciate their role in championing the arts and subcultures within Jacksonville. Perhaps my affinity for their “alternative journalism” stems from my own rebellious, music-loving spirit.
The growing recognition of my name, not just within the jazz guitar community but among local and regional music enthusiasts, is something I am deeply grateful for. I hold immense respect for musicians who dedicate themselves to a single genre, pushing its boundaries and evolving its sound. Contemporary jazz guitarists such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Dan Wilson, Gilad Hekselman, Adam Rogers, and Cecil Alexander, among many others, are creating incredibly innovative and inspiring music. Their dedication fuels my own desire to further develop my unique musical path. (Which, in musician’s terms, means it’s time to get back to focused practice!)
I am keenly aware that Jacksonville is brimming with exceptional musicians, many of whom are deserving of accolades and recognition, perhaps even more so than myself. Some may prefer to stay out of the spotlight, or perhaps the fanfare isn’t their priority. Regardless, Jacksonville’s music scene is rich with talent and a strong sense of community. Despite occasional disagreements – as in any family – there’s a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual support among Jacksonville musicians. For a taste of this, the Tuesday night Jazz Jam at the Blue Jay Listening Room showcases some of the most impressive musicians in the Southeast, all within a supportive environment for students and emerging artists.
While I could enthusiastically discuss the Jacksonville music family for hours, I want to touch on a key aspect of my musical journey that I believe contributed to this award: my diversified repertoire. This diversification was initially born out of necessity. Around 2012, becoming the primary provider for my family of four required a more strategic approach to my music career. I was already performing solo gigs and accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists, primarily in traditional jazz settings. While family life understandably shifted my practice time, it also spurred me to explore a broader musical landscape.
Joining a wedding band for about a year proved to be a formative experience. Performing a wide spectrum of party music, from Motown classics to contemporary hits, rekindled my connection to the music I grew up with: Motown soul, 80s rock anthems, 90s alternative, and the pure joy of performing on stage with fellow musicians and seeing an audience fully immersed in the music. And yes, there was a certain thrill in unleashing palm-muted power chords through an overdrive pedal each weekend – a far cry from the typical jazz guitar tone, but undeniably satisfying! This experience allowed me to rediscover the raw energy and direct emotional connection that guitar-driven music, like that of Lynyrd Skynyrd, can create.
As I learned the guitar parts for this diverse repertoire, I began adapting many of these songs for solo guitar arrangements. This broadened my appeal to a wider audience. Suddenly, requests for “Freebird” – Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic guitar epic – became part of my performances. Why not? Music’s meaning is subjective and deeply personal to each listener, and I embrace that. Exploring songs across genres, including those deeply rooted in the Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitar tradition, allowed me to connect with a broader audience and further define my own musical voice.
Initially hesitant to write this article, I realized it’s not solely about personal recognition. It’s about celebrating jazz guitar and its continued evolution within my musical journey. It’s also about acknowledging the vibrant Jacksonville music scene, a place where diverse musical styles, from jazz to Southern rock represented by the spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar, coexist and enrich each other. If my music resonates with people in this area, leading to this award, I am deeply appreciative.
So, if you find yourself in Jacksonville, explore the local music scene. Ask around, and you’ll be directed to a thriving community, rich in talent and passion, encompassing genres from jazz sophistication to the raw energy of the Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar legacy.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to working on my solo guitar arrangement of “Yearning for Your Love” by the Gap Band.
Cheers!
