Neil Taylor Reel Production

Quoted from Blues Blast Magazine May 21, 2016

Georgie Bonds – Hit It Hard Album Review

“…Sam Taylor’s “Not Tired of Living” is a bouncy rocker with slick organ fills from Runge and a scorching guitar solo from Neil Taylor, not to mention a fun vocal finale that brings everybody into the act.”

Neil “Porkroll” Taylor was drawn to music from a very early age. He was introduced to gospel music by his aunts and uncles; who sang in the Smith Island Men’s and Lady’s Quartets. At the tender age of six, he attended a concert put on by the Speer Family. They were a Gospel group that performed for an unprecedented 77 years before retiring. There on stage, he saw someone playing the electric guitar for the very first time. He was mesmerized! 

At that moment he made a vow: “I’m going to get me one of those”. 

However, the guitar would have to wait.

His first instrument was the clarinet. Which he quickly traded-in on a tenor saxophone the next year. After a year of study, he was pressed into service by the high school band director; but not because he was some phenom. No; the high school band was short of saxophonists! Neil was thrown into the fire as a fifth grader, and came out with some valuable lessons about music…

And still waiting for that new guitar!

Neil finally got his wish after a couple of years playing woodwinds. In 7th grade, he received his first guitar as a Christmas present. That guitar was never far from reach. “Personally, I wonder if this was when Neil met the devil at the Crossroads and sold his soul. But after working on 4 albums with Neil, I’m convinced that his combination of hard work and raw talent meant everything. I am inspired by Neil’s dedication to creating music”, says Runge.

Mostly self-taught, he continues to study with Jazz and Blues guitarists. He was invited to take lessons with Doug MacLeod, a legendary Bluesman that has earned an international reputation and won multiple awards for his singing and playing.

Fast forward to 2013, Neil had gotten the call to produce Georgie Bond’s second CD. 

Neil recalls, “My first call was to Walter, who was an essential player on Georgie’s first recording, the critically acclaimed Sometimes I Wonder. Walt’s contribution to “Sometimes I Wonder” was nothing short of amazing”.

Shaped by Neil’s vision as a producer, Georgie’s second CD would come to be known as Stepping Into Time. Walter performed on the piano and organ, alternating keyboard duties with Philadelphia native Joey Stout. According to Runge, “Neil contributed his extraordinary writing skills on several tunes. This was the first time I saw how well Neil worked in the studio”. 

Walt returned to the studio to record on Neil’s production of Georgie’s third CD, Hit It Hard.

This time Walter fulfilled all the Piano and Organ responsibilities. Walt points out, “One of my favorite performances on organ is on the rockin’ blues tune Pickin’ Your Bones. The Hammond A-100 in Noisy Little Critter Studio is a beast”. 

“Walt’s skill, professionalism, and musical sense are why I have him on speed dial! 

He is a joy to work with in both the studio and onstage.” Neil Taylor

Walter can be heard playing piano and organ on two of Neil’s self-produced records, 

“Sweet Union”, and “Papa Didn’t Raise Me Right”. We returned to Noisy Little Critter Studio to  work on both of these albums. The band often played together in the main room. Mike Bardzik’s studio is one of the few in the Philadelphia area that will allow an artist to utilize a two-inch tape machine in conjunction with full digital capabilities. Neil will often rewrite lyrics on the spot, change forms, and try ideas from the engineering chair. “Neil would willingly entertain suggestions that I brought to him while we worked”, says Walt, “his priority is always the success of the session and the soul of the song”!

“I’ve recently had the opportunity to work with some great studio musicians in Nashville, 

and I can honestly say Walter can stand with the best of them!”, states Neil unequivocally!

Neil splits time working with his band The Porkroll Project, songwriting, studio production, 

and some creative writing projects. He recently completed cutting tracks for an upcoming release; a gospel blues project recorded in Nashville, working with Emmylou Harris’ band. 

On this record Neil returns his roots and tips his hat to the Smith Island Ladies Quartet.

May all our endeavors be Blessed with Talent, Hard Work, Comradery and Gratitude.