Born on the banks of the Mississippi, Taylor now lives right here in Tamworth. In between times, in 1985 he released “Martin Greigh and Other New England Favorites”, a solo album of original songs on Folk Era Records. In the 1990’s he was in the popular Irish band Northeast Winds, which toured extensively with the Clancy Brothers. Following that, he became one of The Brandywine Singers of 60’s American folk fame, and with them produced a comeback CD “World Class Folk”. Over those years he performed at many of the top folk venues and concert halls throughout the US and Maritime Canada, including The Kennedy Center.
Internationally-known finger-style guitarist Guy Van Duser describes him this way: “We played as a duo for a while years ago, Taylor and I, and what I remember was the way we communicated musically together. Anytime Taylor is performing, he continues to create that same kind of rapport with his audiences. Taylor has the gift of being himself in his music, without affecting a ‘style’ or mannerisms. His voice is clean and refreshing, like a glass of spring water. He has genuine warmth as a singer, is a natural musician with a dozen instruments to his credit, and, best of all, clearly loves the music he performs. There are times when I’d rather listen to Taylor than to anyone.”
Back in the day Taylor appeared in the feature film “Bed and Breakfast” starring Roger Moore. He recorded numerous studio tracks for PBS’s “Nova” and “The American Experience”, and can be heard on recordings with Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash, and Gordon Bok, and on the opening theme of Antiques Road Show. He has shared the stage with The Kingston Trio, Livingston Taylor, Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, Crystal Gayle, and Tom Paxton, to name but a few.
To quote the great Liam Clancy, “Having worked with Taylor in many a concert hall over the years, it has been a delight to watch his considerable talents… I am sure his new departures will be just as rewarding to watch, both for fellow musicians and audiences alike.” And from the unmatched Tommy Makem: “A rare talent is Taylor Whiteside. Go listen to him any time you can. I’m sure you’ll consider it a privilege.”
On Saturday July 19th, Taylor Whiteside and the ‘51 Gibson from which he was separated at birth will reunite to perform some of his original songs under the musicians’ tent. A colleague or two may swing by to lay on some hot solos of their own.
