Long before his gig with the Rippingtons or becoming the solo artist that he is today, saxophonist Paul Taylor dazzled the world back in 1997 with ten hypnotic tracks on his second release entitled Pleasure Seeker. Most of the tracks are primarily sensual in nature and flow well throughout. The one thing that sets this disc apart from so many is the outstanding phrasing and modulation from his soprano and sometimes alto sax.  Granted much of what’s here is played over programmed synth, it only adds to the production quality instead of taking away from it. Having had the opportunity to see Taylor on this tour, the songs came across as passionate in person as they do on the disc.

“Groove Zone” begins with a programmed background that lays the groundwork for Taylor’s sax. The beat is somewhat laid back, and he walks through this one with ease. It sets the mood for the rest of the record and comes off really well. The outstanding phrasing mentioned earlier is at work early as he moves from chorus to refrain. He hits us with the title track early with a little tune that picks up the pace from the opener. His sax here is lively and plays off the same type of programmed background that we heard in the previous cut. While some of the passages are long and flowing, his staccato chorus is a nice break. “Looking For Eve” is one of those “chill” type songs that we would call today that moves just fast enough to get you hooked. The background beat just seems to grind, and Taylor’s playful sax soars.

Acoustic guitar begins “Dry Your Eyes” with Taylor’s sax in the higher register for effect. This slower arrangement feels almost remorseful and apologetic, as if playing to someone who has been crying. “Thrive” picks up the beat right away and begins with the energy not heard on the previous cuts. The background is hypnotic and continues to build as it goes. Paul’s sax flows extremely well thru this one. “Deeper” is the one track that could have had an “R” rating on it based on the feel and intensity. I saw this one live and it comes off the same way. Be warned to get your significant other close by before cuing this one up. “Raw Sugar” begins with a piano interlude before introducing the same type of programmed background heard earlier. Taylor’s sax still plays off of it well and the phrasing continues to be good. He flows from one passage to the other with ease. The beat picks up once again on “Allure.” I really think this one has to be a favorite. Taylor’s soprano soars and continues to build as it goes along. The chorus has that hook that everyone loves, and keeps you wanting more. He finishes the disc with a song called “Fadeaway.” The approach is more deliberate, but still similar to several others heard previously. I like what he has to “say” here and he keeps it interesting with some nice playing.

Pleasure Seeker may have been a little before its time with what was to be called “chill” music. I’ve always liked this one a lot for the simple reason Paul Taylor’s playing continues to move on each track and never gets stale. The phrasing that I’ve mentioned throughout is what sets this apart from many of the others written at the same time. I really enjoy listening to everything here. When the mood is right, be sure to put on a copy real soon.