After years of navigating the bustling, ever-changing soundscape of New York City, acclaimed guitarist Joe Taylor has returned to his roots—and in doing so, settled into a new musical “home.” His latest album, Last Boat Home, released on August 22 via Moonwatcher Music, reflects this journey with a soulful fusion of instrumental Americana, blues, and jazz, all recorded in the comfort of his South Carolina studio.
A Journey From City Streets to Southern Shores
Taylor’s previous work, Westside Chill, captured the urban pulse of New York—the subways, buses, and the relentless pace of city life. The album's cover art visually echoed this hectic metropolitan energy, positioning the listener in the heart of the city. But Last Boat Home marks a transformative shift. The album’s evocative cover depicts Taylor waiting for the titular “last boat,” symbolizing his final step toward a deeply personal, more organic sound rooted in the natural beauty and traditions of his Southern home.
This album is more than a collection of songs—it’s a musical homecoming.
Friends, Fellowship, and Creativity on the Water
To bring this vision to life, Taylor invited three longtime friends and top-tier New York musicians—pianist Jeff Franzel, bassist Paul Adamy, and drummer-percussionist Ray Marchica—to join him in Bennetts Point, South Carolina. For two weeks, the quartet collaborated in Taylor’s Salt Creek Recording studio, nestled in a scenic enclave within the ACE Basin Wildlife Preserve.
Taylor built this studio as a sanctuary—a creative refuge away from the frenetic energy of NYC, designed for friends and collaborators to feel at home and free to explore. As Taylor shares, “I wanted to build a place where my musical friends could comfortably stay and create, away from the pressurized atmosphere of New York City.”
The evenings were filled with southern hospitality: boat rides on the water, shrimp dock visits, and relaxed gatherings at local spots like B&B Seafood’s general store. It was this warm, supportive atmosphere that nurtured the intimate and organic sound of Last Boat Home.
A Collaborative Spirit: Live, Raw, and Rootsy
Rather than coming into the studio with fully formed compositions, Taylor and his friends embraced a spontaneous approach. Each brought “snippets and threads” of melodies, grooves, and colors that they developed on the spot—feeding off each other’s energy in real time. The album captures that old-school feel of musicians let loose in the studio, where improvisation meets heartfelt collaboration.
The result is ten songs that weave Americana, jazz, blues, and subtle world influences into a sound both timeless and fresh.
Highlight Tracks and Stories Behind the Music
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“Last Boat Home” — The title track features Taylor’s soulful McGill Resonator guitar and stirring piano from Franzel, accented by steel guitar from Gary Morse. It perfectly sets the tone of a lyrical journey home.
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“Goodnight Gracie” — Written by Adamy for his beloved dog, this melodic ballad pairs Taylor’s electric guitar with emotional depth, evoking the tender spirit of saying goodbye.
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“Mason Jar” — A playful, Steely Dan-esque tune inspired by a humorous studio moment involving a pencil tapping on Taylor’s ever-present Mason jar of wine—a nod to his grandfather’s moonshining past.
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“I See A Spider” — Featuring a hypnotic call and response between guitar and piano, the track’s title references the only wildlife encounter during their stay in the wildlife preserve—a literal spider that wandered into the studio.
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“Bumba Meu Boi” — This track channels a lively Brazilian jazz vibe, showcasing Marchica’s percussion prowess and adding a global flair to the Americana roots.
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“Burnin’ Daylight” — A loving tribute to Luther Vandross, whose famous song “Never Too Much” inspired Taylor’s opening lick, the track recalls fond memories of time spent with the legendary singer.
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“Melba” — A tender homage to Franzel’s late mother, capturing the warmth of their shared musical history.
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“Royal Street” — Named after the vibrant French Quarter street in New Orleans, this piece dances to a rhythm reminiscent of the city’s rich musical heritage, reflecting memories of trips with Taylor’s bloodhound, Ida Mae.
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“Well, I Reckon” & “Kinda Greasy” — These closing tracks bring funky bass grooves and Memphis soul vibes that round out the album with spirited energy.
A Life in Music
Joe Taylor’s journey has been marked by versatility and dedication. From his 1988 solo debut Mystery Walk to his 1995 RCA/Victor album Spellbound, he has consistently charted on Billboard’s contemporary jazz albums. Alongside his solo career, Taylor has contributed as a sought-after session musician and producer for iconic artists like Dave Koz, Donna Summer, Nile Rodgers, and Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
His composing talents extend to television and film as well, with credits including Stephen King’s Golden Years, Discovery Channel’s SpyTek, and A&E’s Spies.
Upcoming Shows to Catch Joe Taylor & Friends
Taylor and his trio will be hitting the road this late summer and fall, with concerts scheduled in Michigan and South Carolina to celebrate Last Boat Home:
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August 20 & 21 – Elk Rapids and Glen Arbor, Michigan
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September 5 – Charleston, South Carolina
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September 6 – Camden, South Carolina
The Last Boat Home Tracklist
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Last Boat Home
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Goodnight Gracie
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Mason Jar
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I See A Spider
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Bumba Meu Boi
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Burnin’ Daylight
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Melba
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Royal Street
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Well, I Reckon
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Kinda Greasy
Joe Taylor’s Last Boat Home is more than an album—it’s a musical memoir of friendship, roots, and the enduring power of creative community. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, Americana, or instrumental storytelling, this record invites you on a heartfelt journey toward a new kind of home.
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