Robin is one of the most prolific artists I have come across, normally working under one of three different guises, and for this release he has put together a special line-up of the band. The album itself contains a selection of highlights from the later repertoire of Taylor’s Universe – here in altered 2015 versions: rearranged, partly re-recorded, remixed and remastered. No room for Karsten Vogel or Carsten Sindvald, both of whom have been important members in the past, but he has instead again relied on Jakob Mygind to provide dynamic saxophone and has brought in two more guitarists to add weight to the sound, in the form of famed Danish musician John Sund and Frank Carvalho (from Etcetera), neither of whom have recorded with him in the past. Thomas Thor Viderø Ulstrup is again providing synths, while Klaus Thrane is still here on drums, and Louise Nipper and Jan Fischer provide some wordless vocals.
Robin, as always, is at the very centre, providing whatever musical textures and nuances that are required, working as the conductor and organiser to ensure that everything is focussed and finessed to perfection. With as much in common with jazz thinking as it does with progressive rock, Robin continues to operate at a very high level indeed, creating music that is thought provoking and intense while staying accessible and dynamic. As with all his releases, this won’t be for everyone, but those who appreciate this type of music will find a great deal here to enjoy.
