(Iris Records)

www.irisrecords.com

When you're the offspring of James Taylor and Carly Simon, it's only natural that people would assume you're going to be bubbly, bright-eyed and following in your folks' footsteps.  Granted, there are certain elements in Benjamin (nee Ben) Taylor's delivery that would affirm that conclusion.  On his latest disc for example -- the grandly-titled  The Legend of Kung Folk Part 1 (The Killing Bite) -- his easy amiable melodies and beguiling vocals often sound similar to his father's.  And it's especially true on "You're The One For Me," "It's Only Love" and "Space," songs that intertwine love and loss in equal measure.

Still, it would be a mistake to assume he's just a sweet baby Ben.  On the contrary, "Wicked Way" ("I just want to take you out and get you drunk/So I can have my wicked way") and "Something For Nothing" reflect the advances of a lecherous lad who's unashamedly brazen when it comes to baring his lustful intents.  The album finds him veering from his dad's designs in other ways as well - in the sinewy, swampy groove of "Wrong," the semi-samba of "Wilderness" and the soulful sway of "She's Gone." 

It can easily be argued that Taylor's a chip off the old block.  However it's also fair to say he found his own edge.

Standout Tracks: "Wicked Way," "Space," "It's Only Love" LEE ZIMMERMAN