In 1996, Lewis Taylor released his self-titled masterpiece. A true modernclassic, it’s an album that was years ahead of its time. Forget 25 years ago, itcould easily have been made in 2021. An effortless blend of neo-soul,sophisticated pop, smart grooves and laid-back white funk, it enjoyed rapturousreviews from critics and music legends alike. But the album never managed tomake an impact and given what was likely a token vinyl release at the time, theoriginal records have long since been near-impossible to find. Lewis Taylor’sLewis Taylor remains a holy relic for some and criminally unknown to most.Lewis Taylor’s impeccable influences created a dazzling sonic palette: the LP asa whole suggests the visionary brilliance of Prince; the vocal stylings evokethe yearning power of Marvin Gaye; the effortless guitar playing shares thevirtuosity of Jimi Hendrix; the haunting tones conjure Tricky; the innovativeproduction and engineering invite comparisons to studio mavericks like ToddRundgren and Brian Eno; the multi-layered, complex harmonies flash on PetSounds-era Brian Wilson; the dark, drama is reminiscent of both Scott Walker andStevie Wonder; the complex arrangements create textures and moods with the feelof Shuggie Otis on Inspiration Information; the bold experimentation is akin toprogressive artists like Faust and Tangerine Dream; the atmosphere is inconversation with Jeff Buckley’s Grace… and we could go on. That might all soundlike marketing hyperbole, but not as far as Be With is concerned. It is agenuine wonder how an album this good could’ve passed so many people by.

• - 1 -

  • 1. Lucky
  • 2. Bittersweet
  • 3. Whoever
  • 4. Track
  • 5. Song

• - 2 -

  • 1. Betterlove
  • 2. How
  • 3. Right
  • 4. Damn
  • 5. Spirit