MP3 Jason "Malletman" Taylor - Xmas Jam

He brings his unique vibraphone style of smooth jazz and r&b to some of your holiday favorites, as well as his original "Christmas jam" - this cd will make you want to celebrate christmas all year long.

6 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Smooth Jazz, URBAN/R&B: Rhythm & Blues



Details:
Jason âMalletmanâ Taylor grew up in Brooklyn, NY listening to Lionel Hamptonâs music. His curiosity was sparked by his mother, who was a fan of Hamptonâs and would go see him perform at the Apollo Theater. This made Taylor interested in finding out more. However, he played the drums and xylophone before he eventually went on to play the vibraphone, which he describes as being âthe most beautiful sounding instrument.â He became dedicated to mastering the âvibeâ just like the late Hampton, who was so impressed during his first meeting with Taylor in 1981 that he took the young âMalletmanâ as his protégé and became his mentor. In addition to touring with the legendary Hampton and his 18-piece band, Taylor also lived with Hampton and received the kind of personal training and experience that can only be described as âpriceless.â Taylor toured the U.S. and Europe with Hampton, which ended with the two of them playing at President Ronald Reaganâs Inaugural Gala and Disneyland in 1985. It was during that time when Malletman formed Mallet Records, a record company dedicated to its mission of âKeeping Real Music Alive.â

1985 was also the year that Malletman flew away from Hamptonâs nest and began promoting his first recording, âOnce Upon a Malletâ (1984) which caught the attention of quite a few people. In 1986, Malletman released his sophomore recording, âGood Grief/My Destinyâ after which, Taylor returned to his true love - performing. Over the years to follow, he developed his unique live show into one that awed audiences and critics alike. As the 1980âs ended, Taylor released the successful âLove Attackâ which featured the singles, âLove Attackâ and âPick Me Up.â âLove Attackâ (The Remix) was number 24 on the Letâs Dance! Record Pool Urban Chart in December 2000, placing higher than singles by artists such as Outkast, Lilâ Kim, Eminem and Erykah Badu. Malletman went on to record other releases. Taylor is a five-time Grammy ballot-nominee. His nominations include Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for âThe Christmas Songâ (1998). His current CD single, âLive at Malletâs Placeâ (2005) features âOnce Upon a Mallet,â a lively original composition, along with a seductive version of the jazz standard, âMisty.â He is currently working his next release, which will offer at least 10 tunes.

Malletman is known for his unique presentation of Jazz, R&B and Swing, creating a signature sound that is all his own, which he calls âVibrafunk.â He has been in the company of such greats as Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, George Clinton, James Brown, Miles Davis, Branford Marsalis, Steve Washington, B.B. King, Albert King, Slide Hampton and Bill Cosby, who is a well-known jazz fan. Taylor has opened up for Earth Wind and Fire (2003), Isaac Hayes (2002), Pancho Sanchez (2000), The Manhattans (1996), Najee (1996), Paquito DâRivera (1996), Pieces of a Dream (1996), Diana Reeves (1995), Maya Angelou (1992) and Cheryl Lynn (1990).

Taylor teamed up with the Berger Organization and New Jersey Mayor, Sharpe James to open up âMalletâs Place,â a jazz club that launched as a tremendous success in December 2001, whose patrons included Taylorâs mentor, the late Lionel Hampton and John Amos (âGood Timesâ). The club operated until 2003. Taylor also used the venue for special childrenâs events to generate their interest in jazz and educate them about the music that serves as a foundation and inspiration for the music they enjoy today.

Taylor became a Yamaha artist and clinician in 1991. He presents music clinics throughout the United States to schools, colleges and churches where he shares his experience and teaches about percussion instruments.

Mike Balter Mallets, an Illinois-based mallet company, honored Taylor with his very own signature mallet in June 2005.

Malletman continues to perform with his 6-piece band. He became the first artist to play at Bed Bath & Beyond stores with his âMini Holiday Tour,â which ran between September â November in 2004 and 2005.

Taylorâs music attracts people of all ages. He is currently working on a television show, âMalletâs Place TVâ which began airing in May 2006 on Time Warner Cableâs local access channels in Staten Island, NY.