Known as Ireland's 'Soul Man', Buck Taylor promises to have Dominick Street grooving, as he takes to the stage at Monroe's Live this Friday, 30 July. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Buck is best loved for his unparalled vocal ability and has performed with many of the greats, from Martha Reeves to James Taylor.
Having moved to Ireland almost five years ago, he is now a favourite on the Irish music scene and is gaining a very local following for his sweet soul music.
Hi Buck, welcome to Galway! Is this your first time performing in the city?
One of the first times I performed up here was in the University College Bar with my band 'Taylor Made' and we had a great time there. I have done a few gigs in the city and recently performed in Claregalway too. Only a few weeks ago, I had a great time out in Inishbofin Island. Unfortunately, my Irish hero, Dessie O'Halloran, was not about that weekend, but the locals were very nice to me. That's the thing about you Irish people, you're so warm and passionate about your music and sport and you have made me and my family feel at home.
You moved from America to Ballina five years ago. What prompted the move and did you find this music scene very different over here?
I met my wife Fidelma in Boston when I was touring with James Taylor in the 80s, she is from Ballina originally. I remember coming back to Ireland for the first time and it was a bit of a culture shock alright but it was great fun too and left its mark on me. After Fidelma's mother passed away, we decided to make the move. I don't regret it at all and it was refreshing really as I had been living out of a suitcase in the States for quite some time. I love it there now.
The music scene is a little different here but I love that too. The Irish definitely love their music and there is such a diverse range of tastes.
I understand that your family is steeped in musical tradition, was it this history that inspired the style of music that you still play today?
Yes of course. Although we started off as a country band originally when we were young, gradually we moved on or were gravitated into the soul, Motown and disco scene. All of my brothers and sisters were great musicians themselves and I played bass as well as sang with Bird and Deedee (William) in the band. We were called Taylor Made then too. My brother William, passed away in Atlanta before the summer so the chain is broken now.
Who is your ultimate musical hero?
Oh it has to be James Brown. I never got to see James perform in all the years in the States, then finally a few months before he died, Liam got tickets for his show in the Olympia Dublin and it was amazing to see him perform in the flesh.
You have collaborated with some huge names in the music industry from Patti Labelle to James Taylor. What has been your most memorable experience?
I guess all of them are memorable in one way or another but I have very fond memories of all those years performing in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. That is party capital, big time. You need to be a young man for that scene though!
What do you think it is about soul music that has enabled it to endure over such a long period of time?
It's the feel of it. It's the rhythm and the soulfulness of the music that has created the mass appeal for soul music over the years. It's the huge singing voices of Wilson Pickett, Al Green, Sam Cooke, James Brown and Otis Redding that have rubberstamped this brand of music that was a precursor to the disco scene of the 70s and ultimately pop music as it is today.
For those who are not familiar with your music, what can they expect from your stage show?
Energy and lots of fun. We always have a good time and I love performing here in Ireland. I am really looking forward to the gig in Monroe's this Friday as we're gonna rock the joint, as they say!
Finally, do you think you'll be taking a flutter on the Galway Races while you are here?
Oh yea of course, after I have had counsel from my good friends and mentors, Liam and Brendan 'Squig' Holian in Tuam!
Buck Taylor plays Monroe's Live on Friday 30 July at 11pm. Tickets are available from Monroe's Tavern and Zhivago Records. For more information, log on to www.monroes.ie.
