Mick Taylor's self-titled debut album is rather different than one would imagine for an ex-Rolling Stone and former Bluesbreaker. As to whether this is due to the conformist sound of the lighter numbers ("Leather Jacket," "Baby I Want You," etc.) or the fact that his singing voice is so much more average than Jagger or Mayall's is debatable. In any case, Mick Taylor is an undeniably attractive and often surprising album. The highlight and thrust of the album is Taylor's astounding guitar playing. His fusion of blues and rock styles, and, of course, his slide guitar work, is constantly impressive. "Slow Blues," "Giddy-Up," and "Spanish/A Minor" feature some particularly gob-smacking guitar solos. Lyrically, Mick Taylor is a little lightweight, but at worst competent. Similarly, some of the music is at times cheesy, attempting to blend in with the sound of the time. Nevertheless, Mick Taylor's first attempt at a solo recording is a fine effort and one that improves with time.

(by Ben Davies, All Music Guide)

After a period of personal and professional reassessment Mick Taylor emerged from the shadows of his classic stint in the Rolling Stones with his first solo album. Mix Stonesy rock and blues with Jeff Beck's Blow by Blow and the resulting stew will sound something like Mick Taylor’s eponymous debut.

A great cast of musicians also show up to support Mr. Taylor, including Lowell George (Little Feat), Pierre Moerlen (Gong) and keyboardist Jean Roussell (Cat Stevens).

After a long absence this much overlooked release returns to compact disc with a fresh mastering from Grammy® award winning engineer, Vic Anesini and new liner notes by Kris Needs. Release includes a very rare, promo-only single version of "Leather Jacket" with different guitar parts as a bonus track.

(iconoclassicrecords. com)