Since moving to Los Angeles in 1985, drummer Joel Taylor has become one of the most versatile and "in demand" drummers currently in the L.A. studio and touring scene. He has performed and recorded with a diversity of artists that span the whole stylistic spectrum of the music world. Whether it is the mind boggling technical and compositional extremes of jazz/rock guitarist Allan Holdsworth, the classic rock sounds and energy of Edgar Winter or Bobby Kimbal (Toto), the slick R&B grooves of Bobby Caldwell, Jeff Lorber, or the odd-meter & orchestral music of Yanni, Joel seems to always adds the right combination of groove, sound, and musicianship needed for each particular situation.
Born in Worland, Wyoming, in 1959, Joel started playing drums around the age of 8, following in his older brother footsteps. However, at age 10, his parents brought him a trumpet, which became his main axe through high school, playing at Carnegie Hall when he was only 16 with the McDonald All American High School Band.
It was while attending Berklee College of Music (1979-1982) that he again focused his attention on the drums, studying with Alan Dawson and Gary Chaffee. After leaving Boston, he spent a year in the N.Y.C. area, before moving to L.A.
Joel has appeared on nearly 100 CD, done dozens of film and television themes and projects, as well as innumerable jingles. Along with the aforementioned artists, he has also toured and /or recorded with the following: Andy Summers, Frank Gambale, Eric Marienthal, Enie Watts, Leslie West, Pat Travers, Micky Thomas (Starship), Scott Henderson, The Rippingtons, Diane Schuur, Joe Sample, Brian Bromberg, Brandon Fields, Mitchell Forman, Free Flight, Jeff Richman, Kenia, Justo Almario, Rique Pantoja, Nico Assumpcao, Cecilia Noel & The Wild Clams.

February 2001