• ‘The Template’ marks the coming of age of Hammond master James Taylor as he enters his 25th year at the forefront of the world jazz funk scene.

• His band, The James Taylor Quartet, are an act that have toured worldwide consistently since their launch in 1986, developing a large following - and this album reflects the intensity of their highly acclaimed live shows, including the opening cinematic-style title track ‘The Template’ - a tune which crystallises the best of British TV and film music and then seriously switches on the heat.

• Taylor’s Hammond work ramps up the tension alongside quartet members : Hugh Gledhill, guitar, Andrew McKinney, bass, and Adam Betts, drums - plus guests, including : award-winning flautist Gareth Lockrane, RobTownsend, saxes, Nick Smart, trumpet & flugelhorn, and the soulful angelic voice of UK’s great white hope, John Turrell - all creating a searing groove that throws down the gauntlet to all challengers. This is heavy modern instrumental music that can move from mesmeric mellow groove to power-packed UK funk, delivered by an act at the top of its game.

• From being one of the leading exponents of rare-groove jazz-funk in the 1980s and one of the founders of the British Acid Jazz scene, James later went on to score the theme tune to ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ in 1997: to be nominated for a MOBO in ’98; and feature on the Tom Jones’ duets album, ‘Reload’, the following year. JT’s musical talent has also been admired by numerous other acts: The Wonder Stuff, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues and U2 have all featured Taylor’s distinctive Hammond sound on their albums.