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Blending his signature acoustic warmth with elegant orchestral arrangements, Livingston Taylor’s Symphonic Steps is a beautifully crafted live recording with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Maida Vale.

Renowned songsmith Livingston Taylor’s Symphonic Steps seamlessly combines his distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar with serene orchestral arrangements. This all-star collaboration, featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and the masterful touch of award-winning arranger Bill Elliott, results in something truly special.

As is typical of Taylor’s style, he weaves in and out of an eclectic range of genres, keeping the listener on their toes, whilst his voice provides a soothing air of familiarity. Songs such as When Sunny Gets Blue give a clear nod to the blues, yet the tranquil cushion of strings which underpin the piece give the song a wistful sense of nostalgia.

The album also includes renditions of classic songs such as Carolina In My Mind and Somewhere Over The Rainbow. The distinctive twang of Livingston’s acoustic guitar helps retain a sense of the original version of Carolina in My Mind. However Bill Elliot´s exquisite arrangements take the song to new and exciting places.

The swelling orchestral crescendos combined with Taylor’s gift for delivering emotive vocal lines would make this album perfect film or theatre music. I would love to see how the album would translate to a theatrical stage show. With exceptional orchestral performances and Livingston Taylor’s iconic and soothing style, this is simultaneously a refined and relaxing listen.