Taylor Roberts Shares His Arrangement of a Michael Jackson Classic

ByTaylor Roberts March 10, 2021March 11, 2021

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Guitarist and JGT contributor Taylor Roberts breaks down his arrangement of ‘Billie Jean’ – try this at home!

Bob Bakert, editor: There is a style of guitar that uses counterpoint, bass line, chords, and melody all performed at the same time emulating a full band arrangement. Tommy Emmanual’s version of Lady Madonna/Daytripper comes to mind. JGT contributor Taylor Roberts is a devotee of the style and when I recently heard his version of “Billie Jean” I asked if he would break it down for us. Taylor generously sent this off immediately, check it out, and don’t hurt your hands – but “do try this at home”!

Taylor Roberts

Taylor Roberts has earned a reputation as one of the Southeast’s top calls for Jazz Guitar. Years of intensive study with world-renowned educators such as Barry Greene, Keith Javors, and Bunky Green have proven to continually pay off as his career expands. Multiple appearances at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, an international tour with the Christian Tamburr Quintet, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in Jazz today have put him on the map as one of the great rising stars in the Jazz guitar world. Since switching to 7-string, he has become a favorite among local and regional vocalists for duo work, and can be seen frequently playing solo guitar at events in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. While his playing style and heart are firmly steeped in tradition, he feels it’s just as important to remain relevant with his repertoire, always learning new material that will become the standards of today. Taylor currently resides in Neptune Beach, FL and continues to tour, teach, and record regularly.