Although I prefer theorbist/lutenist Sylvain Bergeron's more fluid, inspired artistry (Atma and Dorian), Stubbs is a tasteful and technically flawless accompanist (notably so in Dowland's "Shall I strive with words to move?"), and the two gamba players, who also provided most of the instrumental arrangements, are just about ideal in their warm, stylish support. Taylor really shows his easy command of form and technique in songs such as the above-mentioned "Shall I strive", Byrd's "Come to me grief for ever", and in the unusually spirited "Say, Love, if ever thou didst find" by Dowland. In all, this is a well-made, expertly performed, easy-on-the-ears program that makes an excellent introduction to Taylor's art and voice--and a perfect antidote for all you listeners out there with countertenor-phobia. The sound, made in a Quebec church, is properly intimate but spacious enough to give full, natural bloom to the voice and instruments.

--David Vernier, ClassicsToday