Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor has released Anthology Vol. 1, his first career spanning collection of songs which reflect on his decades as an artist, fronting Staggered Crossing and the Julian Taylor Band, as well as developing a celebrated solo career.

In addition to the 15 vintage tracks which feature on Anthology Vol. 1, Taylor has added a trio of all-new songs exclusive to the release, which serve to bridge the gap between those historical roots of yore and the forward-leaning songwriting template he forged during the making of his two most recent solo LPs, 2020’s highly acclaimed The Ridge (which garnered Taylor’s anointing as Solo Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards) and 2022’s equally lauded Beyond the Reservoir. Each of these three new tracks — the reflective singalong drive of “Georgia Moon,” the transient travelogue that is “City Song,” and the plaintive acceptance of “Long Time Ago” — confirm Taylor’s ever-upward creative trajectory. The gentle folk rock of “Long Time Ago” was composed many years ago in collaboration with Taylor’s friend, artist Robert Priest. Taylor reflects on the song’s meaning: It conveys themes of lasting impact, continuity, and the influence of past actions. Whether those actions were positive or negative, they all have a lasting effect. Sometimes our choices can be deemed right or wrong, but their effects continue to affect the individual. “Long Time Ago” speaks to the idea that these effects remain, even if they might not always be immediately apparent.