In 1979, Mick Taylor released his first solo album on Columbia Records. The album was Taylor's first definitive musical statement after quitting the Rolling Stones in late 1974. The eponymous "Mick Taylor" revealed Taylor's ability to play country blues and slide, heavily melodic jazz fusion, and Stones-type chordal rockers. Taylor played many of the instruments himself, and utilized the services of friends Lowell George (Little Feat) and Pierre Moerlen (Gong).