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Biography
His introspective, heartfelt songs, backed by intricate folk sand blues stylings on the acoustic guitar, made James Taylor one of the most beloved musicians of the 1970s and the archetype of a singer/songwriter. His music mired the sense of emotional weariness that followed the tumultuous end of the sixties.
Taylor began playing the cello before moving on to guitar, finding an interest in blues and folk music. He began to play local gigs with his brother and various acts before moving to New York in 1966, after receiving treatment for depression. From here, Taylor began to meet other musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Danny Kortchmar and Carole King. He drew the attention of Paul McCartney and George Harrison, becoming the first non-British act to be signed to their label, Apple. His eponymous debut, released through Apple, failed to do well commercially, partly due to Taylor's drug addiction preventing him from being able to promote the album successfully.
However, his second album, "Sweet Baby James" (1970) was released to great success, reaching number three in the Billboard Charts, earning several Grammy Award nominations. The album brought Taylor widespread popularity and from here, he became one of the most successful and beloved artists of the 20th century.
WIth the single, cover of Carole King's "You've Got a Friend in Me" from his 1971 album, "Mud Slide Slim," Taylor earned a number one single, with this hit cementing Taylor's talents in the public eye. Yet, struggling with personal issues, Taylor withdrew from the limelight, producing few albums with little success until he returned with 1974's "Gorilla" which reached number six in the charts. In 1975, he signed to Columbia Records, releasing a greatest hits album, which went on to sell 11 million copies and his 1977 album "JT" which was certified double-platinum.
Following this period, James Taylor continued to release several albums, although did not reach the same level of success as these previous releases. Throughout his career he has been involved politically and with humanitarian causes, performing at several benefit concerts, most recently supporting Barack Obama's election campaign. In total, Taylor has received six Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Live reviews
Do yourself a favor and go see James Taylor. He did a fantastic job; hard to believe he is 66. You would never know it by the way he plays or the way he looks.
He played all of the songs you wanted to hear. Literally, it was like a greatest hits album. Plus, the great songs hidden away on albums the huge fans want to hear.
I saw him at jiffy lube live with my parents. He was scheduled to come on at 8 but started about 8:15 with Something in the Way she moves. Wow. He also shared a great story about playing that song for Paul McCartney and George Harrison before he was signed to the Beetles record label.
The thing that impressed me most was how normal and genuine James Taylor is. He felt more like the guy from your local bar who, for whatever reason, never was discovered.
I go to a lot of concerts of various genres and he was hands down one of the best. Right up there with the Billy Joel and Elton John show I saw was about 15 years ago. I definitely plan on making James Taylor at jiffy lube live a regular summer show. Crowd is definitely kid friendly which can't be said for most concerts these days.
My favorite moments were Something in the Way She Moves and Baby James. That said, the whole show was amazing. You could have recorded it and sold it as a live album.
One last time, go see James Taylor while you still have the chance.
gschramm
Great show yesterday night ( 20 march 2015 ) in Marseille ( France ) in the Silo
What to say about James, he's a great singer as well as a great guitarist and a famous songwriiter, the show was extremly warmfull and James and his fantastic band made us have a great time.
The main thing I have to say is that James is also a fantastic Human being, and a people's lovin man.
Thanks for coming for the first time to see us in Marseille we did enjoy the show and there was hapiness and smile on every face at the end.
We do love you in France James !!!
Here is the setlist
First part
1. Something in the Way She Moves
2. Today, Today, Today
3. Lo and Behold
4. Wandering
5. Everyday (Buddy Holly cover)
6. Country Road
7. Millworker
8. Carolina in My Mind
9. (I've Got To) Stop Thinkin' 'Bout That
10. Sweet Baby James
11. Shower the People
Second part
12. Stretch of the Highway
13. You and I Again
14. Hour That the Morning Comes
15. Handy Man
16. Steamroller Blues
17. Fire & Rain
18. Walking Man
19. Mexico
20. Your Smiling Face
Encore:
21. Shed a Little Light
22. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Encore 2:
23. You've Got a Friend
remy-marietti
James Taylor is a classic American singer and songwriter. He is one of the country’s greatest talents. He has had immense success. Some of the genres of his music are country, blues, soft rock, folk rock, rock, and pop.
He first started out in the 1960s and continues to make music to this day. Taylor is a great musician. Some of his greatest hits include “Fire and Rain”, “You’ve Got a Friend”, “Long Ago and Far Away”, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”, and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)”.
He is an awesome guitar player. His voice is beautiful and unique. He has a large fan base. His performances are simply magical. You really get into the songs and the way he performs. It feels intimate at times. You feel joy that you are able to witness this legend still be able to do what he does after all these years. Taylor is an American treasure.
His voice is rich and smooth. No one sounds the way he does. His music hits you right in the heart. He has a way of performing that will make you pay attention and fall in love with his music. He is still a great performer after doing it for many years.
One of the best shows I've seen! The eclectic feel of the whole program was continuous from start to finish. The musicians, the back drops and James himself blended together with such ease. At one point, a fan was near the stage to have her friend take a picture. James saw them and started talking to the lady. Made her move closer so her friend could get both of them in the picture! He was sincere, down to earth and talked to the audience several times like we were all friends. Who does that these days; J.T. If you left the show not happy or satisfied, there is something seriously wrong with you! With a 20min intermission, there were two full sets. They played 2+ hours of music! James said "we're going to play one more than go to intermission. Why we have to take intermission I don't know but was told we had to" and everyone laughed. Still down to earth after 50 years and true to his craft and his fans! If you appreciate music, no matter what genre, this show is a must see for all ages.
Jena456
I’ve waited 40 years to see James Taylor and his voice is as great as it was then. The show was tremendous. I loved how before each song he would give a little story about why he wrote the song, he was so funny too! And the background effects were so moving. He introduced each band member and a photo popped up of that band member as a child. It was like being with a family. My type of show. And during the intermission he went to his fans to take photos with them and sign autographs. He did 4 encores. Just melted my heart ❤️ James Taylor is a true gem, a genuine soul that has blessed us with his talent for decades! I would highly recommend his show to anyone who appreciates musical talent at its best. He is truly loved by everyone who works with him and who comes in his path even if it’s us fans.
Jojuli
Super evening with James Taylor in Ottawa, Canada!
Beautiful brass section, perfect acoustics, he played for 3 hrs, he just went on and on: the crowd loved him. Three encores. He was also very generous with his All Star Band, incredible musicians. Speaks fluently French: he gave me a big hug!!! What a guitar palyer!
What a team with:
Jimmy Johnson on bass
Larry Goldings on keyboard
Lou Marini on horns
Luis Conte on percussion
Michael Landau on electric guitar
Steve Gadd on drums
Walt Fowler on horns and keyboard
ANdrea ZOn on fiddle
Arnold McUller, vocal
A good mix of old and new songs. He is sooo generous with his audience!
Trisac
Vocally, James Taylor is still on point, and his All-Star Band is definitely that. James understood that people come to hear the classics that made him musical royalty, so he only played 2 or 3 songs off of the newer album. The set design and lighting design was simple but beautiful, and made the audience experience just that more magical. At the encore(s), James saved a surprise for us in Boise; he brought out his old friend Carole King, a fellow Idahoan of 32 years, and she serenaded us not once, but twice... with Mr. Taylor, of course. It's a performance I'll not easily forget. Thanks for coming to Boise, good sir (and company).
lynne-martin-1
The James Taylor concert was very enjoyable. I love his storytelling, his connection with the fans, and his love for what he does. His new album is a bit on the slower side, but it's nice to listen to.
The only negative was he left leaving all of us wanting more. He spent a large amount of the show on his new album, which was fine, but his true fans also came wanting his older music...Up on a roof, Handyman, You,ve got a friend,,,the list goes on, not played.
I give the show a B-. I would go again. Maybe next time he'll remember his hits, not just what he wants to promote.
Debbie Romaine
Doylestown, PA
debbie-romaine
James Taylor is a humble man, a great story teller and fantastic entertainer. When they took their intermission, he sat on the edge of the stage giving autographs and taking selfies, in fact the rest of the band had to get him to quit when it was time to start up again!! His band and back up singers are all extremely talented on their own but make beautiful music when they perform together. It was my first time seeing James Taylor but if he ever comes to town again I will be first in line to see him again.
SisterLainie
A definite Top 10 concert for me. I've seen JT and Bonnie Raitt separately, four times. Love them both. They sing the music of my lifetime. The setting at AT&T Park surpassed my expectation. After Bonnie Raitt played for over an hour, James Taylor blew it out of the park for over an hour and a half, THEN they came out together and performed several songs, then encores, then ONE MORE!
Thought the magic of the night would never end.
Such a fun show. Loved every second of being in their company.
mariannemporter
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