Review: James Taylor

James Taylor is a smooth operator.  Like a suitor who wins over his reluctant date with gentle persuasion, Taylor made at least one skeptical listener feel like one of the luckiest men alive by the conclusion of his concert Saturday at Starlight Theatre.  The majority of the audience of about 8,000 were similarly charmed by Taylor's amiable persona and tender songs. 

Drawing on material culled from over four decades of recordings that have made him a revered figure among millions of baby boomers, the masterful singer-songwriter entertained and uplifted fans for over two engaging hours.  His elegant sensibility was as refreshing as a bottomless glass of cool water on a steamy July evening.

The innocuous blandness that weakens much of Taylor's work was largely absent during his 25-song performance.  He opened the show with a clever feint.  "Hey Mister, That's Me Up On the Jukebox" is a song about a weary man lacking inspiration.  Taylor, by contrast, seemed wholly energized.  He danced like a carefree fool on "Sun On the Moon" and chatted about his inspirations for classic material like "Sweet Baby James."

The audience sighed delightedly at the opening strains of most songs.  The soulful drive of "Country Road" and the slinky groove of "One Man Parade" provided a couple of the evening's most riveting moments.  The hopeful "Another Day" served as a seductive litany of sweet nothings.

An 11-piece band of ringers helped Taylor set the mood.  The vibrant contributions of percussionist Luis Conte and drummer Steve Gadd enlivened a rendition of "Mexico."  Jazz keyboardist Larry Goldings added a zestful organ solo to "Steamroller."  A swinging horn section transformed the cloying 1977 hit "Your Smiling Face" into a lusty romp while a lovely orchestral reading of "Frozen Man" showcased the ensemble's sensitivity.  

Four supporting vocalists offered heavenly harmonies, but they occasionally smothered Taylor's exceptionally warm voice.  They sat out during Taylor's beguiling take on "Secret O' LIfe."  The joy Taylor invested into laudatory readings of the Motown staple "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" and Jimmy Jones' 1960 hit "Handy Man" hardly resembled his cloying hit versions of the songs. 

A hushed interpretation of "You've Got a Friend" during the encore was even better.  It served as the equivalent of a tender kiss goodnight.  Taylor promised that he and his band intended to return to Kansas City soon.  It's a date.  

Setlist: Hey Mister, That's Me Up On the Jukebox; That's Why I'm Here; Carolina In My Mind; Country Road; The Frozen Man; Handy Man; Little More Time With You; Steamroller; Slap Leather; Sweet Baby James; Fire and Rain; Sun On the Moon; One Man Parade; Lighthouse; Anywhere Like Heaven; (I'm a) Road Runner; Mexico; Another Day; Secret O' Life; Your Smiling Face; Shower the People; How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You); You've Got a Friend; Not Fade Away; You Can Close Your Eyes.

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

 

Comments

[wadkc]

I try and see JT every time he comes to town because I know at some time it has to come to an end. He never disappoints. There are very few acts you can say that about.

"Sunny Skies" on his Sweet Baby James LP is the perfect summer morning, bring a smile to your face ditty. Give it a listen.

HIs voice is still a lesson in consistency. His "Other Covers" from 2009 is a testament to that statement. When you put my library of 106 songs of his on shuffle, you don't know if it's 2012 or 1970. You can say this about very few artists today.

[pellboy]

Always had been just a very casual JT fan until seeing him play live sometime during the mid-90s @ Kemper Arena. I must say at that time, much like Mr.Brownlee, I was completely won over by his crowd-pleasing approach while fronting such a stellar group of musicians. While always a fan of some of his rather laid back tunes, those songs really do come more alive in concert and the way he and his band present them is pure magic. As the review and wadkc kind of attested to, it sounds like a James Taylor show hasn't changed much over the years and in this case, that can only be a good thing.

[Big Joe]

I didn't have the opportunity to get a ticket when they went on sale. Then the good seats on Stubhub were in the $500 each range, so I wasn't able to go. Was it worth $500 a ticket?

[JT fan]

excellent review. loved the show

[JT fan]

Big Joe, scored Orchestra 2 row E tickets on 7/17 by calling Starlight about 11am. lady there said a few had just been released. I had been looking at Craigslist daily, and calling Starlight, persistence paid off

[Big Joe]

Yeah I got 10th row Seger last summer 2 days before show. Persistence does pay off. I was lucky enough to see JT at Sandstone back in the late 90's, 11th or 12th row. It was amazing.

[Java Man]

Awesome as always. Very few can ever approach his rapport with an audience. I found myself holding my breath during Secret O' Life. When I looked at the large crowd I couldn't see a single person moving. Just spellbound in the moment.
Always fantastic to hear Steve Gadd.

[Air Jordans]

Nice post.Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful!

[TrueFan]

One of the few concerts lately where *no one* talked during the slower songs. That alone speaks volumes.

[Brenda]

I was 2nd row center. It was about my 42nd time (I think)seeing JT in concert. He does not ever disappoint! Wondering where Arnold was but other than that, it was a great concert. Thank you for the wonderful review.

[Adidas Porsche Design]

That alone speaks volumes.

you can take a look my website http://www.liveshoesonline.com

[Adidas Porsche Design]

"Sunny Skies" on his Sweet Baby James LP is the perfect summer morning, bring a smile to your face ditty. Give it a listen.