James Taylor review: Angelic tones of 'Sweet baby James' return to Marquee in Cork
James Taylor on stage at Live At The Marquee in Cork. Picture: Chani Anderson
Mellow as they come, his voice still sweet as an angel, weekends really don't get off to a more ethereal start than soaking up James Taylor's gentle tones Live at the Marquee.
This is a welcome return to Cork for Taylor, whose 2009 appearance in the big tent is still spoken about in the fondest terms by those lucky enough to have witnessed it.
For a 78-year-old, the voice isn't perhaps at all times as fresh as it once was, but it has aged very well nonetheless, and over the two full sets (split by a 20-minute interval), his vocal power seems to grow and grow, particularly in the lower register. Of course, he brings much more than just his timeless bella voce.
Smoother than Bryan Ferry, more captivating than Morgan Freeman on an isle full of penguins, Taylor holds the audience firmly in his grip with his own unique form of seamless, meandering storytelling.
“I never thought that I’d hear myself saying that I actually miss Richard Nixon, but he’s starting to look like a paragon of public service,” said Taylor, introducing .
“At least he knew it when he broke the law.”
Along with the colourful song intros, Taylor’s spontaneous interactions with the audience are core to the unique charm of this show; they are a show in themselves.
“This next song has a very simple message,” he says of .
“It doesn’t matter about your religion or your philosophy, start with the next person you meet; and it’s especially important to show the people you love how you feel about them.”
The song ends with a beautifully soulful vocal solo by Dorian Holley. Taylor names every band member, while telling the audience: “I know you all don’t care who they are, but you don’t want to see how they get if I don’t do it.”
Ultimately, it's the irresistible repertoire that leaves us spellbound, including all the big hits: and .
If Taylor's voice has aged well, then so too have these remarkable songs.
The crowd singing along with gems like , and clapping along with the bluesy Steamroller will live long in the memory. Personal highlights, the crowd singing You’ve Got a Friend and Shower The People.
And the band is called James Taylor's All Star Band for a reason. How sweet it is to be in the Marquee to witness Jimmy Johnson (bass/musical director), Michael Landau (guitar), Lou Marini (sax), Larry Goldings (keyboards/piano), Kevin Hayes (keyboards) and Chad Wackerman (drums), Michito Sanchez (percussionist) among others. It’s a packed stage.
“It’s great to be back in Cork. Tonight is our first night on the European leg of our tour. It’s been a few years.”
Too many years, you’ve got thousands of friends here, sweet baby James. Come back soon.
Read More
