James Taylor @ Entertainment Centre, Adelaide 19/4/2024
A brisk autumn night was warmed up as Adelaide was the legendary singer-songwriter, James Taylor. Drawing an enthusiastic and excited crowd, the audience was treated to a masterful journey of Taylor’s large personal catalogue of hits and anecdotes.
For near sixty years, Taylor has been writing stories and turning his words in to masterpieces, amassing an allegiance of fans around the globe. His music is characterised by his tales of navigating through the extreme highs and lows of his life. He speaks openly of themes like love and joy as well as pain and sorrow, all with his signature tone and delivery.
At 8:00pm, the lights dimmed and a pensive James Taylor walked out on stage wearing his iconic newsboy hat. Illuminated by a single spotlight, he was met with large applause. After removing his hat and taking a bow, Taylor opened with how glad he was to finally be back in Adelaide.
Typical Adelaidian humour, someone from the crowd immediately commented about his RM Williams boots to which James replied, “he had brought them home”. He was followed on stage by his All-Star band starring, Steve Gadd on drums, Dean Parks on guitar, Kevin Hays on keyboards, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and backing singers Dorian Holley and Kate Markowitz and Andrea Zonn.
James opened with Something in the Way She Moves from his 1968 self-titled album. Upon finishing, he revealed that this was the song he played for Paul McCartney and George Harrison in 1968 prior to signing to their “Apple Records”. Next was the 1985 release That’s Why I’m Here, which James penned after the passing of his good friend, John Belushi. Following was Yellow and Rose, which Taylor added was the only song he had ever written about Australia. His first set felt very grounded and thoughtful playing hits in succession such as Country Road into the majestic hit Sweet Baby James. The crowd was also treated to Joni Mitchell’s Long and Far Away featuring Joni’s original backing vocal harmonies. Set one was drawn to a close by the lively Sun on the Moon which had crowd members out of their seats.
After a short intermission James and his band returned to the stage and kicked off set two with a bang, playing Carolina in my Mind followed by Mexico. The tone immediately felt more energetic, especially during the bluesy Steamroller which featured James on harmonica and all band members ripping solos. Next was the smash hit Fire and Rain from 1970’s Sweet Baby James. This was definitely a song the crowd was waiting for as people cheered as soon as it commenced.
James’ second set also featured covers of the great Carole King. For his first King cover, Taylor joked that “its not the one we’re thinking of” as he played Up on the Roof. For his second cover he played the undeniable fan favourite, You’ve Got a Friend which had the audience up and singing along. As audience members left their seats and swarmed the front of the stage, James closed his second set with Marvin Gaye’s How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) that even had James jumping around the stage. He once again walked off to a standing ovation.
With fans wanting more, the lights stayed dimmed only for James to return for an encore performance of Shed a Little Light followed by Your Smiling Face. The crowd well and truly leaned in as there was dancing in every aisle as well as at the front of the stage. Taylor’s final song was Song for You Far Away from 1985’s That’s Why I’m Here. James took one final bow to another standing ovation before he exited the stage.
James Taylor is a once in a generational talent and his story telling and music has had the power to move fans for decades. The crowd witnessed a special musical performance and we all hope that it is not the last time he tours Australia.
James continues his tour up the east coast to complete his final shows during April.
Live Review By David Kerr