Journeyman James Taylor, a singer-songwriter great in the folk/country/contemporary realm, returned to these shores for the first time since 2017. Always one to surround himself with great musicians, it was a treat to again have the cream of the crop join him on tour.
One of the taller musicians around at 6’3”, Taylor announced himself on stage casually to great applause from Spark Arena’s full house, occupying it for a period until the band walked out.
Opener Something in The Way She Moves was delivered in style, with the message that Taylor had nervously auditioned the song for Lennon & McCartney, in becoming the first signed artist to The Beatles newly formed Apple Records Label in 1968. George Harrison rewrote it… it’s all recycled anyway.
Handyman, a JT setlist regular, was described as a song about a male prostitute. Taylor jokes quite often, but this one seemed legit. Dang that chorus takes on a whole new meaning if that be true.
With That’s Why I’m Here, Taylor reflected that through the sad passing of his friend John Belushi I pinpointed my own recovery from addiction.
Yellow And Rose referenced that great southern land, Australia, and the experience past migrants had of being sent off to a prison, only to find paradise.
Anywhere Like Heaven was the first of multiple cuts that Taylor pulled from his iconic second record, Sweet Baby James (1970).
Incrementally announcing members of his band, Taylor went to stage-left to introduce crack session guitarist Dean Parks, whose name on paper conjures up greatness. His reputation precedes him, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson plus pages of studio dates. Parks also lent pedal steel to colour the country-tinged numbers throughout the eve.
Taylor added that Parks has great jokes, a dyslexic walks into a bra”, and referring to Bill Withers Ain’t No Sunshine, that’s bad grammar Bill. (Bill); I know, I know, I know, I know….”
I’m gonna sing you a song now…it’s no surprise. Taylor is a quirky and witty cat. He looks and behaves like a seasoned sheepish librarian but delivers like a soul survivor.
Never Die Young came with a warning to never do that.
Then the first of the big ones, Country Road. With a curtain backdrop set to colour gold, the band began to raise the bar, giving space for Parks to twang up a solo, and get a little extra volume in the mix.
Someone else was lifting his game behind too. Drummer Dr Steve Gadd, affectionately known as the G.O.A.T. played throughout with exquisite taste and broad dynamics. For Gadd, who can play anything, this gig is about the stuff he doesn’t play. His restraint and simplicity are the most disciplined going around. He was also to prove tonight that he’s the king of the short and long drumroll.
Violinist/vocalist Andrea Zonn began the next song on fiddle, a brief Celtic jig (Gadd complementing with marching snare) that segued into Sweet Baby James. Taylor affectionately gave the backstory to the song, written about his nephew. This one repositioned versatile keyboardist Kevin Hays onto accordion.
Copperline, described by JT as the musical equivalent of a landscape painting, also evoked the memories of North Carolina where he grew up.
Last song in the set, Sun on The Moon was included by way of request, but a song that most people don’t like according to Taylor. It gave an opportunity however for outstanding vocalists Kate Markowitz and Dorian Holley to harmonise with Taylor and Zonn.
A fairly subdued first set was broken by an intermission (they should bring those back to the cinemas too). But that seemed to be all part of the plan, as it provided contrast to a stellar second half.
Carolina In My Mind got the ball rolling, with Taylor, Holley, Markowitz and Zonn tag teaming to lay out a silk canvas of vocals.
Mexico was interpreted with plenty of ebbs and flows, Gadd sneaking in a cowbell flurry. Quipping about the Amish community in Pennsylvania and their horse drawn guitars still in circulation, JT switched to electric.
A vastly underrated guitarist, Taylor chose his moments, adding a gritty harp solo to the blues Steamroller. Parks fired up and echoed a throwback to his Steely Dan days, while Hays peeled off a honky-tonking piano solo.
Taylor was striding into all his signature hits. With the defining Fire & Rain, JT really delivered, with dynamic musical brilliance from his mighty band. Underpinning this group is Taylor’s right-hand touring man, bassist and MD Jimmy Johnson. JJ lends the ultimate in security when dealing with the bottom end.
Though not as big a group as the last time Taylor toured here (in terms of personnel), the band evidently utilised the large stage playing space. You could just envision Taylor at soundcheck saying spread out team.
Taylor, a prolific songwriter, has not shied away from covering great songs as well. Up On the Roof, penned by close friend Carole King (with Gerry Goffin), is one of those, from the Brill Building era.
Shower The People is a JT pearler. With its lyrics shower the people you love with love, the message hits the heart hard.
Another Carole King tune You’ve Got a Friend, speaks profoundly about spirituality, and the spiritual works that occur through people.
How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You (Marvin Gaye), maintained the sweetest of shuffles. It was easy to drift away with the enchantment and calibre of the songs and performances, and that proved the case as the end came swiftly and surprisingly.
Encoring the gospel ode to Martin Luther King Jnr, Shed A Light showcased Holley, in superb touch vocally. He sent a prayer out to the audience after prolonged applause, and one thinks for MLK also.
Your Smiling Face, the epitome of 70’s West Coast sounds, sent the dancers up front into freedom mode. Gadd cut loose and summoned all his experience to punctuate the drum breaks and the shows finale. With the band gathering in formation to take a bow, a line of years of experience and skillsets.
Of NZ, Taylor felt we definitely saved the best for last. Of the Down Under leg of their tour.
Last song You Can Close Your Eyes was performed by the vocalists on their own, and fittingly wrapped the show. You can sing this song when I’m gone.
Through his music, Taylor can take you down visual and emotional roads, revisit the past, and time travel. A mighty player in the scheme of all thing’s music, JT maintained a high standard delivery for his youthful 76 years.
Then it was time to hit the road too, which left the departing crowd feeling that James Taylor and his crew offered a reprieve and a night off from the worries of the world, and the murmured reminder that I really gotta get around to watching Two-Lane Blacktop.
James Taylor and his band play Wellington’s TSB Arena, Wednesday 1st May 2024.
Mike Beck
Setlist
- Something In the Way She Moves
- Handy Man
- That’s Why I’m Here
- Yellow And Rose
- Anywhere Like Heaven
- Never Die Young
- Country Road
- Sweet Baby James
- Copperline
- Sun On the Moon
- Carolina In My Mind
- Mexico
- Steamroller
- Fire And Rain
- Up On the Roof
- Shower The People
- You’ve Got a Friend
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
- (Encore)
- Shed A Light
- Your Smiling Face
- You Can Close Your Eye
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