It was 8 years (almost to the day!) when I saw my beloved JAMES TAYLOR for the first time at the then named LG Arena in Birmingham. I had the most wonderful time then – how could anything top that! Well, firstly this time I was accompanied by lovely wife Bella to experience the full wonder that is James.
He was again joined on stage by his world-famous All-Star Band, all the usual suspects were there; Larry Goldings on piano, keyboards and accordion, Michael Landau on guitar and Jimmy Johnson on bass. Legendary drummer Steve Gadd was back too, now a mere 77 showing the crowd he can definitely still ‘groove’ with the best (arguably he still IS the best!). He’s played with pretty much everyone and that’s no exaggeration, look him up! Stalwart vocalists Arnold McCuller, Kate Markowitz and Andrea Zonn were also in attendance, and they were joined on vocal duties by the only addition to 8 years ago … Dorian Holley and wow what an addition. He’s worked with an impressive roster of legends including touring with Michael Jackson’s live shows and with Rod Stewart, to name but two! Of course James himself (now 74) is front and centre leading proceedings in his own inimitable style.
Although it was 8 years ago I still remember how comfortable he was on stage, effortlessly changing guitars after pretty much every song. I also remembered smiling the whole way through his concert, mostly because I was hearing his music live for the first time but this time because he was also so funny when talking to the audience in between songs and when the occasional “I love you James!” echoed around the arena! I suppose when you’ve been doing what he does for as long as he’s been doing it, that shouldn’t be a surprise, he certainly lives up to his reputation as being one the nicest men in world music.
As you'd expect the music itself was simply magical, immaculately played and rendered vocally with the support of his All Star Band. Of course the concert itself had been postponed twice because of Covid and he thanked us all for holding on to our tickets!
Now when I saw him 8 years ago I had no idea that he often stayed on stage during his own interval to pose for photos and to sign items. This time I came prepared with a nice little 7” vinyl single hoping to grab his autograph. Interval time came and went and James didn’t appear, so I thought it wasn’t going to happen. In truth I was a quite sad at this missed opportunity but I decided to enjoy the second half despite this disappointment …
The second half was probably better than the first ending with stunning encore renditions of Carole King's ‘You've Got A Friend’ and Marvin Gaye's ‘How Sweet It Is’ ... a perfect ending to a wonderful evening, apart from his autograph?!
The All-Star Band with James - Left to right; Dorian Holley, Steve Gadd, Larry Goldings, Andrea Zonn, James Taylor, Arnold McCuller, Kate Markowitz, Michael Landau and Jimmy James ...
I needn’t have worried … almost as soon as the final number had finished James bounced back on stage and started signing things for the fans. Fortunately, by this time I was already at the front with the masses enjoying the last few songs up close and personal even if I didn’t eventually manage to get his autograph! I had my little JT single with me at the front and rushed over to where he was signing after helpfully forceful encouragement from my friend Nicki who I’d met at the front earlier. I politely but confidently bustled my way through to the great man, with Nicki safeguarding my bag. I finally got my single signed and Nicki shook his hands. We were both overjoyed … As we left the front of the stage it was obvious he was going to be there for quite some time, with hundreds forming a very polite mass queue. The crew was busy doing the get out behind him as he signed literally hundreds of items. I'm glad to say that his reputation for never disappointing his fans is still very much in tact!! I’m not embarrassed to say that I shed a little tear after getting his autograph – grateful that I’d got to meet one of my musical heroes and exchange pleasantries with him. I’ll never forget last Friday night and I have the perfect memento to ensure I never do!!! Thank you ol' stringbean, you definitely have a friend in me!!
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Acting website at www.seanconnolly.co.uk
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