James Taylor versatile at SPAC

by Matthew Maguire, The Knickerbocker News, August 26, 1980

Versatility is a rare virtue among pop performers. Too many of them cruise through one-dimensional careers, exploiting only one type of music — that which propelled them to the top in the first place.

But not James Taylor. Before more than 10,000 adoring fans at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Monday, the veteran singer-guitarist showed facility with rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm-and-blues, pop, and even gospel, as well as the distinctive brand of folk music that first made him a somebody.

Taylor’s energetic two-hour set included a generous sampling of hits from throughout his career, as well as a small dose of newer material.

With the help of fine backup musicians, Taylor evoked many styles and moods. With his own guitar, a dobro and harmonica, he sang a beautiful country-flavored ballad. With the singers and the basic piano, bass and drums, he sang his folk-rock hits. With all of them, he belted out driving rock ‘n’ roll.

But Taylor’s nimble folk guitar work and fine baritone are the most crucial elements. With these assets, he evokes everything from the most California mellow on the folk songs, such as “Fire and Rain” and “Carolina In My Mind,” to honky-tonk rawness on “Steamroller Blues.” The show’s only low points occurred during the few over-raucous rock tunes, when these qualities were minimized.

Singer Kim Carnes opened the show with a brief and generally enjoyable set. A thumping “More Love” was as irritating as the recorded version, but her other work proved to be listenable rock ‘n’ roll, sung in a pleasantly husky voice and well supported by a soprano- and alto-saxophonist.

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