From Sweet Baby James to JT

by Maggie Paine, Bennington Banner, August 28, 1980

James Taylor’s concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Monday night was sold out. Taylor fulfilled all expectations.

It has been 10 years since the release of Sweet Baby James — Taylor’s first album to capture popular imagination. Few musicians retain their audiences, captivate their first fans’ younger siblings, continue to draw new fans and consistently produce music that is both respected by peers and commercially successful for ten years. James Taylor has managed it.

From the first strains of “You Can Close Your Eyes,” as Taylor appeared alone onstage with his guitar, the artist had the audience with him. Taylor’s voice, at once arresting and consoling, draws the listener into the words and music.

Most listeners had memories tangled in the lyrics of his songs, and he mixed old and new material skillfully. Older songs generated greater excitement, but the crowd greeted Taylor’s latest efforts enthusiastically. Taylor’s work is always interesting precisely because he continues to evolve. He hasn’t been singing the same song for the last ten years. He adds enough of a new twist to older material to make the audience listen anew without losing the song’s original effect.

Taylor was joined onstage by two vocalists and a six-piece band which included Lee Sklar on bass and Waddy Wachtel on guitar. The group’s rapport with each other was as good as it was with the audience. Together, they thrilled listeners with the catchy rhythms of songs like “Mexico” and “How Sweet It Is” in versions much less acoustic than the originals, as well as an electric reworking of “Country Roads.”

Taylor mixed rockers in with aching ballads and frequently had the audience clapping and singing with him. Relaxed and confident in khaki trousers and a white shirt, Taylor yet gave an exhilarating performance.

Lighting on the performers, colorful and ever shifting, was skillfully handled and added to the performance. When the lights went out at the concert’s end, the audience was immediately on its feet and brought Taylor back for two encores — one with the band and one alone.

Kim Carnes, who opened for Taylor, is not just another sweet-voiced crooner. Her throaty, somewhat raspy performance was well received by the audience, but there was no doubt people were there for James.

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