(editor’s note – Kim Carnes was originally scheduled to open, but canceled.)

The many sides of James Taylor

by Jean Redmond, Bennington Banner, June 24, 1981

There was no introduction, no fanfare, no opening act. Suddenly and simply there was James Taylor, alone on stage Monday night at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Strolling slowly to the center of the stage, dressed in white and barefoot, Taylor explained with a shrug that he was opening for himself. Kim Carnes, who was scheduled to appear, is no longer anyone’s opening act since her No. 1 hit “Bette Davis Eyes.” So JT is apparently on his own.

The opening minutes of the concert were James Taylor in his most pure form — just the man with that seemingly effortless sound, that very distinctive voice, the gentle accompaniment of his acoustic guitar.

For nearly three hours the audience was bombarded by countless Taylor classics and latest hits — songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Taylor presented a testimony to his endurance as a popular musical talent who can sustain a following among those who like mellow and those who like rock.

The audience was equally enthusiastic for the old and the new, and Taylor and his excellent band varied the pace throughout the evening. From days passed there was “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Carolina on My Mind,” “Blossom,” “Steamroller,” and “Sweet Baby James.” From his present album “Dad Loves His Work” — “Summer’s Here,” “Hard Times,” “Her Town Too,” “Stand Up and Fight.” And from the in-between years — “Your Smiling Face,” “Mexico” and “Up on the Roof” among others.

Taylor’s stage presence is relaxed and unpretentious, his relationship with the audience warm and attentive. At times during those vintage Taylor classics, it was as simple as listening to an old friend sing a few songs. Opening at the early hour of 7 p.m. gave Taylor the unusual opportunity to have a daylight view of his audience, a novelty he seemed to enjoy.

Monday’s concert was the best of all the many sides of James Taylor — a fusion of the early Sweet Baby James, the more recent JT and the latest Dad (who, by the way, really does love his work!)

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