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by Seth Rogovoy
LENOX, Mass., July 30, 1996 -- In what has seemingly become a biannual event, James Taylor gave one of his patented performances on Monday night at Tanglewood, this year digging deep into his ample well of songs to come up with a show full of fun and surprises. Taylor also seemed to be in a great mood, and his humor and humility were infectious.
A persistent drizzle didn't dampen the crowd's spirit, as Taylor mixed up a program of hits, obscurities, a few covers and some new tunes he said he has been recording for an upcoming album.
The fit, trim, 48-year-old Taylor was dressed smartly in a white oxford button-down and khaki trousers, and sporting a hairline with little room left to recede. Yet he was a sprightly, impish presence, alternately self-effacing and earnest in acknowledging the audience's enthusiastic reception.
Taylor's various gifts were readily apparent. What he lacks in vocal color and power he more than makes up for in writing melodies that seem to have been around forever and in phrasing that bounces along effortlessly just behind the beat.
Introducing a new song, Taylor said, "It sounds just like the old songs, but it's technically new." He then mischievously played the opening lick to "Sweet Baby James," stopped, and said, "No, it doesn't sound that much like the old songs." He then launched into "It's Enough to Be On Your Way," a new number about a funeral, full of dark, black humor and some surprising language not ordinarily found in James Taylor songs.
"Line 'Em Up," another new tune, replayed some of the oddest events of the last two decades, including Richard Nixon's farewell speech at the White House and the mass wedding at Madison Square Garden by members of the Unification Church. "Anana" was a piece of mid-tempo pop-funk with a Latin flavor which he called "another attempt at a bilingual song."
Earlier this year Taylor and the world lost his longtime musical director, producer and keyboardist Don Grolnick. Thus, it was heartening to hear him backed superbly by his four-piece band, which included drummer Carlos Vega, bassist Jimmy Johnson, guitarist Bob Mann and pianist Clifford Carter, the last two new to the group. Once again, vocalists Valerie Carter, Kate Markowitz, Arnold McCuller and David Lasley filled out the sound.
Taylor's own guitar playing was more front-and-center this time out, and on songs like "Carolina In My Mind" and "Country Road" he invested his playing with more soul than ever. "Fire and Rain" was given a lush, langorous treatment, as was the Drifters' "Up On the Roof."
Taylor dug deep for a medley of songs not usually heard live from his "Mud Slide Slim" album. He tried his hand at a few standard- type arrangements, including "Valentine's Day" and "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," and kicked the show into gear with "Mexico" and a hard-rocking version of "Honey Don't Leave L.A."
For his first encore, Taylor returned with a sprightly, upbeat version of "Your Smilin' Face" and this year's obligatory rock 'n' roll cover tune, "Not Fade Away." The final encore heard "Shower the People" and, of course, "Sweet Baby James," with the obligatory cheer arising from the crowd at the mention of "the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston."
In sum, it was another in a series of successful, feel-good concerts by that summertime institution, James Taylor.
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