James Taylor - One Man Band Album Review

James Taylor
One Man Band
Universal
Album Review

James Taylor, like Jackson Browne, seems to have survived in a state of permanent youth since his heyday in the higher echelons of the early 70s singer-songwriter movement. His voice is as mellow and warm as ever, his under-rated guitar playing still fluid and flexible, and his gentle songs have stood the test of time well. One Man Band is a CD and DVD of a series of live concerts, in a kind of VH1 Storyteller style - stories and jokes about the songs, with those songs stripped to essentials.

From the off, with Something In The Way She Moves, through old classics, such as Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain and You've Got A Friend, via newer material such as Mean Old Man, there is the feel of a master at work. The de facto Greatest Hits format suits the material and the lovely baritone delivery wonderfully - this is real comfort music, laid back and undemanding. Every collection deserves a James Taylor album, and if the idea of digging out a 70s CD doesn't do it for you, One Man Band would make a fantastic introduction to his work.

4/5

Mike Rea