Who doesn’t know James Taylor?

I am a child of the 60’s and he has been playing somewhere in my world ever since I was born. He was probably on my parent’s black and white TV as a kid, his records were on high rotation in my home throughout my youth and has been constantly in my ears on radio as an adult.

The fact that he has stayed so relevant for so long is amazing, and to say he is a legend, to me, is just common sense. You can see then why my brother and I felt excited to be here tonight to witness this legend in full flight (with a few less hairs on his head these days).

Sydney’s ICC Entertainment Complex played host to a packed house of eagerly awaiting James Taylor fans like myself tonight, Tuesday February 14th.

As the genial “country, hippy” took to the stage, the anticipation of the audience’s expectations were met with the gentle, sweet voiced, magical performer that is James Taylor.

His songs are artfully complex, but played seemingly effortlessly by his supremely talented band which included guitarist Michael Landau, fiddler/singer Andrea Zonn, bassist Jimmy Johnson, keyboardist Jim Cox, drummer Steve Gadd, trumpeter Walt Fowler, saxophonist Lou Marini, percussionist Luis Conte, and the luscious vocals of Kate Markowitz and Arnold McCuller.

Propped on a stool, Taylor kicked off the gig with a warm-hearted version of Wandering, before thanking the audience for their attendance.

The 68-year-old Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee entranced the audience with two sets of songs including the much loved classics Fire And Rain, Sweet Baby James and Shower The People.

He also introduced some new songs, which he promised “to get out of the way fast”. It would, he described, be like tearing off a band-aid.

During intermission, rather than resting, Taylor signed autographs and took photos with members of the audience, demonstrating the merriment and appreciation he feels for his fans.

In between songs Taylor shared anecdotes; how he got his break with Apple Records in 1968 which led into the playing of Carolina In My Mind and his longstanding professional relationship and friendship with Carole King that led to You’ve Got A Friend and Up On The Roof.

It wasn’t until close to the end of the performance that the audience rose to their feet and sang and danced along to the disco hit Knock on Wood, Mexico, and a reprise of How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.

Taylor could be considered one of the most talented storytellers through song in history. However, he doesn’t generally use his concerts to advocate for particular political points of view, and personally, I respect him for that.

Nevertheless, his closing song Shed A Little Light, a tribute to Martin Luther King, was both meaningful and timely; rapturously received by all.

At the end of the evening when all the songs are sung and I was streaming out with other people beaming from what they had seen and heard, I thought of the beautiful effect music can have on the body and soul. I am sure you know what I am talking about. A time when you hear music and go to another place. This happened to me tonight.

Thank you Mr Taylor, for a most memorable evening that we will never forget.