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On this day, 17 July 2011, American singer-songwriter James Taylor played Cardiff International Arena.
A six-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Taylor is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Taylor achieved his breakthrough in 1970 with the No. 3 single "Fire and Rain" and had his first No. 1 hit in 1971 with his recording of "You've Got a Friend", written by Carole King in the same year.
Review; James Taylor, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena - Wales Online
GOING to a James Taylor concert is like cwtching up into a warm, fuzzy musical bed.
OK, that’s probably the cheesiest thing I’ve ever written, but it’s true.
I first saw James Taylor about eight years ago.
I became a fan due to parental influence and decided to keep my mother company when she was going to one of his gigs.
But I was so glad I that went along and discovered that the man on the recordings was the same as the man who performed on stage.
This time round I was just as enchanted by his gig at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.
It’s very rare that a singer’s voice is a live carbon copy of what you get on a record, but Taylor’s is.
His wiry frame almost looked frail at times, but this belied an enthusiasm and energy that is seen in performers 30 or 40 years younger.
With great pleasure Taylor treated the audience to favourites such as Fire and Rain, Sweet Baby James, Handy Man and – my favourite – Carolina in My Mind.
Interspersed with mellow favourites, the 63-year-old generously shared tales of career and family with the audience and happily signed autographs from the side of the stage.
It wasn’t all mellow songs though as the singer’s passion and enthusiasm came through again with Mexico and How Sweet it Is, as well as his most requested tune, Steamroller.
The singer had wonderful support from his band, including three backing singers who are performers in their own right.
But even without all the fancy backing and great musicianship, Taylor himself is always the focus, and his basic rules of simple guitar and thoughtful melody are never overshadowed.
He is a great storyteller and his touching lyrics provoke loving responses from his fans old and new.
It’s so entertaining to see a performer who is still as animated and lively about his music and touring as James Taylor is.
I just hope I get the opportunity to see him perform live again in the coming years.
