James Taylor

Performer: James Taylor (Soft Rock)
Artist: Paul McCartney; Peter Asher
Engineer: Barry Sheffield; Malcolm Toft
Producer: Peter Asher
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Personnel includes: James Taylor (vocals, guitar, percussion, hand claps); Richard Hewson (conductor); Mick Wayne (guitar); Skaila Kanga (harp); Don Schinn (electric piano, harpsichord, organ); Freddie Redd (organ); Louis Cennamo, Paul McCartney (bass); Bishop O'Brien (drums, percussion); Peter Asher (tamborine, percussion, hand claps, background vocals); Aeolian String Quartet, Amici String Quartet. Recorded at Trident Studios, London, England from July to October 1968. Includes liner notes by Steve Kolanjian. Though James Taylor wasn't a commercial success until SWEET BABY JAMES made him a star in 1971, one of his finest works is this 1968 debut album. Recorded shortly after Taylor was signed to The Beatles' Apple label by producer Peter Asher, it finds the singer-songwriter brimming with confidence and energy. Featuring elaborate orchestration and even a guest appearance from Paul McCartney, Taylor's debut is more produced than SWEET BABY JAMES. The ornate arrangements give the album a wonderfully late-'60s sound that perfectly complements Taylor's accomplished acoustic guitar work and warm, assured singing. In addition to containing such strong performances as the bluesy lament "Circle Round The Sun" and the concert favorite "Rainy Day Man," the album features the original high-spirited recordings of such Taylor classics as "Carolina In My Mind" and "Something In The Way She Moves," which are far superior to the more subdued versions that Taylor re-recorded (due to legal problems with Apple) for his greatest hits album in 1975.

Rolling Stone (4/19/69, p.28) - "...Taylor's restrained delivery contributes to the power of his presentation. He lets the melody, lyric, guitar, and voice speak for themselves. He doesn't hit you with anything that isn't absolutely necessary to get the song across..."

James Taylor was the archetype for the gentle, inward-looking singer/songwriter movement of the early '70s. The easy lilt and timbre of Taylor's voice belies the complex emotional content of his songs, which aren't merely carefree folk-based odes, but instead look unflinchingly at a flawed man's journey through life. It's a tribute to his knack for making great pop records that he managed a long, decade-plus string of big hits. Taylor remained relevant long after his impressive run of top 40 hits, recording numerous million-selling records in the '90s & '00s and winning multiple Grammys.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25