There are certain artists that simply don’t need an opening act to get the audience energized. James Taylor is one such artist, who Boston fans were excited to greet at the MGM Music Hall for two nights in a row! He was met with a grand applause as he started off the night singing, “Something in The Way She Moves,” which he admitted is one of the earliest songs of his career that he still sings, due to the fact that it was the one that got him signed to the Beatles’ label, Apple Records and was a proud moment in his life.
He was generous throughout the night with backstories for his songs, graciously retelling important memories which were just as beautifully captured in his lyrics. Taylor also delighted the crowd with his witty humor and humbleness, which was met with admiration and respect from his fans, who occasionally screamed out their love for Taylor.
Although James Taylor is well known for his songs about growing up in North Carolina, he boasted about his Boston origins just before performing his song “Copperline”, which he explained as his “musical landscape” that paints a picture of his beloved childhood town. Throughout his setlist, Taylor’s warm, comforting vocals were accompanied by his acoustic guitar-playing and several other back up singers, which included his son, Henry. Later on in the night, he also welcomed his wife as a backing vocalist as well.
Fans united in hearty laughter as Taylor explained the story behind his song “Mona,” which was written about his loveable pet pig and her untimely death. This song, as well as another crowd favorite, “Sweet Baby James”, were sung with great care and undertones of sadness and nostalgia. Taylor quickly changed up the pace of the night by adding elements of blues with his song, “Steamroller,” which he switched to an electric guitar for. He also performed a wholesome rendition of Carol King’s song, “You’ve Got A Friend,” and had the audience on their feet dancing to “Mexico,” which included rhythmic percussion and trumpet additions.
After a quick intermission, Taylor was back on stage showing his appreciation for fans at the front by signing their shirts, hats, hands, and even someone’s book. He had fans harmonizing and slowly swaying their hands to his song “Carolina On My Mind.” They went wild with applause as he performed his best-known, melancholy song “Fire and Rain,” which he sang with just his guitar and no accompanying vocals.
Switching up the tempo again before the night could end,Taylor had the camera pointed to the audience and projected them on stage as he sang “Your Smiling Face.” He captured many surprised looks from fans who were elated to be “on stage” with Taylor while others continued to dance or smile back. He kept the energy going after a standing ovation and an encore of several more songs and it was easy to see just how much of a good time the crowd was having. While James Taylor has been a well-loved artist for decades, there is truly something timeless about his music. He definitely takes one on a roadmap of his life through his songs, celebrating the joys as well as the sorrows that fans can truly connect with.
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PHOTO GALLERY BY: Nate Rocco
