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James Taylor made a low-key entrance at last week's show.

James Taylor rocks Wolf Trap

Date published: 6/26/2008

BY MEGAN WILLIAMS

In the music industry, artists are constantly reinventing themselves to evolve with the changing times. James Taylor, however, has never had to. His song-writing abilities and standout vocals have been enough to sustain his popularity over four decades.

When you get to see a legend like Taylor in concert, you don't have to worry whether his performance will live up to your expectations because you know exactly what you're going to get. His familiar voice hasn't faded or become any less impressive throughout the years.

But at the same time, hearing him live, singing classics like "Carolina in My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," "How Sweet It Is" and "Country Road," provides a whole new perspective on the classic folk-rock singer. Surrounded by his Band of Legends--a diverse mix of veteran supporting musicians including some of Taylor's longtime collaborators--he puts on one entertaining show.

It was a rainy and unusually cold night last Wednesday at the outdoor pavilion at Wolf Trap, but the lawn and seats were filled to capacity for this sold-out performance.

When Taylor walked onstage, it took a minute for the audience to realize it. He didn't make a big show--just greeted the band, walked to the front, humble as can be, and launched into his first song. Of course, this didn't stop the audience from erupting in applause of appreciation.

The two sets of 12 songs were a blend of Taylor's classics and covers of other well-known standards such as "Wichita Lineman," "On Broadway" and "Oh What a Beautiful Morning."

Before he played each of his better-known songs, he provided a brief anecdote or history for the audience.

"You've Got a Friend" was preceded by Taylor saying that when he heard the song's writer, Carole King, singing it in her dressing room before a show, he had no idea that he would play it every night for the rest of his life.

Songs like "Mexico" and "Shower the People You Love With Love" got the audience on their feet jamming along with the band. And the funkiest version of "Steamroller" I've ever heard had them quite literally jumping up and down.

A lot of credit has to go to the band, which included such names as "Blue" Lou Marini from "The Blues Brothers" and percussionist Luis Conte.

But it was when Taylor's vocals were the dominant instrument that his brilliance really showed.

"Sweet Baby James" and "Carolina in My Mind" were sung without any gimmicks or obvious variation--just the awesome and comforting sound of Taylor's voice. There really is no point in trying to change a classic, anyway.

The show closed with a combo encore performance of "The Midnight Hour" and "Knock on Wood," followed by "How Sweet It Is," a perfect ending note.

And how sweet was it? Pretty darn sweet.

Megan Williams: 540/374-5000, ext. 5661
Email: mewilliams@freelancestar.com

Date published: 6/26/2008