Espionage (The Very Best Of The James Taylor Quartet) - James Taylor Quartet (The)

Advantages: Driven by musical passion. Great Jazz structures (+ lack of)
Disadvantages: All tracks are very similar (no variation)

...A must have for all JTQ fans. This album incorporates acid jazz with the classic James Taylor quartet sound. Opening with Joe's Diversions, the hammond organ sound takes lead throughout the album. Vocals from new singer Yvonne Yanney bring new light to the quartet - the most prominent track being 'It's all over'. For all jazz, and especially acid jazz fans, this album provides complex melodies and harmonies, whilst capturing the unusally simple structures of acid. The album is well produced, and the selection of tracks (11 in total) are well chosen. I would recommend this album to all fans of JTQ and jazz, and to those who are willing to try something new in their musical tastes. Truly a great album, full of musical passion.... Read review

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Advantages: Relaxing music with Taylor's characteristic sound
Disadvantages: Some may find it bland

...Beautiful laid-back music. Can be found on Amazon for £6.97, Wea (Audio CD) - April 1984. James Taylor is famous for his acoustic guitar and soothing vocals with laid-back accompaniment (including influential singer/songwriter Carole King on piano). These songs draw on folk, soul, and rock influences. The cover reads: "Built around a winning collection of songs, including the major hit "Fire and Rain," James Taylor's second LP as a solo performer features the country-flavoured musicianship of such notables as bassist Randy Meisner (of the Eagles), steel guitarist Red Rhodes, fiddler Chirs Darrow and pianist Carole King. When it first appeared in 1970, Sweet Baby James thrust Taylor into the forefront of the emerging singer/songwriter movement of the Seventies, achieving Top Five chart status and remaining a best-seller for some... Read review

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Advantages: Ground breaking collection of soft folk/rock classic songs
Disadvantages: None

...*** Who is James Taylor? *** James Taylor is a very cool guy. He has dedicated his life to giving us a catalogue of truly exceptional songs which contribute towards a complex framework of music history. He is admired by both fans and fellow musicians. James has experienced some pretty turbulent and difficult times in his own life and his loyal fans feel that because of this, he truly understands them. *** Awards and recognition James has received *** James has won numerous awards in a career that has spanned three decades. He received his first Grammy back in 1971 for best pop vocal performance, male for his remarkable recording of his friend Carole King's "You've Got a Friend". More recently James Taylor picked up his Best Male Pop Vocal Performance trophy at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony for "Don't Let Me... Read review

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