12TH APRIL KINGS PARK BOTANICAL GARDENS PERTH Supported His Allstar Band plus Josh Pyke
The venue that is “Kings Park Botanical Gardens” is an auditorium of natural beauty, unique to Australia, you would struggle to find a more picturesque scape to hold an outdoor event of this caliber (fitting of an artist like James who really appreciates the pace of the place) which is part of our states capital – it truly is breathtaking. The weather had turned, rain and thunderstorms were predicted but this would not deter the eager fans of the musically dapper champion that is “James Taylor”.
The carparks were full early, shuttle buses running, farriering excited people to venue to catch the support act of acclaimed Australian singer songwriter “Josh Pyke“. With 10 ARIA nomination not to mention 4 ARIA Awards you could see why this multi-platinum artists was picked by James as a support….. he is the full package. His set was cheeky and playful, referring to the “not so public Instagram feud with Phil Jamieson (from Grinspoon) Josh was looking to take top honours in the race for followers and I am sure he was going to get a few more new ones after his performance.
He played some classics from his extensive back catalogue plus a sneaky cover or two….. my favourite being “Black Bird” by “Paul McCartney”. Everyone loved his version of the 2005 classic “King of the hill”, for me that song really cemented the reasoning behind why Josh was the right fit to support James Taylor – in his own words and I am paraphrasing it was “Josh to the power of Josh” lol. His 45-minute set was well structured, lyrically sharp and littered with hits…. you really could not ask for a better support.
After Josh, fans scrambled to grab drinks, food, stretch their legs and get ready for the wave of entertainment that they were about to get hit with – a musical tsunami so to speak. The 6-time Grammy award winning Rock Hall of famer came ready to dazzle! with sharp wit, loveable personality and a repertoire of music that any artists would kill for – James Taylor was ready to play.
He (along with his amazing All-Star Band) came straight out of the gate with 1968 classic – “Something in the way she moves”. It quickly perked up the crowd’s attention, like the first morning coffee – it hit the spot…… but it was only a sample cup…… the punters wanted more!
James told us of his journey to Perth and the time he had in our beautiful city prior to the gig, urging us not to tell anyone of our little secret on the other side of the world. I felt like James appreciated what we had; his genuine approach and candor made him even more genuine (if that is even a thing?). He felt like he was one of “our own”…….we would gladly accept him into the fold….. We were treated to so many of his hits, “Yellow and Rose”, “Anywhere like heaven”, a stirring rendition of “Country Road”, “Sweet baby James”, “Mexico” was right up there as a crowd favourite. There really was too many to choose from and I haven’t even touched on the iconic classics.
Highlights for me were – the raspy blues number “Steamroller”, there is just something that song that just oozes coolness and funk (everyone was up and dancing to that ditty). The opening guitar strum of “Carolina in my mind” trigger a round of applause and recognition that was as warm as a mother embrace……. wow! “Fire and rain” – James had a few backup singers …… pretty much everyone from security guards, food vendors to event staff. No body was not singing, a true testament to the quality of his talent.
Just when you thought you could not squeeze anymore into the set – James and his All-Stars gave you an encore that blew your socks off.
“You’ve Got a Friend” the Carol King 1971 immortalized classic
“How sweet it is” (to be loved by you) off his “Gorilla” album from 1975
“You can close your eyes” on his 1971 album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon…….. you can see why James and his All-stars received (a well-deserved) standing ovation. James delivered a personal set – straight to the heart, it was honest, pure and downright entertaining. Everyone left smiling…… if you love James’s music, I implore you to grab a ticket to his current tour, you will kick yourself if you don’t….. if you already have secured your chance to catch him… boy o boy are you in for a treat!
Here is ticket link for his remaining shows around Australia James Taylor Tickets | James Taylor Tour Dates & Concerts (livenation.com.au)
Massive thank you to Live Nation, Mellen Events and Revolution PM for the access to another amazing experience.
Thanks for coming to Perth James Taylor….. we are more musically richer for it