The Monday Morning “Nobody-Asked-Me-To, But-Here-I-Go-Anyway” Concert Review – James Taylor

(Or, Why I Will Never Be A Professional Concert Reviewer…)

Last night, Mrs. That Dan Guy and I had the rare Canadian concert experience – James Taylor live and on tour, with his “Band Of Legends”. Which is another way of saying “Old Geezers”.

Ha Ha! Kidding!! These folks were all crack musicians, and aided Mr. Taylor in presenting a delightful trip down Memory Lane (even if a few of them may have had problems in that department, if you know what I mean…).

As this was Mr. Taylor’s first-ever tour through Canada, Calgary rolled out the red carpet, providing the band and himself with the city’s trademark white Stetson cowboy hats. Seemed very appropriate, as he was the closing act for this year’s Stampede.

This was also the first night we were able to stand in line long enough to get our midway mini-donuts, but that’s a story for another day…

So, what were my first impressions, after waiting almost 40 years to see such a beloved music legend? Well, for one thing, I couldn’t help but notice how much he looks like Woody Harrelson, the actor from TV’s “Cheers”. I mean seriously, they could be brothers. If someone was filming a James Taylor biopic, I would strongly suggest they nail down Woody right now, and wait for the Academy Awards to roll on in…

On the music part – he was amazing. Performing two sets over the course of almost three full hours, a person couldn’t complain about not getting their money’s worth. Although he did play a load of stuff from his new “covers” album (which by the way sounds like something a person ought to run out and buy first thing this morning- just saying, MTDG…), there were more than enough selections from his songbook of personal American classics. Peppered throughout with his delightful sense of humour, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand all night long. Loved the stories behind the songs that he shared. Absolutely a treat…

For anyone that cares, the stage was simple – a throwback to old theatres but filled with large signage for each member of his “Band Of Legends” (probably so that some of the old farts could find their way to their station – just sayin’…).

I’d have loved to have seen this show in a proper concert hall, but there’s something about the power of a man and a guitar that can fill an entire arena that sort of sums up the whole experience…

Magical…

Chow for now!!