James Taylor - One Man Band (2LP)
Vocals – James Taylor [click here to see more vinyl featuring James Taylor]
Piano, Synthesizer, Organ, Harmonium – Larry Goldings
Written Written James Taylor ( A1-4, A6 to B2, B4 to D4), Carole King (B2), Larry Goldings (A5), Reynolds Price (D3)
2LP, Gatefold jacket
Original analog Master Tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record Color: Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12"
Stereo
Live
Record Press : Record Technology Incorporated
Label : Craft Recordings
Original Label : Hear Music
Recorded in July 19–21, 2007 in The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Engineered and mixed by Dave O'Donnell
Produced by Dave O'Donnell, James Taylor
Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound
Liner Notes by James Taylor
Originally released in November 2007
Reissued in 2024
Tracks:
Side A:
1. Something In The Way She Moves
2. Never Die Young
3. The Frozen Man
4. Man Old Man
5. School Song
6. Country Road
Side B:
1. Slap Leather
2. My Traveling Star
3. You've Got A Friend
4. Steamroller Blues
Side C:
1. Secret O' Life
2. Line 'Em Up
3. Chili Dog
4. Shower The People
5. Sweet Baby James
Side D:
1. Carolina In My Mind
2. Fire And Rain
3. Copperline
4. You Can Close Your Eyes
Reviews:
"Don't take the title of James Taylor's One Man Band literally -- this 2007 concert recording may be stripped-down but it's not just James and a guitar, he's supported by keyboardist Larry Goldings, whom Taylor dubs his "one-man band" in the liner notes, as that's all the backing band he has here. Fair enough. But this isn't just a question of clever semantics: as it turns out, Goldings has quite a presence on this intimate album, recorded at a three-night stint at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA, during July 2007. During this 19-song set, Taylor gives Goldings plenty of space to grace the songs with solos that show up his jazz chops. This freedom, coupled with Taylor's deceptively easy delivery -- he has a casual authority that comes from touring the same songs steadily for years -- gives this album a unique character among Taylor's catalog. This also makes for an album that relies heavily on standards. All the songs you'd expect are here, all the songs James always plays on tour, but there are also a couple of surprises, like "Chili Dog" from 1972's One Man Dog, which are quite engaging. Perhaps these tunes are a shade too familiar to sound fresh, but given such lovely readings they certainly sound as comforting as a reunion with an old friend for those listeners who haven't been keeping up with Taylor but might pick this up via its release on Starbucks' HearMusic label. So, this can rope in casual fans who will be quite pleased, but this is different enough from 1993's double-disc Live -- as polished and professional as live albums come -- to make this quite interesting for diehards, too. [One Man Band also contains a two-hour concert DVD.] " Allmusic Review by Thomas Erlewine
James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms. He is a master at describing specific, even autobiographical situations in a way that resonates with people everywhere. For more than forty years Taylor has been a compass for his fans, articulating moments of pain and joy, and letting his listeners know that they are not alone.
As a recording and touring artist, Taylor has set a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. His warm baritone is among the most recognized voices in popular music and his distinctive style of guitar-playing has been enormously influential. He has sold over 100 million albums throughout his career, beginning in 1968 when he was signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records. In 1971, Taylor was featured on the cover of Time Magazine, heralded as the harbinger of the singer-songwriter era. His voice has been a constant in a changing world for his first generation of fans and their children.
Ratings:
AllMusic : 3.5 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.56 / 5 ; Rolling Stone : 3.5 / 5 ; The Rolling Stone Album Guide : 3.5 / 5