Music review: James Taylor – 鈥楢merican Standard鈥�
On his latest album, James Taylor pays tribute to the Great American Songbook and the arrangements that served as an inspiration before he became a songwriter.
鈥淢ud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon鈥� was my first official introduction to Taylor鈥檚 laid-back delivery. The 1971 album cover photo features Taylor as a youthful troubadour ready to experience life鈥檚 many adventures. In contrast, 鈥淎merican Standard鈥� shows a seasoned artist, comfortable and fulfilled with the course his musical career has taken him over the years.
Taylor鈥檚 current release demonstrates his interpretation of classic arrangements spotlighting his calming and inviting voice that gently infuses satisfying flavorings of folk, pop, Americana and blues into each of the 14 familiar numbers about life, love and the human experience.
The 72-year-old singer-songwriter鈥檚 first album since 2015鈥檚 reflective 鈥淏efore This World鈥� could be best described as a charming collection of soothing lullabies for grown-ups.
The opener finds Taylor describing his little slice of paradise with 鈥淢y Blue Heaven鈥� as he sings, 鈥淵ou鈥檒l see a smiling face, a fireplace, a cozy room/A little love nest nestled where the roses bloom.鈥� It鈥檚 a track that fits Taylor鈥檚 style perfectly.
Taylor casually strolls through arrangements like 鈥淭he Nearness of You,鈥� 鈥淕od Bless the Child,鈥� 鈥淧ennies from Heaven鈥� and 鈥淚t鈥檚 Only a Paper Moon.鈥�
The whimsical 鈥淎s Easy as Rolling Off a Log鈥� and 鈥淪it Down, You鈥檙e Rockin鈥� the Boat鈥� will bring a smile to your face and add a bounce to your step.
My favorite track of the set is 鈥淭each Me Tonight.鈥� This 1953 jazz standard has been covered by iconic singers such as Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson and Nat King Cole. However, it鈥檚 Taylor鈥檚 comforting tone that conveys an undeniable sincerity that displays a security felt from finding true love.
鈥淥l鈥� Man River鈥� also gets the royal treatment from Taylor as it flows effortlessly, navigating the constant twists and turns with a steadfast focus. It鈥檚 as if you can hear the water slowly making its way to a final destination.
鈥淭he Surrey with the Fringe on Top鈥� by Rodgers and Hammerstein brings the album to a pleasant close as Taylor sings about being a proud beau going all out to make sure his sweetheart is the center of attention as they travel in fine fashion.
Fans can catch the legendary artist perform locally with an appearance at PPG Paints Arena on June 16.