Performers

James Taylor hammond organ
Nick Smart trumpet, flugel
Rob Townsend sax, flute
Adam Betts drums
Andrew McKinney bass
Chris Montague guitar
Yvonne Yanney vocals

The James Taylor Quartet first hit the public consciousness in 1985 when their début single, Blow Up, attracted the attention of a certain John Peel.

The DJ championed the track and featured it in his seminal Festive Fifty for three years running. Based around Taylor’s Hammond organ sound, the band cemented their reputation as masters of the jazz-funkr’n’b workout, with 60s spy themes, psychedelic and free-form jazz all adding something to the band’s distinctive sound. Tonight’s show features tunes from Taylor’s latest album New World, which sees him supplementing his trademark howling Hammond sound with grand piano, alongside classic old school tunes.

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