Song Review: James Taylor - “Come on Brother” (BBC “In Concert,” Nov. 13, 1971)
Sporting a sparkly, blue jacket; rocking an electric axe; and singing call-and-response style with Carole King and Abigale Haness, James Taylor mixed the funk with the folk on the Nov. 13, 1971, BBC “In Concert” program.
Just re-released on restored footage from the vault, it’s blue-eyed soul - with drugs.
King and Haness: Who is a walking man?
JT: I am
K&H: What does a walking man do?
JT: He walks
It’s mostly a vamp; a plea to get on up and help me to find this groove, driven by Ralph Schuckett and Danny Kortchmar, on keys and guitar, respectively, and the in-pocket rhythm section of Russ Kunkel and Leland Sklar.
This is the kind of self-deprecating humor that’s served Taylor well on stage for more than 50 years, coupled with the kind of music he only rarely employs. Too bad, ’cause that walking man can strut - albeit a bit awkwardly.
Grade card: James Taylor - “Come on Brother” (BBC “In Concert,” 11/13/71) - A
10/27/22
