A once-in-a-lifetime concert event swung through Tampa on Sunday evening, bringing the St Petersburg Times Forum almost to capacity. Carole King and James Taylor pushed it to the limit with their “Troubadour Reunion” show bringing their classic rock/pop sounds to the delight of the 16,000+ audience members. There were no lasers, smoke pots or pyrotechnics. Video screens suspended above a revolving stage encircled the performance area providing an intimate setting for an otherwise mammoth venue. The efforts to bring the audience closer personalized the music for a great evening of entertainment.It was all about the music of 2 singer/songwriter greats of the last half century. 40 years ago, the duo performed at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, a venue showcasing new talent as well as established bands & singers. The Troubadour reunion tour features many of the songs from the original concert as well as the newer offerings of the 2 pop icons. Several members of their original backup band deliver non-obtrusive accompaniment to their music.
James Taylor, appearing a bit feeble for his 62 years, is always smooth and low key, even on his rockier numbers, carrying his offerings with superb showmanship – because he’s James Taylor. Taylor kicked it in several times during the show, but sat or stood at a mic as his music dictated for many of his works. He could do no wrong for his long time fans and they were not disappointed as he presented a generous sampling of his hits, as well as a few lesser known pieces. When introducing “Sweet Baby James”, he shared that the song was a lullaby written for the son of a cousin who named his child after JT. The boy liked to play ‘cowboy’. He was a regular ‘little buckaroo’, Taylor remembered fondly. “Steamroller Blues” takes longer to sing than it took to write and “Shower the People” is his Hymn for Agnostics.
The big surprise of the evening was the performance of Carole King. At 68, she was spot on with her passion for her music and gracious to inform the audience that she was ‘co’writer of many of her compositions, giving credit, by name, to those with whom she shared the bill. She and Taylor shared the mic on her songs “Up on the Roof” and “You’ve Got a Friend” as well as providing background vocals and accompaniment for each other. The highlight of the evening was “I Feel the Earth Move” where Ms King rocked out, jumping and dancing, in some very cruel stilettos, a brave move for a woman pushing 70.
There are still about 20 cities left on the tour schedule, so if you have the chance (not to mention the bucks) try to see this wonderful show. Taylor & King deliver a 2+ hour show that brings great memories and superb performances.
