REVIEW: YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND – THE MUSIC OF JAMES TAYLOR & CAROLE KING
REGENT CENTRE, CHRISTCHURCH
On the Regent Theatre stage stood a white grand piano, surrounded by bunches of flowers and subtle table lamps.
Into the spotlights strolled Emily Follands, who removed her shoes, sat at the piano, and delivered a flawless version of Carole King’s wonderful ballad So Far Away.
Joining her, Bill Lennon produced an immaculate copy of James Taylor’s superb How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.
On a two-month UK tour, this is a wonderful tribute to a pair of America’s finest singer-songwriters. It’s informative, interesting, and the music’s delivered live with feeling and astonishing accuracy.
Carole King’s songs are hooky, with intelligent lyrics and memorable melodies, from her first big hit It Might As Well Rain Until September to her award-winning album Tapestry.
James Taylor’s material features moving autobiographical detail, from the aching ballad in 3/4 time Sweet Baby James to the powerful narrative Fire And Rain.
The backing band is phenomenal, including Alan Parker on bass, Scott Poley on guitar/pedal steel, and Jim Williams, displaying crisp sticks, sensitive brush-strokes, and interpretive creative hand-work.
The finale featured some of the best pop songs ever written – the classic You’ve Got A Friend, the yearning Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, and the emblematic Going To Carolina In My Mind.
The standing-ovation encore included Natural Woman and I Feel The Earth Move Under My Feet.
Outstanding show!
Brendan McCusker
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