While some attendees knew every word to every song, I am most familiar with Taylor’s work from the 1970s, including his breakthrough album Sweet Baby James that included the title track plus Fire and Rain, Country Road and Anywhere Like Heaven — all of which he sang at the concert. Taylor emerged out of an era of talented composers-singers that includes Paul Simon, Neil Diamond and Gordon Lightfoot, all of whom continue to write and perform in concert in their 70s.
Taylor’s mellow voice has changed little from when he recorded that album as a 22-year-old folk/country/rock singer 42 years ago. The 6-foot, 3-inch Taylor remains trim and animated on stage, frequently bouncing around and genuinely interacting with his assembled crew of seasoned musicians and singers. Most concertgoers were young adults and middle-aged people like me, attesting to Taylor’s staying power.
Few singers of Taylor’s caliber visit Springfield. But from the get-go as he unassumingly walked out on stage, took a bow, and picked up his guitar, Taylor indicated that he considers performing a privilege. Throughout the show he gave effusive praise to his backup singers and musicians; self-effacingly noted how he has survived trials and temptations; expressed gratitude to Paul McCartney and George Harrison for giving him his first recording break in 1968; and nimbly played guitar on virtually every song.
The show deftly blended a variety of instruments on various numbers including accordion, flute, flugelhorn, saxophone, fiddle and fiddle. Taylor seemed to be truly energized by the enthusiastic response of the crowd. How many artists of Taylor’s stature spend the entire 20-minute intermission signing autographs from the front of the stage?
I’ve been to many concerts over the years, but none in which I could actually see the performer well without looking at the big-screen projection. Thank you, Jeremy, and Dalla, for thinking of me.
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