James Taylor returned to the Santa Barbara Bowl this past Wednesday (May 6), continuing a now-familiar tradition at the iconic venue. After a two-night stint on May 13–14 last year and a previous stop on May 31, 2023, his visits have become something of an annual ritual. Still, predictability ends there—each tour brings a freshly curated setlist and subtle reinvention, ensuring no two performances feel the same. This show was broken into two sets. Just before nightfall, Taylor took the stage where he played an incredible show of hits, covers, and rarities with his All-Star band.
His “All-Star Band” is made up of session greats Michael Landau (Guitar), Chad Wackerman (Drums (he is filling in for Steve Gadd)), Walt Fowler (Trumpet), Jimmy Johnson (Bass), ‘Blue’ Lou Marini (Sax), Larry Goldings (Keys), and Luis Conte (Percussion). There are also backing vocalists, including Taylor’s son Henry, Kate Markowitz, Dorian Holley, and Andrea Zonn.
The 21-song setlist included copious amounts of tried-an-true hits like “Copperline,” “Carolina On My Mind,” and "Country Road.” Throughout this evening of storytelling, nothing was lost on the visuals either—the screen above the stage changed with each song.
During the encore, Taylor performed “Shed A Little Light,” "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” and “Secret o’ Life.” From Taylor’s self-titled debut in 1969 to his latest album American Standard released in 2020, all have made the charts with the highest being No. 1 with 2015’s “Before This World.” Of all those albums, 15 went between Gold and Platinum in the U.S.
Taylor has been nominated for 19 GRAMMYS and won six—on top of being a Kennedy Center honoree, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, MusiCares Honoree, an honorary doctorate from Berklee School of Music in his hometown of Boston, MA, and is even an Emmy winner. Taylor is also a member of both the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Photos by Alex Kluft
