The great border city maybe many things but it ain't usually got the funk. Until now that is. The James Taylor Quartet, not to be confused with their American guitar-strumming namesake, made sure Carlisle got up and thoroughly shook its thang, baby, during their one off appearance at The Brickyard. Adama Support was provided by Carlisle band, Adama. If you ever needed a soundtrack to have sex to, these guys would have no trouble setting up in the corner of the bedroom, complete with satin sheets and leopard skin throw. They may have only played a handful of gigs, but judging by their performance, they're more than ready to let us all in on their considerable charms. Think low lights, liquid smooth sounds, gentle beats, a wizard on the organ and a lead singer with a voice to die for. Did I mention the lead singer? Never let it be said that I can be swayed by a fine pair of hips but oh! Adam Davidson, in his natty white shirt, gold chain and iron-on trews! He was the perfect frontman for such a laid-back groove. Note for note perfect and not a beat missed, Adama are what Carlisle's über-cool have been crying out for. More, please! JTQ | LINKS |  |  | BBC Northampton
Clips, review and interview. BBC Music
Album reviews and samples of the tracks to listen to. James Taylor Quartet
Official website with news, information and messageboard. Plus lots of photos of the band in 'catalogue poses'. Most odd.
JTQ Groove
Unofficial website.
| | The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. |
Deservedly, though, it was the JTQ who stole the show, the groove and the attitude on Friday night. From the mass of dancing bodies flailing on the dancefloor, it was a sight for sore eyes to see Carlisle getting down and dirty with da funk. The James Taylor Quartet is made up of brothers David and, not surprisingly James, drummer Neil Robinson, bassmeister Gary Crockett, Dominic Glover on trumpet, sax and flute provided by John Wilmott and not forgetting the considerable vocal talent of Yvonne Yaney. David and James are responsible for setting up the band back in the 1980s blending their love of the cool sounds of 1960s R&B with the psychedelic Hammond organ. Described as 'cop funk' rather than acid jazz by James Taylor himself, whatever they do, it works and boy do they know how to do it. Mixing in their own flavours along with covers of Booker T and the MG's 'Green Onions' and Carole King's 'I Feel the Earth Move' there was hardly a bum on a seat by the second song. The blistering set lasted around an hour and a half and the two encores proved just how desperate Carlisle was to get on down. James Taylor spent much of his time cajoling the audience when he wasn't hammering nine bells out of his battered organ. "Do you want some more?" he asked.
Well, what do you think? Review by Liz Barnes | 
