James Taylor - American Standard
by Nick Dent-Robinson
published: 10 / 4 / 2020

Label:
Concord Records
Format: CD
intro
Intimate collection of covers of 20th Century classic songs from veteran guitarist and singer James Taylor
Guitarist and singer James Taylor's new album skilfully brings some of the best of Americana to a different, new audience. 'American Standard' is a sweet and simple journey through 20th Century classic songs. Taylor's great virtuosity shines as he performs these simple melodies with exposed vocals and guitar and simple arrangements but the highest production standards. There are familiar classics like 'Moon River' but Taylor also dips into vintage musicals like 'Guys and Dolls' or 'South Pacific' and strips them from their traditional Broadway bluster making them into something far more intimate. Some may feel the new album is just a little too twee at times though Taylor's soft but sure touch with these classics is definitely testament to his very great skill and accomplishment.
Track Listing:-
1 My Blue Heaven2 Moon River
3 Teach Me Tonight
4 As Easy As Rolling Off A Log
5 Almost Like Being In Love
6 Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat
7 The Nearness Of You
8 You've Got To Be Carefully Taught
9 God Bless The Child
10 Pennies From Heaven
11 My Heart Stood Still
12 Ol' Man River
13 It's Only A Paper Moon
14 The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart