The James Taylor Quartet, who have set the standard for the coolest sounds in acid jazz for over a quarter of a century, are coming to Gala Theatre on Saturday 4 June at 7.30pm.
James Taylor, one of the greatest British instrumentalists of his generation, has taken his trademark howling Hammond organ sound to the masses since the 1980s.
The quartet have produced a bulging catalogue of remarkable albums and show-stopping gigs that continues to see them in hot demand everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s to Rome.
The band’s 2013 Closer To The Moon album release saw James Taylor’s impassioned musical curiosity lead to an ambitious and exciting project bringing together the worlds of jazz and classical music.
Taylor’s infectious trademark stylings, trusty Hammond and the group’s ever-alluring horns converse with a wild array of classical instrumentation, including celeste, vibes, harp, zither, gong, glockenspiel and even tubular bells.
Two years later, The Rochester Mass album pushed the boundaries even further. Recorded in just one day with the forty-strong Rochester Choir, the album is the first time that funk music and a religious mass have been fused. With numerous other albums to their name the band have also touched on genres as diverse as soul, rock and even rap.
The quartet’s relentlessly entertaining tunes, as well as upbeat and energetic live shows, have seen them hailed as one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British live music
Tickets are £17.50 or only £15 for Gala Friends and can be purchased online at www.galadurham.co.uk , in person at Gala Theatre’s box office or by calling 03000 266 600.