Studio Jazz: James Taylor Quartet

You won’t get to see this legendary band in a space so intimate anywhere else – book early and don’t miss out!  

James Taylor, one of the great British instrumentalists of his generation, has taken his trademark howling Hammond sound to the masses for over 30 years; still famed for its upbeat, energetic live shows… with no sign of slowing down. The band’s relentlessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from the rare-groove style funk, and boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s and, the band is, without a doubt, one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British live musical history today.  

Originally playing the Hammond B3 organ in the UK mod revival band The Prisoners in the early 1980s, James Taylor formed his own quartet, and began playing music similar to the rare-groove jazz-funk then in vogue around London. The first single, ‘Blow-Up’, was released on the Re Elect The President label, a precursor to Acid Jazz. The band’s debut album, ‘Mission Impossible’, was released the following year, predominantly consisting of covers of 60s film themes such as ‘Alfie’, ‘Mrs Robinson’ and ‘Goldfinger’. Then came JTQ’s fired-up signature tune, ‘The Theme from Starsky and Hutch’, which cemented its reputation as master of the jazz-funk-r’n’b workout; John Peel offered a session, more fantastic albums followed (Get Organ-ised a particular favourite) and JTQ were becoming one of the hottest names around.  

By the early 90s, acid jazz was established, and JTQ found itself at the forefront of a vibrant young club scene. Single ‘Love The Life’, featuring the late Noel McCoy, reached the Top 40, and the accompanying album, ‘Supernatural Feeling’, settled in the Top 30 UK charts. After releases on Polydor and Big Life Records, JTQ returned to Acid Jazz, and ‘In The Hand of The Inevitable’ remains the label’s biggest selling album to date.  

In 1997 James had the chance to fulfil a dream when he was asked to score the theme tune to Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, the spy spoof starring Mike Myers and Elizabeth Hurley. JTQ’s ‘Whole Lotta Live’ album was nominated for a MOBO award in 1998, and the following year James featured on Tom Jones’ duets album, ‘Reload’.  

Skip forward 30 years and JTQ has evolved into one of the most exciting and well respected touring bands in the UK. With numerous albums to its name, the band’s recorded output is not to be scoffed at. ‘Prolific’ is an understatement, with albums touching genres as diverse as jazz, funk, soul, rock, and even rap, not to mention a handful of library albums in between. He’s also done full orchestral and choral projects. Each album is an absolute must for any Hammond fan: James’ playing providing a solid and accomplished lead as always. Live, the band is explosive, with a breathtaking, diverse unmatched back catalogue. 

Now back to the 4 piece instrumental line up that marked their debut album, a brilliant tight knit powerful band includes current Pulp member Andrew McKinsey on bass. Don’t miss what should be an unforgettable night in the Studio! 

James Taylor – Hammond Organ  

Mark Cox – Guitar  

Andrew McKinney – Bass  

Pat Illingworth – Drums