James Taylor Quartet
James Taylor Quartet, often abbreviated as JTQ, is a prominent British quartet that emerged during the late 1980s, infusing elements of rock, pop, funk and jazz into their music. The ensemble was formed by Hammond organ player James Taylor after he split from his former band, The Prisoners, in the wake of Stiff Records' bankruptcy. The quartet, primarily known for its robust and infectious live performances, has gained a strong cult following over the years and has extensively toured the UK and Europe, making them a noteworthy band in the pop-rock domain.
James Taylor Quartet's music is uniquely versatile and is characterised by the blend of diverse genres. They have ingeniously incorporated fundamental aspects of various music styles into their compositions which place them in a league of their own within the music industry.
The original line-up of the quartet comprised of James Taylor (Hammond organ), Allan Crockford (bass), David Dufort (drums) and Fay Hallam (vocals), who were later joined by renowned musicians from the British rhythm and blues scene. The group's first single, 'Blow Up', was a characteristic cover of Herbie Hancock’s main title from the film of the same name. This initial major success paved the way for their vibrant musical journey.
Over the years, JTQ's musical style has evolved, striding into more commercial territory with the introduction of vocals and lyrics, a move that brought them into the mainstream. Their seminal album 'Supernatural Feeling' from 1993 marked a transition in their sound, with influences of pop, soul, and R&B coming to the forefront.
In addition to making their mark through composition and performance, the James Taylor Quartet has also contributed to numerous film and television scores, including the theme tunes for the BBC series 'The Money Programme' and 'Spyder’s Web'.
Despite traversing various stylistic changes over their musical journey, what firmly remains at the heart of JTQ's sound is the Hammond organ, played with gusto and precision by James Taylor himself. This, combined with their dynamic rhythms and intriguing melodies, makes their music an exciting exploration of sound.
Having graced the stage for more than three decades, The James Taylor Quartet continues to be a vibrant and influential force in British music history. As they orchestrate their sounds around rock, pop, funk and jazz, they set forth a fascinating sonic landscape that is both profound and entertaining, cementing their reputation as versatile musicians and compelling performers.
James Taylor Quartet's music is uniquely versatile and is characterised by the blend of diverse genres. They have ingeniously incorporated fundamental aspects of various music styles into their compositions which place them in a league of their own within the music industry.
The original line-up of the quartet comprised of James Taylor (Hammond organ), Allan Crockford (bass), David Dufort (drums) and Fay Hallam (vocals), who were later joined by renowned musicians from the British rhythm and blues scene. The group's first single, 'Blow Up', was a characteristic cover of Herbie Hancock’s main title from the film of the same name. This initial major success paved the way for their vibrant musical journey.
Over the years, JTQ's musical style has evolved, striding into more commercial territory with the introduction of vocals and lyrics, a move that brought them into the mainstream. Their seminal album 'Supernatural Feeling' from 1993 marked a transition in their sound, with influences of pop, soul, and R&B coming to the forefront.
In addition to making their mark through composition and performance, the James Taylor Quartet has also contributed to numerous film and television scores, including the theme tunes for the BBC series 'The Money Programme' and 'Spyder’s Web'.
Despite traversing various stylistic changes over their musical journey, what firmly remains at the heart of JTQ's sound is the Hammond organ, played with gusto and precision by James Taylor himself. This, combined with their dynamic rhythms and intriguing melodies, makes their music an exciting exploration of sound.
Having graced the stage for more than three decades, The James Taylor Quartet continues to be a vibrant and influential force in British music history. As they orchestrate their sounds around rock, pop, funk and jazz, they set forth a fascinating sonic landscape that is both profound and entertaining, cementing their reputation as versatile musicians and compelling performers.
update information
