Folk-rock legend performs music to soothe the soul

James Taylor with Bonnie Raitt, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

AS HE told Homer and Buzz Aldrin in his memorable Simpsons appearance, “You’re gonna float there and like it...” We didn’t need to be told to like it, such is the attention and adoration James Taylor commands from his Cardiff crowd. This guy is beloved by his fans and quite rightly so.

His songs are sweet dreamscapes, wrapped in a bluesy blanket and tied in an Americana storybook from a time you desperately need to hold on to in this day and age.

I listen to James Taylor when I need a quiet moment. His music is undeniably reflective and makes you appreciate the less bombastic things in life.

His big hits are like a comfort blanket of mine, Carolina In My Mind, Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain and of course his version of Carole King’s You’ve Got a Friend is probably as good as, if not better than, the original.

He starts with Carolina and eases into Country Road. His backing band are incredible and you can tell they feed off the enthusiasm of the 70-year-old folk-rock legend, who really still loves the game of gigging. Steamroller bluesed it up and paired Taylor’s lyrical style with a more raunchy backing.

There are loads of anecdotes and interaction with the crowd. Taylor is sharp and funny and natural and warm. So his music is an extension of his personality. ■ Kathryn Williams Last night’s National Lottery Lotto winning numbers were 22, 34, 44, 49, 51, 53. The Bonus Ball is 33.The Thunderball winning numbers were 04, 08, 18, 26, 27. The Thunderball was 07.

He brings on Bonnie Raitt, who opened the show and who I know of, but have never really listened properly to her music. Her voice and guitar-playing are epic, so after a quick scolding I will definitely listen to more, now.

Mexico’s lovely, lush staging and lighting show got everyone up dancing, while How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) was an uplifting end to the set with all the crowd dancing away.

An encore of Johnny B Goode, You’ve Got a Friend and You Can Close Your Eyes was the perfect varied end to a set that made you sad, happy, hopeful and nostalgic all in one go.