The unmistakable voice of James Taylor recently filled the air on the second night of his three-show residency at the iconic Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. On this perfect September evening, Taylor brought decades of music history to life with the ease of a storyteller, captivating the sold-out crowd with his soothing melodies, intimate lyrics, and wry humor.

Taylor’s entrance was a masterful nod to his storied career. As the stage remained dark on Sept. 14, a giant screen displayed archival footage of a young James singing “Something in the Way She Moves,” capturing the passage of time and the constancy of his artistry. From the late 1960s to today, his presence has remained steadfast in the American musical landscape. As the lights gradually revealed the present-day Taylor, tall and slender with his signature cap, he finished the song live, eliciting an enthusiastic ovation from the crowd. This seamless merging of past and present felt like the perfect way to start the night, as Taylor has always had a unique way of making the past feel both distant and immediately personal.

Following the opener, Taylor shared the story behind the song’s creation, recounting how, in 1968, he played it for Paul McCartney and George Harrison. In his typically self-deprecating way, Taylor quipped that Harrison “liked it so much, he went home and wrote it again himself.” This reference to Harrison’s song “Something” was met with laughter, and Taylor’s warmth and ease made it feel like we were sitting around a campfire listening to an old friend share his tales.

Listen to the 2019 remaster of James Taylor’s seminal sophemore album, Sweet Baby James, (originally released 1970) on Spotify:

The rest of the night unfolded with an expertly curated setlist that highlighted both the hits and deeper cuts from Taylor’s catalog. “Everyday,” a Buddy Holly cover, came next, followed by “Anywhere Like Heaven,” from his 1970 *Sweet Baby James* album. One of the evening’s first highlights was “October Road,” a track from his 2002 album of the same name, which felt particularly poignant as the cool autumn air started to settle over the venue.

As the set progressed, Taylor dove into the reflective “Secret O’ Life” and the nostalgic “Copperline,” his band perfectly accentuating each track with lush harmonies and vibrant instrumentation. The All-Star Band, as always, was superb. Kate Markowitz and Dorian Holley on backing vocals added layers of texture, while Andrea Zonn’s violin and vocals gave several songs a haunting, ethereal quality. Larry Goldings on piano and Lou Marini on horns offered nuanced flourishes, and Steve Gadd’s drumming was, as expected, impeccable throughout.

The first set concluded with the crowd-favorite “Sweet Baby James,” followed by a beautiful rendition of “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” and the lesser-known but equally moving “Sun on the Moon.” It was a gentle reminder of the breadth and depth of Taylor’s catalog — while many were there for the big hits, these quieter moments were just as powerful.

After a short intermission, Taylor returned with “Only a Dream in Rio,” transporting the audience with its upbeat rhythm and vibrant arrangement. The energy continued to build with the familiar strains of “Carolina in My Mind” and the infectious “Mexico,” both of which had the audience singing along. But it was during “Steamroller,” Taylor’s bluesy, tongue-in-cheek anthem, that the crowd really came alive. His wailing guitar solo and exaggerated vocal delivery were a playful nod to the song’s satirical nature, and the band was fully locked in.

The second set continued with a couple of Carol King-written songs, including the ever-poignant “You’ve Got a Friend” and the hopeful “Up on the Roof,” each bringing a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The joyous “Shower the People” followed, with the audience fully engaged in singing along, as Taylor invited them to join him in spreading the song’s message of love and kindness.

In this restored footage of James Taylor In Concert, a 22 year-old James performs his classic “Fire and Rain” on the popular BBC series In Concert on Nov. 16, 1970.

As the evening neared its conclusion, Taylor delivered his iconic cover of Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” transforming the venue into a giant sing-along. The energy was electric, and the band, especially Michael Landau on guitar and Jimmy Johnson on bass, grooved with effortless skill, bringing a vibrant close to the second set.

For the encore, Taylor slowed things down with the gospel-tinged “Shed a Little Light,” before lifting spirits once again with the buoyant “Your Smiling Face.” He ended the night on a reflective note with “That Lonesome Road,” his voice full of gentle melancholy, leaving the audience with a sense of peaceful closure.

Throughout the concert, Taylor’s connection with the audience was undeniable. His ability to blend humor, humility, and heart is what has endeared him to fans for more than five decades. Backed by his stellar band, the evening was a celebration of not just one artist’s music, but of the stories, memories, and emotions that have accompanied us all on our life journeys.

As the final notes faded and the crowd rose in applause, it was clear that this was more than just a concert — it was an experience, a moment to be cherished, much like the music of James Taylor itself.

Set One:

1. Something in the Way She Moves
2. Everyday (Buddy Holly cover)
3. Anywhere Like Heaven
4. October Road
5. Secret O’ Life
6. Copperline
7. Country Road
8. Sweet Baby Jane
9. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
10. Sun on the Moon

Set Two:

11. Only a Dream in Rio
12. Carolina in My Mind
13. Mexico
14. Steamroller
15. Ride & Rain
16. You’ve Got a Friend (Carol King cover)
17. Up on the Roof (Carol King cover)
18. Shower the People
19. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (Marvin Gaye cover)

Encore:

20. Shed a Little Light
21. Your Smiling Face
22. That Lonesome Road

Enjoy some additional photos from James Taylor’s Sept. 14, 2024 Wolf Trap Performance. All images are copyrighted and courtesy of Ari Strauss.