Funky acid jazz sounds of JTQ thrills the foursome’s fans and followers

Review: James Taylor Quartet, The Apex, Friday, September 27

The funky acid jazz sounds of the James Taylor Quartet had the audience clapping their hands and stomping their feet as they delighted their fans and followers.

It was 90 minutes of sheer delight from the four super skillful musicians as they ripped through their set at The Apex.

And non more so with their rendition of the Booker T and the MG’s hit “Green Onions” which had those attending singing along with the melody.

Added to that was their signature tune “The Theme from Starsky and Hutch” which also including a wonderful section of audience participation. It was a track which also cemented their reputation as masters of the jazz-funk-r’n’b workout with 60s spy themes, psychedelic and free-form jazz all adding something to the band’s distinctive sound.

The Hammond organ guru’s music with his trio of drums, bass and guitar was a spectacular array of the very best of jazz funk which had his followers swinging and swaying to his eclectic sounds.

For more than 25 years The James Taylor Quartet have set the standard for the coolest sounds in funky acid jazz.

They stand with one foot planted in 2019 and other, just as firmly, somewhere south of the 1970s.

Originally playing the Hammond B3 organ in the UK mod revival band The Prisoners, James formed his own quartet and began playing music similar to the rare-groove jazz-funk then in vogue around London. By the early 1990s, that movement had spawned acid jazz, and JTQ found itself at the forefront of a vibrant young club scene.

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 have quietly become a byword for distinguished British creativity with dozens of critically acclaimed albums and legendary live shows both at home and abroad and are just as comfortable at Ronnie Scott’s Club as they were at The Apex last night.

Another great event at the Bury St Edmunds venue and those attending will be looking forward to the return of JTQ.