James Taylor Quartet at Band On The Wall, Manchester

James Taylor Quartet

Funk is a way of life for the James Taylor Quartet, which has been one of the main proponents of funk and acid jazz in Britain for more than a quarter of a century. Since its formation in 1985, the quartet has embodied creativity and surprises, and is especially known for its electrifying live performances. Join them for a truly special show.

A journey from jazz funk to acid jazz

Also known as JTQ, the James Taylor Quartet was founded in 1985 when James Taylor, a Hammond organ player, was looking for a new musical project to replace his former band. Drums, guitar and bass make up the other three pieces of the quartet, while many recordings and live performances feature guest vocalists. The band became known for their covers of film theme tunes, from 'Blow-Up' (their first single, released in 1987) to 'Mrs Robinson', 'Goldfinger' and 'The Theme from Starsky and Hutch'. James Taylor Quartet songs are almost always a funked-up version of the original, with a fast-paced rhythm and punk-influenced style of playing that leaves plenty of room for one of James Taylor's virtuoso Hammond organ instrumentals. With a rough, often heavily improvised style, the group became famous for their incredible live performances that turned both songs and genres on their heads to approach dance music. It's almost impossible to watch the James Taylor Quartet live without getting your groove on - and with so much creative freedom thrown into the mix, you can never be quite sure what you're going to get. 

Be thrilled by the James Taylor Quartet live

After a brief detour from jazz funk to concentrate on acid jazz in the 1990s - during which time the James Taylor Quartet had a top 40 single and released one of their best ever selling albums, 'In the Hand of the Inevitable' - the band returned to their roots and began releasing more funk and soul-influenced songs. James Taylor Quartet gigs inevitably feature a mixture of cinematic covers and original compositions, with stunning improvisation allowing the two to melt seamlessly into one another. They have worked with Tom Jones, Manic Street Preachers, U2 and The Pogues, made numerous television appearances, and contributed to film soundtracks including 'Austin Powers'. While the output of James Taylor Quartet albums has been prodigious, 2018 saw the group finally realise a long-awaited project when they recorded an orchestral album ('Soundtrack from Electric Black') based on the legacy of great film composers but adding a rougher, more punk-like vibe to proceedings. It was proof that this band is still full of surprises, and just as fresh and creative as they ever were. Don't miss out on an electrifying performance.