James Taylor @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 6/29/2026

By Stephanie J Bartik.

James Taylor and His All-Star Band brought more than a concert to the stage. They brought an evening that felt like taking a deep breath.

In an era of high-energy productions and nonstop movement, there was something refreshing about simply sitting back and listening. The audience wasn’t distracted by flashing choreography or constant motion. Instead, they heard the stories, the lyrics, and the emotions that have made James Taylor’s music part of so many lives for decades.

Most of the evening, Taylor was flanked by two outstanding backing vocalists. On one side was his son, Henry Taylor, whose harmonies blended beautifully with his father’s. Every so often, James would glance toward Henry with a smile that quietly revealed a father’s pride. On the other side was longtime vocalist Dorien Holley, whose rich harmonies completed the signature sound fans know so well.

At times, the concert felt less like a performance in a large venue and more like sitting around a backyard campfire, listening to an old friend tell stories with nothing more than a guitar in his hands.

Taylor’s voice remains remarkably strong, and he reminded everyone that what they were hearing was completely live. Early in one song, he stopped himself after only a few notes.

“Wait … started in the wrong key. Let’s do that again. This is live music.”

The audience responded with laughter and appreciation, embracing the authenticity of the moment.

That isn’t to say Taylor stayed rooted in one spot all evening. He even threw in a few quick little jumps during the show, just enough to remind everyone that he still has a playful side.

His humor surfaced throughout the night. Before intermission, he announced there would be a twenty-minute break, adding that he wasn’t really sure why because, “All we do is go over there,” pointing toward the side of the stage, “and stand behind the curtain.”

Except he didn’t.

Rather than disappearing backstage, Taylor lingered near the front side of the stage, taking time to acknowledge and interact with fans in the front rows. It was a simple gesture, but one that perfectly reflected something he had shared earlier in the evening:

“If you want to make the world a better place, your opportunity to do that is with the next human being that you encounter.”

He didn’t just say it. He lived it.

While Taylor avoided making the evening overtly political, he did touch on current events and his longtime progressive and environmental views. Introducing “Line ‘Em Up,” he recalled Richard Nixon’s final day in office, when White House staff lined up on the lawn to watch him depart.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I miss Richard Nixon. At least he knew when he’d done wrong.”

Behind the band, the familiar video screen provided tasteful imagery that complemented the songs without overwhelming them, allowing the music to remain the evening’s true centerpiece.

Overall, James Taylor proved that great performances don’t require elaborate productions or endless movement. A strong voice, timeless songs, an exceptional band, and a genuine connection with the audience were more than enough to create an unforgettable evening.

Set One: Whenever You’re Ready, Rainy Day Man, T-Bone, That’s Why I’m Here, Mexico, Line ‘Em Up, Millworker, Shower the People, Handy Man, Steamroller

Set Two: Country Road, Copperline, You’ve Got a Friend, Up on the Roof, Never Die Young, Carolina in My Mind, Fire and Rain, Your Smiling Face

Encore: Shed a Little Light, How Sweet It Is, Sweet Baby James

Photography by Stephanie J Bartik.

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