James Taylor, the legendary organist and frontman of the James Taylor Quartet (JTQ), is set to reveal a surprising new side to his musical identity. On February 27, Taylor will release Shadows and Dreams via Acid Jazz Records—an intimate exploration of his lifelong passion for classical piano.
A Hidden Passion Revealed
While Taylor is revered globally for his cinematic Hammond organ grooves and acid jazz foundations, solo classical piano has remained a private pillar of his artistry. For the first time, he is bringing this influence into the public eye.
"I’ve been wanting to do this for ages," Taylor admits. "Solo classical piano is a big part of my musical life, but it’s not been represented publicly. It informs all the other genres I’m involved in—be it orchestrating, performing, or composing."
Fresh Perspectives on the Masters
Across nine tracks, Shadows and Dreams sees Taylor interpret iconic works from J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Scarlatti. Far from a rigid, academic recital, Taylor approaches these compositions with a desire to make them feel "fresh, modern, and relevant." He believes these masterpieces should be accessible to everyone, just as their composers originally intended.
The tracklist includes a soul-stirring version of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and the Pathetique Adagio, alongside vibrant takes on Bach’s Polonaise in G Major and Mozart’s Sonata K 545.
A Medway Collaboration
The album's aesthetic is further elevated by its sleeve art—a painting by the prolific Medway musician and artist Billy Childish. The collaboration marks a meeting of two cult icons of the British music scene, adding a layer of raw, local authenticity to Taylor’s classical journey.
As the first artist to release on Acid Jazz back in 1988, Taylor continues to evolve. Whether you are a longtime JTQ devotee or a newcomer to classical music, Shadows and Dreams offers a serene, beautifully executed refuge.
Shadows and Dreams will be available on vinyl, CD, and all digital platforms on February 27.
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