About This Footage
The dusty archives of YouTube have yielded a gem, a 4:14 clip from the early days of James Taylor's career. "It It Isn't Love" is not just any performance, but a rare live appearance by the American singer-songwriter in St. Louis, captured on film in an era when such moments were fleeting and often lost to time.
At this point in his life, James Taylor was still finding his footing as a solo artist. His debut album, released in 1968, had garnered some attention, but it would take the release of Sweet Baby James in 1970 to catapult him into the spotlight. This performance, therefore, is a snapshot of an artist on the cusp of stardom.
The clip itself is notable for its informal setting. Taylor takes the stage at the Blue Strawberry STL Showroom, surrounded by his band and a small audience. The atmosphere is relaxed, with Taylor's soothing voice and acoustic guitar work weaving together in perfect harmony. It's a far cry from the polished performances that would come to define his career.
The inclusion of Jeremy Taylor, whose name shares a striking similarity with James', adds an intriguing layer to this performance. Was he a relative or simply a fellow musician? The mystery surrounding their connection only serves to heighten the interest in this clip.
R.E.M., who would go on to become one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, is also mentioned in the YouTube description. Although they are not directly involved in this performance, their presence in the same context highlights the rich musical landscape of the time.
What makes "It It Isn't Love" truly remarkable is its rarity. With few live recordings from Taylor's early career available, this clip offers a unique glimpse into his development as an artist. Viewers will be struck by the intimacy and vulnerability that permeate this performance, a quality that would become a hallmark of Taylor's music.
This clip also serves as a testament to the power of live performances in shaping an artist's reputation. In an era where studio recordings dominated the airwaves, it was the raw energy of live shows that helped build a connection with audiences. For James Taylor, this performance was just one step on his journey to becoming a household name.
As we watch "It It Isn't Love," we are not just witnessing a concert; we are experiencing a moment in time, frozen like a snapshot. The viewer is left with a sense of wonder at the serendipity that brought this clip to light, and a deeper appreciation for the artist's growth and evolution over the years.
The image that lingers long after the performance ends is one of James Taylor, lost in the moment, his voice soaring as he pours his heart out on stage. It's a fleeting glimpse into the past, but one that offers a profound understanding of what makes live music so essential to our collective experience.
Curated from public records and music databases.