LIVE REVIEW: JAMES TAYLOR @ SYNOVUS BANK AMPHITHEATER AT CHASTAIN PARK, ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

James Taylor and his All Star Band played to a sold out crowd at Chastain Park in Atlanta Thursday night. This was night one of two back to back shows in Atlanta. It was a great night, the weather turned out to be perfect, James really seemed to be enjoying himself, and the crowd sang along to every word. He was also really proud to be up there standing next to his son, Henry.

The All Star Band really is full of accomplished musicians. Michael Landau on guitar has quite the impressive portfolio himself appearing on over 700 albums and soundtracks including Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and of course James Taylor, just to name a few. He has worked with Suhr and James Tyler, and is a current Fender artist. My favorite guitar on the planet is a James Tyler Burning Water (named after Landau’s Band at the time). There is something magical about that instrument. He has three amazing models with Fender that are very much worth checking out.

Speaking of someone who has worked with Michael Jackson, vocalist Dorian Holly has quite of bit of history with the late icon. He also has worked with Rod Stewart, spent several years as vocal coach and music director for American Idol, and was a featured singer for a few seasons on Dancing with the Stars.

Horn player, Lou Marini was best known for his work with Blood, Sweat, and Tears, The Blues Brothers, and Saturday Night Live. His credits are extensive and impressive, but make sense witnessing his proficiency.

Drummer Steve Gadd is a legend himself, also touring and recording with Clapton, Chick Corea, Paul Simon. Endorsed by Yamaha, he also has a drum instruction book out called “Gaddiments”.

Percussionist Luis Conte has performed with Clapton, Madonna, Santana, Rod Steawart, and Shakira to name a few, and was a session player as well with credits from several top artists.

Larry Goldings on the piano and accordion keeps up this theme that James has with amazing session players. I can talk all day about all of the musicians’ credits and collaborations because every one of them has quite the story!

Walt Fowler was another keys/horn player that added a really nice touch to the music. Kate Markowitz added more background vocals and sounded beautiful. Carmella Ramsey sang background vocals as well as played amazing fiddle behind James.

And finally we saw Henry Taylor, James’ son. Henry added background vocals and had a couple of features that sounded just like a younger version of his father. It was really nice to see them on stage together and you could absolutely tell that James is a proud father, at one point referring to Henry as the “fruit of his loins” and giggling. They all had a great time on stage and it was contagious. Each member definitely proved their worth to be a part of the All Star Band!

James Taylor himself was incredible. He kept a great attitude throughout the entire performance. He spoke on addiction, as he has been sober since 1983, and has often written about the “non-experience”, and how he wishes he could have the time back. He traded the tendencies for exercise. He also still attends meetings alongside crew members and band members to maintain his long term recovery and have a supportive network around him even when on the road.

At 78 years old, he held his own on stage, frequently jumping up and down with his guitar and perfectly playing his riffs. His song delivery was great, as one would expect from a true storyteller such as himself. I personally enjoyed the stories about the history of the songs, it was fascinating to hear where some of them came from and what they meant to him.

His history is quite impressive. He has 6 Grammy awards, Billboard’s Century Award, a RIAA Diamond Award for his 1976 “Greatest Hits” album. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame both in 2000. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors, National Medal of Arts, and Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters. A true musical legend that I highly recommend taking the time to catch a show.

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Setlist

• Set 1
• 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 (Jimmy Jones cover)
• Steamroller
• Set 2
• Country Road
• Copperline
• You’ve Got a Friend (Carole King cover)
• Up on the Roof (Carole King cover)
• Never Die Young
• Carolina in My Mind
• Fire and Rain
• Your Smiling Face
• Encore:
• Shed a Little Light
• How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You) (Marvin Gaye cover)
• Sweet Baby James

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Live photography by Andrew Agresta Jr. for No Flash Needed. © 2026 No Flash Needed. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without written permission.