James Taylor, Jr. MUSIC!

My take on the MOTOWN Grammy's Tribute

2019-02-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Unpopular Opinion Time...

Well, unpopular... ISH.

Before I start, I grew up in the Detroit area. I grew up on Motown music. In fact, my dad often called me the Motown boy growing up, as I always sang the Motown hits when we sang at nursing homes or hosted karaoke. I have sung in bands, including one that focused on their Motown music. I've been that guy up on the stage singing The Temptations and Smokey Robinson, as well as singing background on songs by The Supremes, Diana Ross, Martha and the Vandellas... and so much more. So, I feel I have enough of an understanding of the Motown era and sound to voice an opinion.

Now we begin.

TL;DR: Y'all trippin' way too much. Yes, there could have been others who did better, but SHE was asked. She did a... decent job. *shoulder shrug*

Let's break down the performance:

"Dancing In The Street" - Martha and the Vandellas
written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mickey" Stevenson, and Ivy Jo Hunter and produced by Williami "Mickey Stevenson"
I very much enjoyed the short rendition of this. Her voice is sweet and simple much like many of the lead female singers of the 1950's and 1960's era, including Martha Reeves and Diana Ross. However, musically, this was when I started to notice an ongoing issue with the percussion. Were the percussionists and drummers mic'd incorrectly, or their mics cutting out? I heard several issues with the drums (and a couple with the horns) throughout the performance. These things happen... but these things are happening... AT THE GRAMMYS? *SMH*

"Please, Mr. Postman" - The Marvelettes
written by Georgia Dobbins (the original lead singer), William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman and produced by Brianbert (Brian Holland and Robert Bateman)
Again, J.Lo's voice on this song is reminiscent of the song we all know, with lead singer Gladys Horton (who replaced Georgia Dobbins). I enjoyed it... but after this comes the costume change... and let me say right here... I did not like the costume change. BUT it was a personal choice. It has nothing to do with the performance. However...

"Money (That's What I Want)" - Barrett Strong
written by Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford
No. Did not care for this. This is where it personally starts to go off the railings.

"Do You Love Me" - The Contours
written and produced by Berry Gordy, Jr.
This was... acceptable...

"ABC" - The Jackson 5
written and produce by "The Corporation" (Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell and Deke Richards)
This was a tease portion, just a short section, meant to aid in the costumer change. The costume change actually wasn't as bad as the outfit it was covering.

"My Girl" - The Temptations
written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White
Here we have the addition of other singers, including Motown legend Smokey Robinson on "My Girl". He did not sound great. He acted and sounded exactly like you'd think an 80 year old man would. Sorry, Smokey.

"Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" - The Undisputed Truth and The Temptations
written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by Norman Whitfield
I enjoyed the addition of Alicia Keys. She did not sound her best, and many of the keys of the male songs in this medley did not fit the female voices.

"War" - The Temptations
written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by Norman Whitfield.
Another transitional song for another costume change.

"Square Biz" - Teena Marie
written by Teena Marie and Allen McGrier and produced by Teena Marie
While technically a Motown artist (on the Gordy record label), I just don't feel like this song represents the Motown ERA or the Motown SOUND, even if it represents the Motown label.

"Another Star" - Stevie Wonder
written and produced by Stevie Wonder
Here, Ne-Yo played piano and sang while Lopez danced. THIS was the J.Lo "moment", while THIS was not a great song choice.

Up until Square Biz, I was with the song choices and even the dancing. Motown is fun, energetic dance music. Many of Motown's greatest dance hits were written as ballads then reworked. The arrangements (except for the occasional drum or horn mishap) sounded great instrumentally, but the male songs were in the wrong keys for the female singers. It was a modern spin on Motown that, while it didn't spin out of control... it didn't quite spin fast enough either. It wasn't as horrible as everyone is making it out to be. It's 2019. BUT, it certainly wasn't the best Motown tribute.

AGAIN
TL;DR: Y'all trippin' way too much. Yes, there could have been others who did better, but SHE was asked. She did a... decent job. *shoulder shrug*

Into The Streets (Lyric Video)

2018-04-15T11:16:00.001-04:00

Love Can Save Us: OUT NOW!

2018-02-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

Love Can Save Us: 2/9/18

2018-02-03T15:10:00.002-05:00

Pre-Order NOW on BandCamp, and get "Into The Streets" TODAY!

Solo EP

2017-08-21T10:54:00.004-04:00

HEY! GREAT NEWS (for me at least)!

While Remington Taylor continues to write our debut album, WELCOME TO AMERICA will be available FRIDAY AUGUST 25TH on ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS! Keep an eye out! (Here's the Facebook event page.)

Meanwhile, I'm working on a solo EP that I hope you will enjoy.

Here is the tentative title and track listing.

"Love Can Save Us"

1. Don't Be Afraid To Love

2. When Two Boys Fall In Love

3. Into The Streets

4. I Am Stronger

This EP is about LOVE instead of HATE. It's about queer love, community, self love, and falling IN love. Each song offers something unique from the others, a different perspective on what love is and can do.

Meanwhile, stay up to date on events!

For booking, email jamestaylorjrmusic@gmail.com

OR to book Remington Taylor, email rtfiremusic@gmail.com

Summertime!!!

2017-05-09T11:53:00.002-04:00

It's time for an update...

NEW PERFORMANCES added constanly on the EVENTS page! Please check it out!

You can also find events on my FACEBOOK page! I make sure ALL events (DCB, Remington Taylor, JTJR) are under my events there! So click like (and subscribe to events)!

"Welcome To America" is out now! And more music from me and from Remington Taylor are coming soon! Click MUSIC for more!

For more from Remington Taylor, click above or HERE.

So go check it out, listen to the new stuff, come to the performances! I can't WAIT to see you all there!

#MusicMonday

2016-11-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

Happy #MusicMonday, folk! Kylee and I have been hard at work with DCB and our personal lives. Yet over the course of the last two months, we have brought you 7 songs as Remington Taylor. There's still MORE to come, but life does get busy. So, we have a bit of a break. I'd like to take THIS MOMENT to SHARE with you ALL of our #MusicMonday posts so far (and I will continue to update as we have at least 3 more planned for this year).

The following songs were live at The Token Lounge opening for Mike Tramp from White Lion and Freak of Nature.
Sound by The Token Lounge
Video (and pictures) by Mark Trybus (http://www.marksphotoposters.com/)
They are also available on Remington Taylor's ReverbNation page.

"For Both of Us" (original)
YouTube
SoundCloud
CDBaby
iTunes
Amazon
Google Play
Spotify
Also available on Pandora, 8tracks, Shazam, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, Groove Music, Napster, iHeartRadio, eMusic, Medianet, Tradebit, Slacker, 24-7, 7digital, Deezer, Guvera, boinc, GreatIndieMusic, RaraYandex.Music, InProdicon, Kdigital, Saavn, Awa, Claro música, and Kuack.

"You'll Never Be (Sober)" (original)
YouTube
SoundCloud

"When She's Gone" (original)
YouTube
SoundCloud

as James Taylor, Jr.
YouTube
SoundCloud
CDBaby
iTunes
Amazon
Google Play
Spotify

"Tonight Can Be Enough" (original)
YouTube
SoundCloud

The following songs are covers we recorded and posted to SoundCloud.

"The Rose"
(1980), sung by Bette Midler
Written by Amanda McBroom
from the 1979 film, "The Rose" starring Bette Midler
Spent five weeks at number ONE on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts
Hit number ONE on the Billboard Hot Country Singles with Conway Twitty in 1983
Hit number ONE on the Irish Singles, Scottish Singles, and UK Singles charts with Westlife in 2006

"Little Do You Know"
by Alex & Sierra, winners of the 3rd and final X Factor USA
Written by Sierra Deaton, Ruth-Anne Cunningham, Ali Tamposi, and Toby Gad

"Hello"
by Adele
Written by Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin
"Hello" hit number one around the world, launching the anticipated album "25" by Adele. "25" also went hit #1 around the world.

"Love Yourself"
by Justin Bieber
Written by Ed Sheeren, Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco), and Justin Bieber
"Love Yourself" spent 24 weeks on the U.S. Top 10, became Bieber's first number 1 on the Adult Contemporary Charts, and spent six weeks at number on in the U.K.

Stay Tuned for more #MusicMonday in the future!

Don't forget to check us out on social media platforms:
Facebook
Twitter
ReverbNation
SoundCloud
rtfiremusic@gmail.com

Events for Remington Taylor and DCB

2016-08-24T10:49:00.002-04:00

Thanks for visiting JAMESTAYLORJRMUSIC.COM!

September is THE MONTH for Remington Taylor.
We have two patio gigs at one of MY favorite places...
And then we open for Mike Tramp (from White Lion) on Sunday September 18th! (Please see myself or Kylee for tickets and possible ticket discounts.)

Then, DCB hits the stage at Plymouth Roc, followed by our return to both Club Charlie's and Crystal Bar after a month off!

Check out the Events page (on the tab above or just click Events) for details! I try to update often, especially with links to the Facebook events so you can RSVP. (That's how I remind myself that I actually have something to do! Anyone else do that?)

And from all (one) of us here at JamesTaylorJrMusic.Com... Thank you!
Hope to see you soon!
James Taylor, Jr.

Remington Taylor

2016-08-09T09:54:00.001-04:00

Please don't forget to check out Remington Taylor on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RemTayMusic/ !
And email us at RTFireMusic@gmail.com !
We are working hard to grow and rehearse and hope to see you soon!
If you would like to book us, please email us at gmail or Facebook!

Grateful and Proud!

2016-07-24T13:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, at GLBP Festival, Kylee and I had a blast... and officially decided on the name REMINGTON TAYLOR for our venture together! I encourage you to click the link and LIKE us on FACEBOOK! You can see a video there, and on James Taylor, Jr.

Shout out to JIM N. and Martha (AKA MOM) for taking video during the event!

New dates; New venue!

2016-06-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

DCB has some new dates added at PLYMOUTH ROC in Plymouth! So COME OUT and have a good time with us!

Don't forget, catch me at Grand Rapids Pride on June 18th (Calder Plaza) and then back at Crystal Bar in Westland that night with DCB!

You can now use http://jamestaylorjrmusic.com/ to access this site!

James

Don't miss out!

2016-05-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

June is full of shows! Don't miss the chance to see me and/or DCB!
From FOUR nights at Club Charlie's, The Crystal Bar, Kickstand, and a special appearance by ME at Grand Rapids Pride... it's going to be a great time!

Don't forget to catch me in Bay City next month for their Pride event as well!
It's going to be a great summer!

James

Don't forget!!!

2016-05-24T10:57:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to keep an eye on the Events page for updated bookings! June is FULL! And August and September have additions and changes coming! Also, keep an eye out for a little something new (I HOPE) coming in the next few months!

Change of dates!

2016-05-10T11:41:00.005-04:00

Welcome back to James Taylor, Jr. Music!

There's been some changes over on the EVENTS page! Please check it out for June and July!
Don't forget to check out my
Instagram: jtjrmusic
Tumblr: jamestaylorjrmusic
AND FACEBOOK for pictures and updates!
James

DCB DETROIT!

2016-04-13T12:11:00.000-04:00

That's right! I'm joining DCB Detroit as their lead male vocalist. You'll be able to see me several times a month at various locations! I am very excited! Click on "Events" above to find out when and where!

You can find information about DCB at http://dcbdetroit.com/ !

"James Taylor, Jr., brings both passion AND experience to the stage. Performing since he was 4 years, he has also been writing (and performing his original music) since the age of 12. James’ classical training provides a unique approach to popular and rock music, and his time with electronic rock band, (the) fundamentalists, gave him experience as a front man. As a solo artist and in a band, James has performed throughout Michigan and Ohio, and he is looking forward to performing with DCB Detroit."

Just Stay Home

2016-02-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

Just Stay Home is now available at digital retailers!!! Here are just a few links

iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

When She's Gone - LIVE! At The Token Lounge, January 31st 2016

2016-02-01T12:13:00.002-05:00

James Taylor, Jr. performing "When She's Gone", Live at The Token Lounge in Westland, MI, on January 31, 2016.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Shes-Gone/dp/B00ABNPKRO/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353684777&sr=301-1
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-shes-gone-single/id580998962
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/1lsnGp2CfOx8wB9fQKc9Rb

New Post?

2015-05-12T12:38:00.002-04:00

It has been forever since I made a new post. So here it is! I DID update my performances in the above box. More to come! I am very excited about performing at the Token Lounge in Westland on May 26. PLEASE COME SEE ME ABOUT TICKETS! Also, keep a heads up on http://facebook.com/jamestaylorjrmusic for when I'll be out and about. Thanks!

2014-06-19T11:37:00.001-04:00

For references to the below quiz, view the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiNKKtuVU_0&list=PL9BE9A545E294FAD3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbBj-4qwIUk&list=PL9BE9A545E294FAD3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=500KhQa5jNM&list=PL9BE9A545E294FAD3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlRECDmbXOo&list=PL9BE9A545E294FAD3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2PQ0qw2jjY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFSQnYMomRA

Who does James Taylor, Jr. most sound like?

FREE DOWNLOAD of "Sigh No More, Ladies"

2013-07-07T19:45:00.003-04:00

"Sigh No More, Ladies" (Click to listen and download)
produced by (the) fundamentalists, sung by James Taylor, Jr..
James is playing Balthasar in Big Girl Productions' presentation of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" (Click to visit event page).
Performances: July 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for Students and Seniors
Trillium Academy's Royal Majestic Theater in Taylor, MI

Quick update!

2013-03-22T11:53:00.000-04:00

Confirmed performances have been updated!

Still booking for April and beyond. Looking for a singer? Or looking for a band? jamestaylorjrmusic@gmail.com

Questions? Leave 'em in the comments!

James

Hard at work...

2013-01-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Sorry, y'all! I know I haven't been posting. I'm hard at work on the next album!

"When She's Gone" may get a REBOOT! Finishing up, "I Wish I Were Numb". "Whiskey (Can't Dry These Tears)", "Weak Spot", "Help Me", "I Didn't Know", "Just Stay Home", and "Twisted" all need to be worked on. They may not all make the cut, but they're there. Thinking about calling the album "Twisted"! Any opinions are welcome!

I'll be at Gigi's next Wednesday, January 23rd, at 10pm!

(the) fundamentalists will be at Gigi's on Thursday, February 21st, at 9pm!

Hope to see you there!

James Taylor, Jr.

Glitter In The Air

2012-12-04T23:02:00.004-05:00

Glitter In The Air

When She's Gone AVAILABLE

2012-11-27T19:28:00.002-05:00

As of right this moment, "When She's Gone" is available for official preview on Soundcloud.

You can listen for free on Spotify.

And you can purchase the single on
iTunes
Amazon MP3
CDBaby
Google Play
Great Indie Music
Myspace Music

Keep up to date by checking the sidebar for new retailers. Found "When She's Gone" on a retailer not listed? Email jamestaylorjrmusic@gmail.com with the link!

Happy Thanksgiving (U.S.)

2012-11-22T10:39:00.004-05:00

As this is my music page, I will keep my thankfulness to my professional thanks... just to keep it simple.

TODAY, I am THOROUGHLY thankful that I was finally able to release "When She's Gone", a song that I THANK THE UNIVERSE for sending through me. It's so beautiful, so haunting, that I am surprised every day that those words and that melody are my own... but truly, they belong to the Universe!

I am thankful for Chris Taylor of (the) fundamentalists for helping me produce that song. I am also thankful to him for allowing me to be a part of this band, being part of this experience as we play, record, and write in a whole new way. He is an amazing bandmate and an amazing friend. I am also thankful to Jess D. Wojcik for joining the band and completing, not only our sound, but our personalities as well. She is awesome in so many ways, and I am so glad that we get to work with her.

I am thankful to my friend Ashley Helper for dragging me to the Legally Blonde audition workshop and then to the audition. I am thankful to the entire cast and crew of Legally Blonde, especially Denny, Tracy and Kayla for putting this show together, and Peggy and the Downriver Actors Guild for producing the show. It was such an amazing experience.

I am thankful for two more chances to audition for shows with DAG coming up. Even though I am torn as to whether I should only do one, both, or neither, it is an exciting prospect and BOTH would be something amazing to add to my entertainment resume, as well as my personal experiences!

I am thankful for Kathe Koja and Diane Cheklich for giving me the opportunity to work with THEM this year on projects for "Under The Poppy". I met Kathe last year at an event where (the) fundamentalists performed, and I've know Diane for years, thanks to "Magic Mentah" (for those of you who don't know... it's a long story, LoL; long story/short: a movie I was in that filmed in 2006, yet to be released). It was a great honor to be asked, and it was a lot of fun working with the two of them, singing and... dancing (*wink*).

I am thankful for ALL the opportunities I have to perform. Many of these are provided by the Performers Awards of Detroit (current president: Jason/Frosty) and the Michigan International Gay Rodeo Association (current president: Scott Korff, and a special thanks to my friend/sister/brother Miss MIGRA: Angel Essence). I also want to say that I am grateful to Weekend Picker's Indoor Flea Market for giving me the chance to perform there and meet some great people, and reconnect with some friends and family who came to watch me perform!

There are so many more people and things I am grateful for, and I've barely touched the surface, but it's just so difficult to write about everyone. THANK YOU for reading on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day. I try to be grateful everyday, and I hope you will, too.

Don't forget, links for "When She's Gone" are on the sidebar. Currently, my new single is available on CDBaby, Myspace Music, and iTunes, with other retailers currently processing.

THANKS AGAIN!
James Taylor, Jr.