Description

James Taylor, one of the great British instrumentalists of his generation has taken his trademark howling Hammond sound to the masses for over 25 years; still famed for its upbeat, energetic live shows… with no sign of slowing down. The band’s relentlessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from the rare-groove style funk, and boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s and, the band is, without a doubt, one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British live musical history today.

After the collapse of mod legends The Prisoners in the 1980s, and before moving to Sweden, James recorded some demos with brother David on guitar, the bass player from The Prisoners, and a drummer from down the road… and thus The James Taylor Quartet was born. From tiny acorns mighty oaks do indeed grow, and it wasn’t long before the first single, Blow Up, had been released, the band were in the studio rehearsing for the Mission Impossible EP, gigs were booked, and the late great John Peel was offering a session.

Skip forward 25 years and JTQ has evolved into one of the most exciting and well respected touring bands in the UK. With numerous albums to its name, the band’s recorded output is not to be scoffed at. ‘Prolific’ is an understatement, with albums touching genres as diverse as jazz, funk, soul, rock, and even rap, not to mention a handful of library albums in between. Each album is an absolute must for any Hammond fan: James’ playing providing a solid and accomplished lead as always. Live, the band is explosive, with a breathtaking, diverse unmatched back catalogue.

JTQ’s fired-up signature tune, The Theme from Starsky and Hutch, cemented its reputation as master of the jazz-funk-r’n’b workout; 60s spy themes, psychedelic and free-form jazz all added something to the band’s distinctive sound. Originally playing the Hammond B3 organ in the UK mod revival band The Prisoners, James Taylor formed his own quartet, and began playing music similar to the rare-groove jazz-funk then in vogue around London. By the early 90s, that movement had spawned acid jazz, and JTQ found itself at the forefront of a vibrant young club scene. The first single, Blow-Up, was released on the Re Elect The President label, a precursor to Acid Jazz. The band’s debut album, Mission Impossible, was released the following year, predominantly consisting of covers of 60s film themes such as Alfie, Mrs Robinson and Goldfinger. In the early 1990s, the single Love The Life reached the Top 40, and the accompanying album, Supernatural Feeling, settled in the Top 30 UK charts. After releases on Polydor and Big Life Records, JTQ returned to Acid Jazz, and In The Hand of The Inevitable remains the label’s biggest selling album to date.

In 1997 James had the chance to fulfil a dream when he was asked to score the theme tune to Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, the spy spoof starring Mike Myers and Elizabeth Hurley. JTQ’s Whole Lotta Live album was nominated for a MOBO award in 1998, and the following year James featured on Tom Jones’ duets album, Reload. James’ musical talent has been admired by numerous other acts: The Wonderstuff, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues and U2 have all featured James and his distinctive Hammond sound on their albums.

Description

Here at Esquires, we have three bars each offering something different. Over nearly 3 decades , the 250 capacity Main Stage has played host to some of the UK’s biggest bands. Muse, Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand, Elbow, Biffy Clyro, The Libertines, Wolf Alice, Royal Blood, Alt-J, Bloc Party, and Enter Shikari have all graced our little stage. And we’re still the place to catch the stars of tomorrow today…

Esquires’ Bar is open Wednesday to Sunday and offers a friendly atmosphere, although it can get competitive around the pool table! Every Wednesday night is our always popular ‘Jam Session’ (with full backline), so bring along an instrument and join in. Additionally, there’s free live music most Fridays and Saturdays, along with the now legendary ‘Sunday Sessions’.

And finally Holy Moly’s with regular gigs, club nights and acoustic sessions. Don’t forget to check out our two guardian angels, Jimi and John, on the stained glass windows. Holy Moly’s is also available for private hire, please call us on (01234) 340120.

Fiercely independent and alternative. No dress code, no idiots.

Age Policy: All gigs at Esquires are 16+. If you look young for your age, bring ID! 14-15 year olds can attend only if accompanied by their parent / legal guardian. Club Nights downstairs on a Friday / Saturday are strictly 18+.

60A Bromham Road,

Bedford,

Bedfordshire,

England,

MK40 2QG.

01234 340 120