When I first contemplated the notion of reviewing a James Taylor album that was recorded in quadraphonic sound, I had to take a step back to consider the prospect at hand, making sure I could be objective about this review.
Right or wrong, I generally consider surround sound formats best suited to psychedelic and progressive rock, jazz, and other large recordings with orchestral strings and layered sounds. Generally, folk-leaning pop from the mid-’70s — which some folks these days call “yacht rock” — isn’t my first choice when someone recommends immersive audio options.
Additionally, I admit I more or less stopped listening to James Taylor’s music after his first few albums, which were great (especially his debut on Apple Records!).
Regardless, I dove into listening to Rhino Music’s new Quadio series Blu-ray Disc, featuring the original mid-’70s quadraphonic mix of Taylor’s big hit album Gorilla, with an open mind and ears.
And do you know what? I was pleasantly surprised! I can understand why they recorded this in quad back in the day: this recording is not just about James, but all about the musicians he was working with at the time. And among the immediate details you’ll notice hearing Gorilla in quad are those glorious harmonies by Graham Nash and David Crosby, as well as Taylor’s then-wife, Carly Simon, and Valerie Carter (writer of Judy Collins’ 1973 hit “Cook with Honey”).
The players on Gorilla are, not surprisingly, outstanding. Taylor was big enough at that stage that he could cherry-pick the crème of hot studio players of the day, including drummers Jim Keltner, Russ Kunkel, and Andy Newmark, as well as bassists Leland Sklar and Willie Weeks. Guitar wizards Lowell George (Little Feat) and Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar are even present and accounted for.
Rhino’s Quadio source material is excellent here on Gorilla, transferred from the original analog four-track quadraphonic master tapes, as well as stereo in 192 kHz, 24-bit fidelity.
As ’70s recordings go, Gorilla feels surprisingly fresh. I suspect this new Quadio version sounds much better than what anybody might have heard back in the day on the available quadraphonic vinyl playback systems (which were historically quirky and problematic).
Taylor’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” reached the No. 5 spot on the Hot 100 chart back in the day, becoming one of James Taylor’s signature songs. It sounds joyous and fun in quadraphonic sound. Opening track “Mexico” is a rich showcase for the incredible players as well as the song. And on tracks like “Lighthouse,” the surround channels are a great way to feel Crosby and Nash’s presence. The same goes for Lowell George on “Angry Blues.”
While I would still love to hear Taylor’s eponymously titled Apple Records debut remixed into deeply immersive multichannel surround sound, perhaps this album is the next best thing. Gorilla is a good one, and if you’re a fan of James Taylor’s easy-going sounds featuring big acoustic guitars, round-sounding rhythms, and pristine harmonies, this might even make a good demo disc for your system.
You can order James Taylor’s Gorilla on Rhino’s Quadio Blu-ray Disc from Amazon for just $22.49.
Our Ratings
★★★★★★★★★★ Music
★★★★★★★★★★ Sound
★★★★★★★★★★ Packaging
Where to Buy:
Mark Smotroff is a deep music enthusiast / collector who has also worked in entertainment oriented marketing communications for decades supporting the likes of DTS, Sega and many others. He reviews vinyl for Analog Planet and has written for Audiophile Review, Sound+Vision, Mix, EQ, etc. You can learn more about him at LinkedIn.
Related Reading:
- Review: Herbie Mann’s Hold On, I’m Comin’ Revives Its Vintage Quad Mix On Rhino Quadio Blu-Ray
- War’s Why Can’t We Be Friends? Returns In Explosive Quadraphonic Surround On Rhino Quadio Blu-Ray: Review
- Jefferson Starship Takes Flight In Quadraphonic Surround: Rhino’s Quadio Blu-Ray Reissues Revive Dragon Fly, Red Octopus, And Spitfire
