The James Taylor Quartet - A Bigger Picture (1999)

A Bigger Picture is a polished production performed by the legendary James Taylor Quartet. This is the 12th release in the quartet's 15-year career and should embrace both new and old fans because of their savory mix of funk, soul, jazz, and groove that is brought to life by excellent arrangements and a brand new singer, Yvonne Yaney. Along with additional help from a master of the vibes, Roy Ayers, the James Taylor Quartet consistently evokes their modern groove on 13 songs -- 12 of them either written or co-written by Taylor. Taylor's brand of funk on Bobby Womack's "TKO" is given a fresh treatment with Yaney's smooth vocals. "Chasing Dragons" is a synth smash, with excellent keyboards and organ by Taylor rounded out by excellent solos from John Willmott on flute and Don Glover on trumpet. On the final three selections, labeled "The Smaller Picture," Taylor provides a generous anointment of synthesized sounds on "Decoding the Pyramids," "First Time," and "Change Your Mind."