What People Are Saying
“Rebecca Turner and Michael Goulding have a new, winning hit formula on their hands.
While there are hundreds of UK tribute acts to the likes of Abba, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, George Michael and Neil Diamond, it’s very rare to see performers tackle the music of songwriting legends Carole King and James Taylor. This talented pair brought their outstanding tribute show to the beautiful setting of the historic Holy Innocents Church in Hornsey.
As a veteran reviewer I must say it made a pleasant change to sit in a pew in a magnificent church to watch a concert. And what a great show it was.
Rebecca (on vocals and keyboards) and Michael (vocals and guitars) have really done their homework on these American legends. So, in addition to the wonderful compositions, the duo had a plethora of stories to tell about the loves and lives of Ms King and Mr Taylor.
There were tales of Carole King’s early years at New York’s Brill Building to James Taylor and his over-indulgence in various narcotics.
Starting with the haunting Howard Greenfield – Carole King ballad Crying In The Rain Rebecca and Michael harmonised beautifully before presenting two more numbers from Carole’s varied and enormous back catalogue – the Monkees’ rocker Pleasant Valley Sunday and the Maxine Brown/Manfred Mann soul classic Oh No, Not My Baby.
Rebecca gave beautiful performances of Carole King’s solo classic hit from 1962 It Might As Well Rain Until September and the Shirelles’ number one hit Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.
Michael has a lovely, tuneful voice and is also a good storyteller. He made no attempt to ‘copy’ James Taylor’s voice but still presented memorable interpretations of the Boston man’s hit West Coast-style songs – classics like Carolina On My Mind, Fire And Rain, Sweet Baby James and the famous Taylor covers of numbers such as How Sweet It Is and Handy Man.
The duo combined towards the end of the show for a lovely rendition of You’ve Got A Friend, a song recorded by both King and Taylor.
Rebecca and Michael had support from Tony Hammond on bass and vocals and Howard Tibble on drums and percussion.
A total of 22 songs and a lovely evening of entertainment, which was much appreciated by the sell-out crowd.”
— Colin Fenn, Journalist
“It may have been a chilly winter’s evening but there was a warm and welcoming atmosphere at The Henderson Hub last night for You’ve Got A Friend - A Celebration of the Music of Carole King and James Taylor featuring Rebecca Turner, Michael Goulding, Tony Hammond and Howard Tibble.
It’s always a pleasure to watch and listen to great musicians performing live and it was clear that the quartet had invested many hours in perfecting their set list of songs from Carol King’s and James Taylor’s extensive catalogue. We also appreciated the all the research that enabled the quartet to present their synopsis of the tracks, little known background stories, all delivered with great humour.
If you missed this then date we were told they’ll be more dates in the new year, including a return to The Hub.”
— Mike Chandler
“Having been to a couple of these shows at North London venues, I can safely say it has been an experience of a lifetime. The art of storytelling paired with great musicianship makes this show one of a kind. This is more than a tribute, its an immersive experience that left me with chills.
I’ll be attending another one this year, I love the variety in the shows with no two the same!”
— Sam Pepper
‘I can thoroughly recommend this show. Very enjoyable.’