Andrew McKinney

Lore & Background

Andrew McKinney has been the bassist for the James Taylor Quartet since the band's formation in 1985, following the breakup of James Taylor's former band the Prisoners. The quartet consists of James Taylor (organ), Mark Cox (guitar), Andrew McKinney (bass), and Pat Illingworth (drums). McKinney's bass playing is a key component of the band's rhythm-driven sound, which blends jazz funk with elements of modern dance music and improvisation.

Reader's Guide

As the bassist for the James Taylor Quartet, Andrew McKinney has been a consistent presence throughout the band's evolution from film theme covers in the late 1980s to their acid jazz period in the 1990s and later return to instrumental funk. His contributions appear on albums such as Mission Impossible, The Money Spyder, and Supernatural Feeling, as well as live recordings like Absolute – JTQ Live. McKinney also participated in the band's side projects, including the New Jersey Kings albums and performances as the James Taylor Funk Orchestra. His role in the rhythm section has been essential to the band's signature Hammond organ-led sound.

Did You Know?

• Andrew McKinney is one of the four original members of the James Taylor Quartet, formed in 1985.
• He played on the band's debut single 'Blow-Up' (1987) and the mini album Mission Impossible (1988).
• McKinney was part of the band when they recorded their signature tune 'The Theme from Starsky and Hutch' in 1988.
• He appears on the live album Absolute – JTQ Live (1991), which was a genuine live recording.