Singer/songwriter James Taylor [ tickets ], who played a series of stripped-down concert gigs earlier this year, will fire up a full band for a slate of shows in August and September.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is next scheduled to take the stage Aug. 8 in Duluth, MN, and more than a dozen shows--at a mix of arenas and fairs--currently grace his schedule.

During his touring stints in March through May, Taylor played guitar on a trek that included only one backing musician, keyboardist Larry Goldings.

Taylor's most recent album of all-new material is 2002's "October Road." A holiday set titled "James Taylor: A Christmas Album"--sold exclusively at Hallmark retail outlets--followed last year.

Billboard reported in February that Taylor has begun work on a new studio album, but no release date has been scheduled.

Taylor is among the many big-name artists who duet with Tony Bennett on "Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic," an upcoming album celebrating the legendary crooner's 80th birthday. The set is due in stores Sept. 26.