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I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if I had an ounce of musical ability, I would want to be like James Taylor. This song has always made me tear and choke up thinking of different times of my life that could be relatable. Gordon Lightfoot is another singing storyteller that I love so much.
I agree. Also, I like some of Dan Fogelberg’s lyrics ("Leader of the Band"). And, especially, Harry Chapin, the 20th century’s version of the troubadour.
My wife did a ton of babysitting as a teenager and claims that James Taylor is the only artist with a 100% success rate at getting babies to fall asleep.
We saw James Taylor in 1974 at a small venue and the show was magical. He can mesmerize an audience like no other performer I have ever seen. He can make you cry, make you laugh, and make you think. He can take you to any place he wants with his voice and exceptional skill on the guitar. I play rock guitar but he also influenced my playing. I learned several of his songs and I still play some of them today.
James is such a great writer, singer and musician. His guitar is so distinctive, immediately identifiable. He has dealt with a lot and has written some very heavy stuff. But he is also, hands down no contest, the funniest person in the music biz. He could have been a comedian. He had a hysterical bit on Stephen Colbert's show, skewering this song. He said when he wrote this song, he hadn't experienced much, pretty much just fire and rain. But since then, he had experienced more, so he had updated the song. Then he and Stephen started singing lines like "I've seen shampoo with conditioner built right in" and "I've seen adult diapers, I think they're called Depends."
Your face speaks volumes. The admiration that you show towards him is genuine and lovely. It shows how you really enjoy his music and style. Glad you reacted to this. His music is something special. Thank you!
The natural response to your question about artists who do music at their own pace is Carol King - who just happens to be good, good friends with James Taylor. They share songs from each other's catalogs and they played together frequently. If you are looking to pass some relaxation time, you might find the DVD of James Taylor and Carol King together at the Troubadour where they sing together - it's a great way to pass an evening!
For me, coming of age at 16, working my first job in late '74 (as a dishwasher/bus boy at a fine dining restaurant) the album 'Sweet Baby James' and most significantly, this magnificent song, 'Fire and Rain' anchored the soundtrack of my life. You see, every Saturday morning, me and all the 'junior staff' were required to spend 3-4 hours performing the primary weekly cleaning and reset. The 'management' trusted their young staffers with the most seniority to 'get the job done' without any 'adults' present, so some liberties like ample volume may have been taken when using the facility's 'sound system.' For so many Saturdays our crew replayed, and replayed the song, from the singer we just couldn't get enough of - The Great James Taylor and 'Fire and Rain'!
Great song, great singer, great reaction, who could ask for more? Beth's typically perceptive, thoughtful and well-researched diligence are on full display here. For many, this is a truly iconic voice that helped define the 70s. Ol'JT could really belt it out when the music required it too Top-notch as always, Beth.
Taylor was a part of a new era in the music industry. The 60's and 70's birthed the era of the singer-songwriter which until artists such as Dylan, The Beetles, the Stones and yes, James Taylor, was almost never a thing. At that point in time it was most common for artists to perform songs that were written for them. The reason Taylor's songs feel so personal is because they were a part of him. Taylor's music without this is something I could never imagine. Carole King's "You've Got A Friend" was written with James in mind. There is a wonderful video of a live performance of her with James on stage. It's an cement watch, particularly if you know the story behind its making.
I have been fortunate to see JT live twenty years apart. The first was in Bangor, Maine, USA, where there was three feet of snow outside. Somehow they didn't cancel the show. He was with Carole King that night. A great concert. He is truly one of the world's best singer/songwriters/musicians. He has valued the quality of his work. Thanks for the great reaction. I loved the Simpson's skit! You are one of the very best reactors, and you can really sing! Thanks!
I first heard of James Taylor when my eldest sister came home with this album. At first his nasal tones held no appeal to me, but I soon learned to appreciate his voice. Certainly his writing was amazing and he was one of the biggest names for a time. Writing a song about a lost loved one is so difficult and I have great respect for anyone who can hold themselves together enough to write, sing, record and, especially, perform such a personal song live. I'm one of the writers for my band and have tried to put to music about losing my little brother and simply can't get past trying to find the words. Not even just for myself. Another singer/songwriter who conveys incredible imagery in his work is Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot. He's not the only one, though. Beth, I cannot recommend enough checking out the amazing Stan Rogers. He was another Canadian who could make you feel a part of the story in every song he wrote. From the love song to his wife, 45 Years, to the aging rancher's wife in Lies to the unfortunate soul in the sea shanty Barrett's Privateers, and so many others. Rogers is an overlooked talent. who deserves to be more known.
Very insightful reaction to a song I’ve appreciated since it came out. I’m seventy five, dealing with cancer and it possibly resonates with me more now than ever before.
I really love John Denver's cover of this song. Just by the way John sings it changes the setting and meaning in the song. John has a way to add a sadness and melancholy, where James is more upbeat and about remembering the good times. John did it again with his cover of Mr Bojangle. It is up there with Johnny Cash's Hurt cover for being so emotional.
When James Taylor sings, it's like a Lullabye. You feel warm, romantic, nostalgic, and safe and warm. Every time I have seen him live, you just want to be next to a loved one under a blanket. It is my understanding that he has perfect pitch. His guitar technique is unique to him, and he posted his guitar-style lessons on RU-vid at one time. You can recognize his picking style right away.
This was the epitome of what was derisively called " identity crisis rock" by the cynical critics of the day. I felt it was more akin to the East Coast/Upstate N.Y./Berkshire Hills school of folk/soft rock . Troubador love song about lost love and premature death. Simply brilliant.
Eyes closed and I can sing this song along. First time I heard this song was on the CD of Red, Hot and Country and performed by Sammy Kershaw. Both are hitting home, I've lost friends, brothers and sisters (veterans) and still see and hear about suicide in my line of work almost every day. Be open about your demons, talk to somebody, mental illness and/or addiction is a fight you don't need to fight alone. There is no shame in being vulnerable and open to somebody you want to trust. I know it's hard to do so and the steps to go and ask for help are big but they're worth every step. You are loved and you wil be missed. Never judge, show compassion and listen.
This is such a nice reaction to James Taylor. I had no idea that he had vocal chord surgery to at a young age. I’ve long known him a “sophisticated” singer-songwriter-the guy who created complicated guitar arrangements and then, with great talent, sung over the top of them. I’m not sure a lot of people are aware of his guitarist virtuosity.
James Taylor was so important to me wanting to sing. I don't have the most technically brilliant voice, but when I heard how much he achieved with notes that I could actually reach, it made me feel free to express myself through song. A truly wonderful singersongwriter.
Gregory Alan Isakov to me feels like one of those artists who moves at his own pace, owning a sustainable farm and making music for the love of it no matter how long that takes. It shines through in all his songs.
I've always loved this song! You should review Steamroller Blues, for choice, the version from this particular concert. I think it was the preceding song. Don't pass up the spoken intro though! It makes stuff he does in the song even funnier!. BTW, Steamroller Blues became a concert staple that his fans loved. It's also on the Sweet Baby James album.
Having been around a good while....I first received money for singing in 1958.....I naturally have more admiration for individual skills seen in some singers more than others. The finest, simple, male storytellers of the past 75 yrs must be: James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Arlo Guthrie, and Sting.
A prime example of an artist being allowed to follow their own paths, and create their own art, would definitely be *RUSH,* and *Neil Young.* (You could maybe put *Gordon Lightfoot* on that list.)
@@martwill6631 Actually, could probably put most of the 60s and 70s folk singer/songwriters on the list.😎 Only a few rock bands. Country music was only just starting to break out of its standard sound(s) in the 70s
I think it’s that element of realism that adds substance to this song. He didn’t create a fictional character and story, so it’s not dismissible. I never knew the second verse was about rehab, though. My parents would know James’ life. And with being an independent artist, I’ve never tried to force inspiration. I don’t know that it can be. When it comes I take hold and go with it.
Solipsistic self-pity was a characteristic running through the singer-songwriter genre, but "Sweet Baby James" remains a high point. Anywhere Like Heaven Suite for 20G Country Road
It is always weird for me seeing his performances from this era because the reality is that he was more than likely strung out at the time and still knocking out songs at this level.
I never realised the subject matter of the song, even though it's probably my joint favourite JT song (along with Close Your Eyes - another one that floors me every time). Damn, knowing this is going to make holding back the tears even harder when I hear this song!
I have always loved James Taylor, he wrote for many people besides himself, Carley Simon,(his wife) Carol King, and many more, on a side note are you aware that tomorrow the 21st is Cuddle with a ginger day, maybe you could do a react to Tara McNeil from when she was live in Copenhagen with Ireland Calling, one of my favorites is Shi la Rue
When Elton John first was recognized, his record company signed him to a crazy contract, when he was obligated to produce two albums and go on three world tours a year (not to mention all those hits in the 70s, Elton didn't own the copyright...the record company did). He wrote a song on his autobiographical album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' a song called 'Bitter Fingers' about the music industry: It's hard to write a song with bitter fingers So much to prove, so few to tell you why Those old die-hards in Denmark Street start laughing At the keyboard player's hollow haunted eyes It seems to me a change is really, really needed I'm sick of tra-la-las and la-de-das No more long days hacking hunks of garbage Bitter fingers never swung on swinging stars And 'Tower of Babel': Junk, angel, this closet's always stacked The dealers in the basement Filling your prescription For a brand new heart attack But where were all your shoulders when we cried Were the doctors in attendance Saying how they felt so sick inside Or was it just the scalpel blade that lied It's party time for the guys in the tower of Babel Sodom meet Gomorrah, Cain meet Abel Have a ball y'all See the letches crawl With the call girls under the table Watch them dig their graves 'Cause Jesus don't save the guys In the tower of Babel
Great reaction, as always, Beth. As a JT fan from the beginning, I've noticed that, in just a few years from the time of this performance, James seems to lose a bit of that 'nasality', but not all. I've always assumed that it was just a progression of style, mixed with aging and experience. James has always been more of a troubadour and less of a 'singer's singer'. However, I've always derived great comfort from the sound of his voice and his, sort of, easy going style, even when he's singing an uptempo song. He's a true original, and I wouldn't change a thing. His songwriting, both lyrically and musically, has always captured my imagination. His songs are honest. As a guitar player, I admire his highly melodic, finger picking playing style. When you hear a JT song, there is absolutely no doubt who is playing the guitar. I'm happy to say that I've seen him in concert three times, and I even met him once. Even though I was rather dumbstruck at the time of our meeting, he could not have been more gracious.
I think you’d like Dea Matrona from Belfast. The ladies are a rock band but equally amazing acoustic or electric with amazing harmonies. I’d start with original Glory Glory usually performed acoustic. There are a few good video choices, the official music video, an acoustic version and a nice live version from The Dead Rabbit when they played SXSW in Texas last year. If you’d prefer more of a rock song I’d start with Red Button official video or the live session.
AH Beth, you are way too young to be so wise. :O) Learning can have such a forced and intimidating reaction at times, but you come across so kindly, that actual learning becomes a pleasant, peace filled pleasure . James Taylor's music was something I grew up on. He, like so many musicians of the same era have certainly made the world a better place. The spirit in which you add to the global participation is also welcome! Be Well
I used to follow his son's (Ben) music career very heavily, and would see him in concert all the time in my city. I've seen Ben perform JT songs with Carly Simon (his mom). Anyway, James is fantastic. Cheers, Beth 8^)
I loved the video Beth. thank you very much for showing me this artist that I didn't know, I will look for other things of him.... I would like to ask you again if you can react to Karen Dalton, one of the most impressive voices I've ever heard. See you next video!!!
Hi Beth, love your reviews, you have a great balance between analyzing the song and just enjoying it:) Could you please please please review Michael Martin Murphy and the Rio Grande band, live version of “Wildfire”? He is an amazing vocalist and sounds even better live than the studio version, really, even better live. Thank you:)
Another artist at her own pace is Mary Chapin Carpenter. Try out Only a Dream or Quittin' Time live on Party Doll ----- or the excellent duet with James Taylor: Soul Companion.
Escucho una canción romántica con una voz, podría decirse muy peculiar según mi punto de vista bien para comensar el día 👏👏🍀🍀 porciento que hermosa se ve usted esta mañana en México señorita Beth 💙
I think if you become mega you can essentially work at your own pace (Adele springs to mind) but for most musicians under some kind of record label it's probably not a luxury they get
Beth - check out Sarah Jarosz for an e.g. of some self directedness and poise in the musical industry, not to mention being an amazing singer and writer. Great examples of songs would be Johnny or Orange and Blue. Or just about anything.Thanks for this analysis and reflection on JT's style!
This was a beautiful song about sad experiences. Thanks for reacting to it. Now, I've been waiting quite a while for you to react to Edgar Winter. He absolutely shreds the blues with his guitar-playing brother on Tobacco Road (live at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-af0rV6dli_o.html). His vocals will blow you away and give you TONS to talks about. I promise. And a completely different side of him is Dying to Live (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LQy94F-iQFQ.html), which is, like Fire and Rain, a beautiful song about sad experiences. It features Edgar, his piano, and some strings...nothing else. His voice is something else. I really hope you get to these songs soon.
You asked about artists who stayed "true" to their art. I'll second Jim Croce (already an icon despite the other comment). I'll also add Blues Traveler.
