PART 1 of a two-night conversation between James and Tavis Smiley, in which James talks in depth about his creative process, and the artists who have influenced him over the years.
I have seen James many times and we are both ❤️ Red Sox fans. Last time I saw him was in Greensburg N.C. Instead of taking his break he sat at the foot of the stage signing autographs. I was about 20 feet away just knowing I would't get a chance. I then yelled out James, I am the only guy in here with a Red Sox cap on. We met eyes, I threw my tee to him and he autographed it! Thanks J.T. A very special moment!
I was blessedly able to see James Taylor in concert when I was in high school: James had no band, just his guitar. Awesome! I am so glad that he is still singing, playing and still has albums out! Truly amazing! Thank you, James!
This interview was so revealing about J.T. , not in a spectacular or or surface way, but an inspection about his core beliefs and understanding. He makes the greatest of efforts to be honest. Well, what more can be said! Thanks T.S. for being the kind of interviewer that can provide the proper atmosphere for these magic moments to happen in front of the camera.
Thank you Tavis and James, what wonderful moments you've shared. James, congratulations on being liked by so very many others right now, and bumping your namesake, but more than anything, I hope God places reflections of my hearts deepest gratitude for your uplifting such a heavy heart so effortlessly so often in this world before you, everywhere you go. Thank You Friend.
those "hymns" he's talking about I did that too..from the Episcopal prayer book I wrote music...James and I are connected right there.. I love this guy
This is a great interview,Tavis took an interest in many other musicians I loved like Marcus Miller, and RIP Joe Sample,and George Duke. So sad how Tavis suddenly career suddenly ended to banishment in this industry,and I do not know the whole story,only the head line...
I think it’s great to try to soothe yourself with your own music. I don’t know how to write music, but I’m a poet and a most of my poems are from needing to soothe me!
Many bedroom musicians feel that their talents are second rate simply because they aren't pros but they are wrong. The word “amateur” was derived from Latin amator, “a lover,” the French gave it a slight alteration in sense, which we have adopted, “a lover or devotee of an art, pastime, sport, or the like.” So which is better someone who plays for money or someone who plays for the love of his art ? An amateur isn't being controlled by some suit who is thinking mostly of profits, he/she is totally free of that crap. Joni Mitchell wrote a song about a busker who plays it for himself called "For Free" Saw her at The Sydney Opera House 30 years ago brilliant.
Love the interview! This interview really hit home. JT touched on it, but I wonder if he ever heard some of the forms of Early Music from the middle ages (monophonic to polyphonic) to the development of western music. Also music from the Elizabethan and Baroque era and composers like John Dowland (1563-1626). Wonderful stuff there. And don't get me started on the Bossa Nova sound. I can listen to it from days on end.
I often wonder where JT would be if he hadn't got his start with Apple (The Beatles recording company) Of course we all know that Apple was hemorrhaging money because the Beatles had no idea about managing a record label but in it's short life it gave a few musicians their start in the industry.
That's an interesting point. What would have happened if he hadn't gone to London when he did. And for JT, I also think about all those other little bits of serendipity, the people he accidentally met, that allowed him to get that audition with the Beatles once he got to London. It is amazing to think about--but of course, he had the talent to take advantage of his opportunity when it presented itself.
With regard to melody, I think they're both right. It seems like melody and well-thought through lyrics is a lost art. Today's market my guess wouldn't know the difference. Sad.
The "music market" doesn't make money like they used to. Before they would simply find "talent" and then take a piece of the action while promoting them. Today the industry takes a much bigger piece of the pie and controls everything (hence the term 360 contracts). But in their desire to control everything and ensure their profit they killed the golden goose of artistic originality and expression. Everyone knows its junk.
