Thursday, September 17, 2009

James Taylor at the Mountain Winery


James Taylor, from Covers and Other Covers CDs
(JT's own music > covers)


Mountain road leading to the venue


View from the top (a little hazy, still beautiful)

Empty, but not for long


Close-up of our bleacher seats, upper left
(not a bad view in the house)


Even better at night


On stage at the Mountain Winery


One more view (not our concert, but shows the place's charm)


So long to a beautiful spot, until the next time...

I love James Taylor, and I've seen him perform many, many times in many, many venues. This one is in the top two, for sure. What a beautiful, intimate setting for a concert. The weather was perfect, the crowd was friendly, and the air was sweet. (It got sweeter after JT started singing.)

Seriously, that man's voice hasn't lost a thing. In fact, I think it's improving with age (kinda like those grape products produced at the Mountain Winery). And he sang all the favorites, of course, including Fire and Rain (my personal choice), You've Got A Friend (by Carol King), Sweet Baby James, Secret o' Life, Carolina in my Mind, Mexico, Shower the People, and more. He also sang the best version of Steamroller I've ever heard him do (this guy can sing blues like few others) and favored us with old covers like Handyman and How Sweet It is and new ones like Roadrunner and Why Baby Why. I much prefer his own work, but anything Taylor sings sound good to me, even Hound Dog, which is saying a lot because I'm not a big fan of Elvis.

My theory is this: something about James Taylor's tone balances the chi. I mean it. That voice of his goes right to the core, and all is right with the world. Which is why his audiences are some of the happiest people you will ever sit next to...especially up in the beautiful mountains of Northern California.

Wish all of you could have been there.

Sure glad I was. =)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sounds amazing. What a perfect spot for a concert.

Lisalulu said...

I am so jealous! I love James Taylor, I was super excited that he was on the CD you sent me!!! I've only seen him once in '90. I agree.. better with age! Lucky YOU!!!

Unknown said...

I agree with how you describe his voice. Love it.
Never seen him in concert and wish I could have seen him there.
I got my book today!! I've already read it twice and I love it! You are just so dang talented! Thank you for sending it to me. :)

jen said...

James Taylor--one of the sounds of my childhood.
That and John Phillip Sousa and Richard Strauss.
Who says I'm not well-rounded?

karen said...

James Taylor in an outdoor concert: I don't think there are many things sweeter than that! Lucky you.

Darlene said...

Did he EVER sing "Hound Dog"? I really love James Taylor too and wish I could have been with you to hear the whole concert. Funny thing, as much as I love James Taylor, we don't even have one of his albums. Don't you think that is strange? His voice is so soothing that sometimes I wish we did have one as there are times I need to be soothed.

love,
Mom

LOve,
Momn

Karen Sue said...

oh, yeah...
Carly and JT- music from my formative years. would have been worth the trip.