British guitarist analyses James Taylor writing with his heart and soul.
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
- Tonight I'm taking a look at one of the greatest storytellers of all time, it's James Taylor!
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I went to a JT concert a few years ago in Seattle, and half way through, he said he had to take a break, union rules, for 20 minutes. So, he sat down on the edge of the stage in front center, legs dangling, and signed autographs, took picture with people, and chatted with everyone who made it up there. What a kind man. It was a phenomenal concert.
~even i met him…his crew always played baseball with our indoor/outdoor concert ‘team’, but as a young person-he needed a ride from the hotel to the concert! so he got one~in my 72 super beetle, no problem. very lovely man.💕
I went to a Jackson Browne concert in the late 70's at Tanglewood and at the end, same thing. He just sat down on the edge of the stage and hung out. It is a good memory!
Same thing here in Cleveland when he played at Blossom Music Center a few years ago.
Sweet Baby James gets me everytime. I'm tearing up already.
Most requested lullaby by my children and grandchildren ( along with Cat Steven’s Moonshadow). I actually preferred this performance to the studio version. He’s incredible. Thank you, Fil, for another brilliant analysis.
I just thank god that I am old enough to have lived through the greatest era of music ever. Judging by the rubbish dominating the scene today there will never be music of this quality again. What a great artist James Taylor is!! Thanks for the video, and keep them coming.
Same
The music is still here ..but not on or with the mainline moneymakers
this reaction is really something else ... it'll show not only your knowledge but it'll show you being moved by James Taylor and his story ... To me James Taylor is one of these very few artists who could take me to another place, no matter in which mood I am
I've never heard Anyone break down this song and this performance with the intricate care and musical knowledge that you have demonstrated here.
Thank you Fil.
Fil's musical reaction/analysis videos are just about the only ones worth watching.
Nailed it again. This is one of those songs that makes me eyes moisten a bit no matter how many times I've heard it.
Powerful stuff. Songwriting and performance at it's finest.
Doesn't the best art have the shattered pieces of the artists soul in them?
That's true!
Beautifully said, Ursafan40. And yes, I agree wholeheartedly.
@@patricias5122 Thank you
One man, one guitar, live. Oh my god. Singer songwriter, fingerstyle guitar. I'm in awe.
One of the few performers who sound as good live as in the studio. I was lucky enough to see him live in the early 80's. He performed with a group of musicians, but it was when it was just him and his guitar that the really music shined. Harry Chapin was another one who was great live in a small venue. Your analysis is fantastic. I'm glad I found your channel.
I had the good fortune to hear experience James Taylor in concert in the mid eighties. I have to say, this song is even better live because , as often as he's performed this song, like a great actor he gets into character quickly and moves his audience with the feelings. He is truly an amazing performer.
"like a great actor he gets into character quickly and moves his audience with the feelings". Fab sentence
The early 70's, bell bottoms and halter tops, mini skirts, knee high boots, Boonesfarm Strawberry Hill wine, my cousin's upstairs bedroom on the weekends in Portland, Oregon, secrets, giggling, an open window overlooking a restaurant and nightclub parking lot(it was educational!), rock and roll music, and a life size poster of James Taylor on my cousins bedroom door. We were in heaven. Those memories are as dear to me as a breath of air.😊
He is a legend, great songwriter, knowing it is his story makes it even more memorable. His voice is so pure & he still sounds great.
Have seen him in concert several times, once w/Linda Ronstadt, probably in my top 5 all time concerts.
I never get tired of hearing his music
I find myself closing my eyes & just feeling this song every time.
He really did a great job weaving the picking and vocals, a classic, timeless piece. When I was a teen, I and many of my friends knew the lyrics so well we could easily sing along, so that's a testament, to the impression he left upon millions of listeners.
These singer-songwriters were poets with the incredible ability to express emotions with a simple chord, melodic tune and expressive lyrics. The flashy, money-driven "music" that is forced upon us now-a-days has become so empty, tiresome and boring. Please continue to feature these wonderful artists!
James Taylor's stuff is not that simple. His harmonic ideas are sophisticated and not folky or formulaic.
I totally agree Laurie .
I personally do not like today's music. As Fil stated in another video, the music business uses their artists as puppets. Today's artists are created. Rarely do they write their own music. They don't even dress themselves. They are turned into somebody they don't even recognize themselves. Very sad.
Actually Taylors stuff is very diffcult... sounds simple... try playing the intro to Fire and Rain...
@@homefront3162 yes it is.
Fil, as I go through your videos I keep finding my favorite artists from my prime years (60’s &70’s), like Van Morrison, and now James Taylor. The beauty about your analysis is that you have helped me to appreciate and enjoy these artists at a higher level. I thank UA-cam for you. If your goal is to use your extensive knowledge and elite musical skills to help others love music as much as you do, it is absolutely goals accomplished. You are so good that I fear that you will be lured to one of our American social media giants. Good for you, of course, but sad for us. You are brilliant.
Thanks!
Fil, I will admit I know nothing of playing instruments like you do, but I LOVE MUSIC, ALL KINDS OF MUSIC. Like you I can tell it just touches the soul, its the common thread we as humans can relate too. Thank you so much!!
No problem ☺
Great pick Fil. I saw James Taylor play ion Columbus Ohio around 1971 or 72, close in time when this song was out. What was interesting was Taylor came out on stage right at the beginning to introduce the warm up act. He said she was really good and had an album coming out soon......her name was Carole King. Taylor was such a class act.
Cool!
I saw both on philly pa when they travelled again with their original band the troubadours. Now I know why my sister sat in the rain for his tickets in 1970.
He wrote this when he was hospitalized for depression.
At times he’s going through this performance with his eyes closed.
He’s truly a one of a kind guitar genius.
He just played with Jackson Browne here in Greenville SC, amazing.
Great analysis video Fil 👍
JT has been my fave since 1960s. No one like him!
We all remember SUZANNE
THANK YOU, J
If you want to hear James’ soul crying, search out “New Tune” from “One Man Dog”. It is heartbreak set to music. It’s as if it was so intensely personal and painful that he couldn’t even bring himself to properly title it. And yet, like “Fire and Rain” while the lyrics are so sad and revealing, the melody is almost hopeful. The words tell the story, but he won’t let them defeat him: the music knows he has much more to say.
The man could have been lost to us decades ago, but we most fortunately still have him to treasure. And he appreciates his fans so much, he devotes many of his UA-cam videos to guitar lessons showing others how to play the diamonds of his life’s work.
This man is a gift, and we are not quite worthy.
I was so touched by your breakdown of this classic song. Sweet Baby James was the first album I ever bought and I still have it. Glad that he is still around today. Thanks, Fil.
No problem ☺
Lastone my first album too! Still love every song on it!
I consider the "singer-songwriter" era of the 70s with some bleed over from the late 60s to the early 80s as a high point in music. Taylor, Paul Simon, Jackson Brown, Harry Chapin, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Carole King, Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, Don McLean and so many others brought countless hours of enjoyment, inspiration, and enlightenment to me and who know how many others. I enjoy many other genres and eras of music, but I always seem to come back to these when thinking about favorite songs and memories.
I got to see James with Karla Bonoff at Red Rocks in Colorado in the early 1980s. It was a surreal evening I will never forget. It began to mist, and the crowd was so beautiful and reverent, like we were all one spirit.
Simply beautiful...
What a great guitarist
Thanks Brotherrrrrr .. The background information really helped me understand. Mr. Taylor...
Once again, a man and his guitar telling a story and making musical history - magical stuff.
I saw James this year (2019) in concert with Bonnie Raitt. He still has it Fil, he did change up just a bit but it was still just as good as when I saw him in '72
Ed Maslak we had tickets to see both of them, but Bonnie Raitt had emergency surgery so he did the whole concert himself. Fantastic concert.
First class analysis. What a genuine treasure is James Taylor.
A review worthy of this mans talent...
Total respect for JT and others of the era. But one thing I notice about this and other performances of the time... the audience was listening. The artist wasn't simply background noise for people on the make.
Boy, no lie. I despise these loud, selfish, hopped-up selfie warriors.
Without knowing the complete back story, this song was a hit because you knew it intuitively. Like all great song writers, James gave you enough that you could feel it. This was a golden era for acoustic folk artists and they were prolific in bars & pubs every weekend and even during the week. Solo artists, duos, three and four piece bands with their added harmonies were inspired by the likes of James Taylor, John Denver, Cat Stevens, CSN(Y), etc.
The tone of his voice is pure and clear... like the tone of a bell.
An absolute masterpiece. Vocals, lyrics, guitar, take your pick.
I just realized that your beautiful smile is important, but you intense intentional face is much more telling. You sir are brilliant.
Thanks!
Always loved James Taylor's music, but never knew the story behind this one... Thanks for shedding some light on it !
This things was happening on another planet when we was young and kids, I thank God for have lived there.
"Talking on pitch." That's perfect. His voice is so nice, always perfectly in tune, and so casually agile.
That was heart breaking. I've heard this song many, many times and I had no idea the meaning behind these lyrics. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Fil!……I so adore James Taylor! I did not know the history of this song or the connection between “You’ve got a friend” and this song, so sweet of Carole. I got to record “ You’ve got a friend” at a small studio in Texas in the 80s I have it somewhere on a cassette……✌️❤️🤘
Cool!
Before we became refugees from Uganda (1972) Fire and Rain and You've Got A Friend were THE couple of songs played by many. I m learning to play these songs now at 67. The connection of You've Got a Friend to Fire and Rain is inspirational and heart-warming. God bless CK and JT.
@@wingsofpegasus many thanks Fil
So thankful that I lived through the era that saw the advent of the singer/songwriter/musicians. James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Carole Taylor, Buffy Ste Marie . . .
I love James! Poet Laureate and genius musician (in my mind). One of a kind who has no contenders.
I grew up during this era. I miss the singer/songwriter era. Taylor, Chapin, Simon/Garfunkel and so on.
Personal fun fact: I got to work with Pete Seeger in the mid 70's on his Clearwater Project.
Cool!
Such a good song writer. Timeless.
👍
Yes. One of the great writers and story tellers of my generation. One of my insperations. I had the privilege of meeting him two times. He is a genuinely nice person. Another thing about James is he appreciates his fans, has not forgotten where he came from.
Cool!
My Dad loved this song...1970. I sang this with him. I was eight years old
Cool!
What a great story. At the time I was in college in Canada and feeling pretty lonely and out of sorts. I remember hearing this song on the radio for the first time and felt even more forlorn . When I hear the song today the memories come flooding back and the feelings raw once more. I didn't know the story behind the music - but can see that James was even doing worse at the time in that era. So, no matter how lost one feels , reassure you that many more are doing worse.
James Taylor is so amazing. He makes a guitar sound so rich and his voice compliments the melody perfectly.
Thank you for your in-depth analysis of a very moving, beautiful song by the talented, James Taylor. I am a true fan of his music.
" That is what music is all about...." Yes, you saod it FIL! our lived experience to our own melody, harmony, and or dissonance... It's us... And the personal music we are made of.... Beautiful! ..
James Taylor. Truly one of the greatest poet singer-songwriters of all time. Thank you for featuring these great artists. Your knowledge and research and enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this analysis, Fil. I was such a fan of James Taylor when I was younger but didn’t know all of this. When I became a teacher I played, ‘You Got a Friend,’ to my class to encourage them in reading, singing and personal relationships. They sang it alongside ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon every Friday afternoon. It was otherworldly listening to them singing their hearts out. Xxx
I grew up thinking James Taylor was a bit too "fluff" and not rock at all. Then I got a bit older and watched him playing and realized the man can really play. Great vid Fil!
Check out "Steamroller Blues".
One of the voices/story tellers I'd bring to the island.
Timeless James is a human treasure
One of those songs that holds you in a comforting embrace when you’re feeling so low and lonely. The beautiful, heartbreaking, lyrics convey a compassion that has let many sit and weep while it played. As if James was there holding you with compassion in his words and with a gentle tone of voice so that you felt safe rncould let it go. We are touched by Hus own deep
Good job,i'm 61 and i learned a lot about this song.
Me 2!
Cool!
Same here. Love this channel.
Kenny Baird Me too, just turned 62..so glad I'm that age..got to grow up at the greatest time for music in history! I remember buying this when 12 or so..remember listening pretty much non stop for months...and still listening obviously!
61 myself, lost people, makes me want to keep on, stay positive, nobody said life was easy
James is amazing in so many ways..... Great songwriter and guitarist. Plus he is a great story teller. Brilliant!
-love, heart, feelings, emotion, passion, tears.. life.
Another brilliant Southerner. They blend the best aspects of Anglo Saxon and Ulster Scots into something truly amazing. Greatest export to the Anglosphere. Even transfers over to their religious music and preaching. Love it.
I was very young when this came out, but still remember how in love with this fox I was. How can you not cry while listening? Beautiful breakdown, Fil. I’m obsessing over your analyses.
Thanks!
He’s a singer I can always cry too! This is really getting me tonight 9-20-19. As my mum died July 30,2019 And she was mom and dad to us 9 kids! His voice is so beautiful!! Thankyou Fil.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️
Have loved him for 50+ years. Thank you.
I appreciate your knowledge and sharing it with your fans. I had such a busy life as a young man, that while I knew of James and had listened to some of his music, I truly didn’t “discover” JT until my late forties, (I’m now 76). Since that time, he’s become such a treasure to me....and as JT matured into his middle and later years, he’s become better, especially as a singer and still going strong as he approaches age 70. Thanks, Fil
This song has always reminded of my brother in blue, a Houston police officer, killed at the age of 25 by a drunk driver. :(
@Lebo leigh Leigh Thank you.
I have no idea if you'll ever see this, Fil, but you (I believe) have an old soul. I thought I grew up in the most precious times of music history - the 60's and 70's - and the advent of the singer/songwriters. I loved James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Kris Kristofferson, Joni Mitchell, CSN, Neil Young...etc. You have great music appreciation in that you do not have the benefit of having grown up with this music and therefore have the memories of living with them, yet you can look back and appreciate them. Unbelievable. And Bravo!
I grew up listening to James Taylor in the 70s, and his songs are a huge part of the soundtrack of my life! His lyrics are so meaningful, and his voice is so easy to listen to. I got to see him live in the early 2000s (can't remember the exact year), and it was a show I'll never forget. Towards the end of the concert, he had a surprise guest join him onstage: it was Joe Walsh! Boy was I surprised, and so was everyone else! What a treat to hear them do a couple of songs together.
Of course I bought a t-shirt from the concert, and I wore that shirt for years and years, but finally had to throw it out when it pretty much fell apart! 🤣
one of the best voices ever, no one can accompany themselves as well as JT
He's definitely up there, John Denver? .....
@@bobrisse9823 JD Souther did what ??
@@bobrisse9823 I'll check it out 🎶👍🏻
Thanks. This is timeless.
I've covered this song hundreds of times at open mic sessions and everyone young and old marvels at the beauty of the song and tune even those who've never heard of him.
I didn’t know that about Suzanne and James not knowing! This song brings back memories. I’ve always sounded like James when singing, or should I say, it is easiest for me to sound like him, I just relax. Back in 1978 I was in Belize and met 2 sisters and their mutual girlfriend from Connecticut. All older than me. The oldest sister went to school with James in Massachusetts so knew him a bit. They used to ask me to sing along with his recordings on a small mono cassette tape recorder. For some reason this happened more than once and one evening, from a pair of hammocks 30 feet from a lagoon calm Caribbean Sea, I sang a couple of hours for them cooling my throat with Charger beer (a local beer) ending with a very late night walk with the sisters’ friend, through the dead quiet sandy pathways of Caye Caulker where no vehicles existed. It was my 21st birthday on January 21, as she told me, a very ‘special’ birthday. She made it even more special than it already was, at the end of a wooden jetty 80 feet out into the calm moonlit water.
Im 60 years old, when this came out I was 10 years old, but listening to this in 2020 brings back my youth in a rush of fond memories, I can't listen to it without shedding a tear of nostalgia.
I saw James Taylor in concert in Brighton over ten years ago. He had a band, backing singers the full works but for me the highlight of the concert was when they left the stage on two occasions and he sang and played solo. 'Fire and rain' and 'you've got a friend', I believe. Great artist!
Love your analyses. Have always loved this song, but you’ve added layers of appreciation, both from a musical standpoint and on a human level. Thank you so much!
Killing me softly with his song.. One of the few, who beat the Heroine addiction.
He's so fabulous. I've seen him a few times concert and he's really fantastic.
🎶❤ James Taylor .. "I seen fire and I seen rain .. I seen sunny days that I thought would never end ..I seen lonely time times when I could not find a friend.. but I always thought I'd see you again .." James Taylor is one of the Best of the Best.. this song is a Timeless Classic.. Thanxs Mega Fil.. 🎶💞🎸Heartbreaking Lyrics.. 💔.. is actually his life!
Ask Daryl Hannah about those sunny days..
@Jennifer M he, according to her father, used to beat her up. If true, he's, as big a weenie as is his music. ( my opinion olny!!
No problem ☺
llymphs , you’re confusing him with Jackson Browne. And, Browne was never charged, let alone tried and found guilty.
ew.com/article/2003/07/18/jackson-browne-wins-apology-jfk-jr-filmmakers/
I could listen to him all day .
I learn so much from Fil's analysis. And James Taylor is a guy I thouhjt I knew EVERYthing about. Thank you Fil for your intelligence and all your insight. It is much appreciated.
I saw James Taylor rehearsing in California for a small venue show and he was meticulous about what the people behind him were doing. Sweet Baby James was one of my first albums and he was soooo handsome when he was younger.
Outstanding analysis!!
James Taylor is musically and vocally fluid in every performance yet fresh in his delivery. My favorite live concert of all time when he came to Vegas. I play my bass and acoustic guitars along with his performances frequently and it brings me great joy !
The original JT. A totally timeless classic that has endured!
Sweet baby James...I know every song by heart. A formative time in my life. Love every track on this album. What a talent!
a beautiful and a sad song. james is awesome
Great analysis and reaction, Fil! Yes, Taylor is such a great guitarist, and what a voice...
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voodoo_Chile
Thank you Fil for not interrupting this one. Back in the cassette days, my JT cassette was ALWAYS with me - pocket, car, purse whatever. Living in the country now, years later, I STILL love a nice long walk on a country road with James' music in my ears, and as a psychologist in adult life, I have an even deeper appreciation for this beautiful man's lovely work than what I did as a teen. I wonder if he knows what a hero he is to so many....
Fantástic, beautiful. James Taylor have that special touch. Very emotive. Unique.
Cat Stevens another good story teller
Duane Atkinson You think? 😉 He was probably the best of them all! Just my opinion but...still true! ❤
Bob Dylan Paul Simon
Harry Chapin
Gordon Lightfoot.
Yes, and all of the above listed as well. Early 1970's best time for music (after the 1960s anyway) in history!!
I'm 66, and did not know all the history; Thanks Fil
☺
Oh my dear Fil . . .
This ripped my heart out .
Didn't know the story behind this song. A whole new and deeper appreciation of James Taylor and Fire and Rain thanks to you Fil. Just goin to keep thanking you over and over. Keepin the faith.
Big Hugs, Jo-Anna 💜 🙋
I watched James Taylor at a concert. That may have been more than 20 ears ago. His voice sounded better in person than it did on the CD.
As I've said before that's why yer the man Fil. Always with the fair, nonjudgmental opinion and respect for music . J T great player.
Thanks Mitch!
@@wingsofpegasus hey Fil what's your preferred method on daily finger exercises. Like scales and such?
I've always loved James Taylor. I'm impressed by how much you know about him.He did a great performance with Zac Brown with Colder Weather. Thank you for another very good video...
Many thanks to whoever got James out of New York and out to Laurel Canyon. Might have been Stills since James had just recorded as back up vocals with Stills on his first solo album.
The original recording says, 'Suzanne the plans THEY made put an end to you'. Reportedly that referred to her parents. He changed it up to 'we' made to avoid pointing the finger at anyone else.
You've picked the words out of my mind to describe so accurately James Taylor's soul. Besides the technical knowledge you have, you really do immerse yourself into music and lyrics. And it clearly can be seen on your face when you're watching the video. I love James Taylor because his music and the lyrics are entangled, no, they're just one. It's the kind of music that is so obvious that everyone thinks : now, why didn't I come up with this? It's universal and deeply human. Brilliant, Fil!
Again, loved this one Fil.
Been a fan of James Taylor since the 1970's my youngest sons name is Caleb Taylor and he named his son Eli James.
I met James in 2007 and he signed my album if the Original Flying Machine... thank you again
Cool!
D Wincel Really cool! Good names honoring an amazing man and artist
Many years ago I got a phone call that a friend had been hit by a train in a car. The next time I heard this song, already so familiar to me, I cried my heart out. It’s been over 25 years and still tear up when I hear this song thinking about that lovely young man who died running late for class. That’s what music can do to you.
I did watch this again, and had the pleasure of seeing him. It really hits a chord now with the passing of my dearest and closest ballance in life, just last month.
And what's ironic is I asked Jesus for help too... Living with a big empty and broken heart is a reality. I just got to see me thru another day...
Nothing to say but.....absolutely wonderful.
You are wonderful. Such insight and appreciation is rare today.
I saw JT live for the first time a few years ago. For some reason I began to sob due the beauty of the music, the musicianship of the band and the beauty of the moment.
JT keeps getting better and better.