THE PLOT THUS FAR
In the album's liner notes, Taylor states: "The Troubadour in 1971 wasn't the beginning, but it was a big step into the light for both of us. When we reunited for the Troubadour's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2007, it felt like yesterday. It was, and still is, all about the music and the celebration of performing together." King adds, "What's even more remarkable is that James's and my musical connection and friendship continue to transcend time and place. Whenever we're together, there we are. I feel a tremendous gratitude to be able to share this experience with James, with this fine band, and most of all, with the fans."
TRACK LIST
2. So Far Away (Carole King)
3. Machine Gun Kelly (Danny Kortchmar)
4. Carolina in My Mind (James Taylor)
5. It’s Too Late (Carole King – Toni Stern)
6. Smackwater Jack (Gerry Goffin – Carole King)
7. Something in the Way She Moves (James Taylor)
8. Will You Love Me Tomorrow? (Gerry Goffin – Carole King)
9. Country Road (James Taylor)
10. Fire and Rain (James Taylor)
11. Sweet Baby James (James Taylor)
12. I Feel the Earth Move (Carole King)
13. You’ve Got a Friend (Carole King)
14. Up on the Roof (Gerry Goffin – Carole King)
15. You Can Close Your Eyes (James Taylor)
WHAT WE THOUGHT
Carole King hearts James Taylor. It's all over her face as she harmonizes or just mouths the words to his songs. But then, she's hugely emotional as a signature. Her songs are hits in large part because she's brilliant at distilling deep feelings into simple statements --- "You've Got a Friend" is the gold standard --- and excitable as a musician. When she gets going, she's off the piano bench and playing standing up. The news flash on James Taylor, who has always seemed too accomplished to break a sweat, is how intense he is as a guitarist. King looks at Taylor, Taylor looks down at his guitar --- that unbalances the film until you get used to it, and then you have a fresh appreciation for him as a musician. It's the voices and harmonies that mattered when we first heard King and Taylor. The years have been kind to them. King's voice was always a little weathered, and that, for her, was a strength --- now, after failed marriages and whatever else life has slung at her, that roughness seems like the proof of experience. Taylor, a great singer in his 20s, is now a master; if you can hear a flaw, you've got better ears than I do.
The CD/DVD combo pack is an impressive way to celebrate the Troubadour's 50th anniversary. The DVD section is pretty standard for these live events. It's basically a decent three camera touch-up that allows use full coverage of the multi-night performance. There's overlap between songs on the CD and DVD, but it doesn't matter. You're getting the best of King and Taylor offered up in one package. I'd recommend a purchase.
