He has been something of a genuis in terms of writing ballads since my high school days, now he's done a Christmas album, and its pure Taylor by Mark Vogl
(conservative)
Monday, December 12, 2011
It's the Christmas season, and while politics doesn't take a break, I am!
I was wandering through one of the big stores, looking for a Christmas CD by Perry Como. You younger folks probably don't know who Perry is, but if you see a CD by him, I promise you will enjoy it. I didn't find one, "but what to my wandering eyes did appear" but James Taylor at Christmas.
I was startled, never expected to see that. I have been a "JT" addict since 10th grade...a long long time ago. Taylor was good when he was young, but unlike many professionals, he just got better and better with time. I dont know anything about music, can't play a note, and got to sing in the choir because not enough guys wanted too! So, they took what they could get. But I love music. I love how it comes from the spirit of the Creator. In my view James Taylor is a genius. His music, the songs he writes are beautiful, interesting, unexpected stories. He knows how to tell a story, how to paint a picture with words, notes and melodies. His arrangements are as unique as his voice, and his pickin'.
So I bought the CD not knowing exactly what to expect. I mean Taylor's music is different. It's kind of a combination of blues and jazz, and modern country. Smooth would be a great adjective for many of his songs, though he can get pretty chaotic and sharp in contrast to his first style. His country is not real modern country, but kind of a Taylor country! So when I put the CD in the player in the car, well I wasn't sure what would come out. I don't think I ever heard him do anything Chritmassy (as Bing Crosby would say). Well, it was James. I mean his version of Christmas. Sweet, soft, ...songs you know, but sung his way.
His first song opens and you would think you are in an old night club, with a smokey cloud hanging in the air, and soft lights. He uses woodwinds in Winter Wonderland to go somewhere you haven't been before. His baritone voice stretches the notes, and the piano behind him brings you back to Christmas. And it sounds like a sax or oboe in there somewhere.
James Taylor has been someone I have walked my life's journey with. No he doesn't know me, and I have never met him, though I did see him at Jones Beach theatre twice. (The only perk I ever took for working on politics.) But, he has been a constant to my soul. No, he's not God. I am a Christian, and know who my God is. But I do think James is a gift from God to me. Yes, me ... You see, I spent a lot of my professional life speaking to the public in small groups. The events were Eagle Scout Awards, or Girl Scout Gold Awards, or other special events that meant something to a few, select people. I always wanted to be a speaker who could bring God's touch...and what I would do is listen to JT on the way to the events. No I wasn't addressing the United Nations, or Congress. I was in VFW Halls, or churches, or may be a school. The audience was never bigger than a couple of hundred. But, in a way, that's better...you can see their eyes, see the pride of the parents, shake the hands of those being honored. It's their moment, and you just want to help make it a memory for them. You want them to know they are special, someone who improves the quality of the fabric of the community. You want them to know they have been spotlighted by God for the moment they are in.
So, I would always, always listen to JT on the way. He had a way of putting me in the proper frame of mind, a kind of peaceful optimism. A state of appreciation for life, for what God has given us. Can't explain it, but JT did it every time.
When I get to Heaven there are some men I want to meet and talk to. Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Milton Hershey, Ronald Reagan John Wayne, and yes James Taylor. And my dad. Maybe I could invite my dad, who I lost when I was 8, to sit at JT's feet up there, and watch him pick and sing. Oh what a Christmas present that would be for me.
Anyway, back to Christmas, here on earth...
I really enjoyed "Baby its cold outside." Thats an old Dean Martin favorite of mine, but JTs version is just as much fun. He has not pushed Dino off the stool, but it sure would have been fun to see those two sing together. They both were men of heart, good hearts, men you wish you could know. JT adlibbed in this song, and well, its so familiar; the challenge every man has faced in trying to convince a lovely lady friend to may be stay a little longer.
"James Taylor at Christmas" is not Bing Crosby or Andy Williams. But he does have his place, and if you liked JT before, well, look for this one. You'll love it.
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