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Editorial Reviews
Deluxe CD/DVD edition. 2010 live release, a collaboration between two of the most successful singer/songwriters of their generation. This two disc set finds Carole King and James Taylor and their original band rejoined for an historic concert event - 6 shows at the famed Troubadour Club in L.A. This release is a dynamic, intimate and wholly unique concert experience. Recorded live at the legendary Los Angeles Troubadour club in November 2007 in dazzling HD state-of-the-art video and 5.1 audio!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
234 of 236 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful trip down memory lane, a ravishing set of adult lullabies
May 6, 2010
Format:Audio CD
Blossom, smile some sunshine down my way
Lately, I've been lonesome
Blossom, it's been much too long a day
Seems my dreams have frozen
Melt my cares away...
It's not my favorite James Taylor song. Really, I barely remember it. But it's the first song on the DVD and CD package of Carole King & James Taylor: Live at the Troubadour, and just hearing that mellow guitar and moonshine voice pretty much unhinged me --- my face flushed, my eyes glistened, and there I was, face-planted into my past.
I'm not the only one of a certain age who will watch this intimate concert --- or see King and Taylor on their tour --- and have this reaction. Their music is mostly quiet, but it plays loud in memory; it's what we were listening to in that dump of a decade, the `70s. It's all those memories: Roe v. Wade. Kent State. Ms. Magazine. That endless war in Vietnam.
And, set against that, the soothing and consoling music of two crooners. In terms of records sold, they're a rounding error for Michael Jackson. But back then, for white kids astonished to find themselves struggling to make decent lives in Nixon's America, they were huge.
They were, as it turns out, huge for one another in the `70s. They first performed together at the Troubadour, a little LA club, in November of 1970. Look at the video, though --- King's playing piano for Taylor in what's clearly a very tentative collaboration. A year later, when they returned to the Troubadour, he had "Fire and Rain" and she had "Tapestry" and they had mutual, powerful magic. And then, in 2007, they returned to the Troubadour one more time to made a CD and DVD from six shows recorded over three nights.
These 15 songs, spread over 75 minutes, are impeccable --- the technology of recording, video and editing has advanced so dramatically that the early videos seem raw and awkward. Not that these performances are slick and cynical. What you get to see and hear is the intimacy of this relationship.
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 pacing of the show and the positioning of the songs are where this package achieves liftoff. Listening and watching, I felt a kind of peace that had eluded me all day. If you're young, this may sound stupid beyond belief, but if you've got miles and bruises, this is music that connects you to old dreams and affirms every hope you ever had for your generation, your country and yourself. These are, in short, lullabies for adults.
Just as I was thinking that, King and Taylor returned on stage for an encore. And, without the band, this is what they sang:
Close your eyes;
you can close your eyes, it's all right.
I don't know no love songs,
and I can't sing the blues any more.
But I can sing this song,
and you can sing this song
when I'm gone.
It won't be long before another day.
We're gonna have a good time.
And no one's gonna take that time away.
You can stay as long as you like.
If only.
Lately, I've been lonesome
Blossom, it's been much too long a day
Seems my dreams have frozen
Melt my cares away...
It's not my favorite James Taylor song. Really, I barely remember it. But it's the first song on the DVD and CD package of Carole King & James Taylor: Live at the Troubadour, and just hearing that mellow guitar and moonshine voice pretty much unhinged me --- my face flushed, my eyes glistened, and there I was, face-planted into my past.
I'm not the only one of a certain age who will watch this intimate concert --- or see King and Taylor on their tour --- and have this reaction. Their music is mostly quiet, but it plays loud in memory; it's what we were listening to in that dump of a decade, the `70s. It's all those memories: Roe v. Wade. Kent State. Ms. Magazine. That endless war in Vietnam.
And, set against that, the soothing and consoling music of two crooners. In terms of records sold, they're a rounding error for Michael Jackson. But back then, for white kids astonished to find themselves struggling to make decent lives in Nixon's America, they were huge.
They were, as it turns out, huge for one another in the `70s. They first performed together at the Troubadour, a little LA club, in November of 1970. Look at the video, though --- King's playing piano for Taylor in what's clearly a very tentative collaboration. A year later, when they returned to the Troubadour, he had "Fire and Rain" and she had "Tapestry" and they had mutual, powerful magic. And then, in 2007, they returned to the Troubadour one more time to made a CD and DVD from six shows recorded over three nights.
These 15 songs, spread over 75 minutes, are impeccable --- the technology of recording, video and editing has advanced so dramatically that the early videos seem raw and awkward. Not that these performances are slick and cynical. What you get to see and hear is the intimacy of this relationship.
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 pacing of the show and the positioning of the songs are where this package achieves liftoff. Listening and watching, I felt a kind of peace that had eluded me all day. If you're young, this may sound stupid beyond belief, but if you've got miles and bruises, this is music that connects you to old dreams and affirms every hope you ever had for your generation, your country and yourself. These are, in short, lullabies for adults.
Just as I was thinking that, King and Taylor returned on stage for an encore. And, without the band, this is what they sang:
Close your eyes;
you can close your eyes, it's all right.
I don't know no love songs,
and I can't sing the blues any more.
But I can sing this song,
and you can sing this song
when I'm gone.
It won't be long before another day.
We're gonna have a good time.
And no one's gonna take that time away.
You can stay as long as you like.
If only.
86 of 89 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Watching the DVD and listening to this music brings back a lot of memories of great music. The music of Carole King and James Taylor is timeless. I have never had the chance to see them perform at the Troubadour in Hollywood, but watching this CD and DVD combo is the next best thing. Their voices compliment each other well on the song "Up On The Roof". This is my favorite track because it really shows that they enjoy performing together. Carole King still has the ability to touch me emotionally on the song "So Far Away". This song can still bring tears to my eyes. "Smackwater Jack" and "I Feel The Earth Move" are two classic songs that sound as fresh and groovy as they did forty years ago. Danny Kortchmar lends his talents playing the guitar on the song "Machine Gun Kelly". Danny gives this song an energetic kick with his playing. "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" is the perfect love song. Their voices sound perfect on this song together. "Blossom" is a song that puts my mind at ease. It is a song that I am not famillar with to be honest, but I love it after listening to it. Long time fans will love this. Younger people will love this music too. All of these songs are so thoughtful and moving.
59 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is not the current (2010) Carol King/James Taylor concert. This combo CD/DVD is from the November 2007 Los Angeles Troubadour concert. But no mind. The magic is there. The music is there. And the love is there.
As James Taylor said during the concert, Carol and James are pitching and the intimate Troubadour audience is catching. Backed by guitarist Danny Kortchmar, bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Russell Kunkel--all stars in their own right--everyone has fun. Even with those oh-so-familar songs, no one phones it in.
The high point for me is the point and counter point between King and Taylor on "Up On The Roof." Both artists had hits with this Goffin-King song and both take turns singing verses in their own style. They both eventually join together for the song's climax. The arrangement is brilliant and very cool.
The camera work on the DVD is shaky at times and has focus problems. On the upside, the audio is encoded in both Dolby Digital and DTS. The 5.1 sound is excellent. Plus you have the uncompressed audio on the CD--a generous combination.
Nathaniel Kunkel is the recording engineer. I assume that he is related to Russ Kunkel. Peter Asher produced.
If you like James Taylor or Carol King--or just want to step back to the 1970s with two classic and classy performers, this CD/DVD is sure not to disappoint.
As James Taylor said during the concert, Carol and James are pitching and the intimate Troubadour audience is catching. Backed by guitarist Danny Kortchmar, bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Russell Kunkel--all stars in their own right--everyone has fun. Even with those oh-so-familar songs, no one phones it in.
The high point for me is the point and counter point between King and Taylor on "Up On The Roof." Both artists had hits with this Goffin-King song and both take turns singing verses in their own style. They both eventually join together for the song's climax. The arrangement is brilliant and very cool.
The camera work on the DVD is shaky at times and has focus problems. On the upside, the audio is encoded in both Dolby Digital and DTS. The 5.1 sound is excellent. Plus you have the uncompressed audio on the CD--a generous combination.
Nathaniel Kunkel is the recording engineer. I assume that he is related to Russ Kunkel. Peter Asher produced.
If you like James Taylor or Carol King--or just want to step back to the 1970s with two classic and classy performers, this CD/DVD is sure not to disappoint.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I reccomend this CD
I didn't know if I would like this CD but it was inexpensive so I tried it, and I really enjoyed it. They both still sing really well.
Published 4 hours ago by Richard Meagher
5.0 out of 5 stars
memory lane
For anyone who grew up listening to these amazing artists, this is a must-have! Their talent and love/respect for each other shines through in each song.
Published 6 days ago by S. Outlaw
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great artists
Great songs. I listen to this CD all the time. They are great artists. This was a very good purchase!
Published 1 month ago by NancyR
5.0 out of 5 stars
The awesomeness of two legends!
To hear Carol King & James Taylor harmonize Live, once again, is as enjoyable as hearing them for the first time. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Marc Smiraldi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two Greats together
I love both of these artists. And they have a history, too. Carole King has written a lot of great songs for others, as well as herself. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mike
5.0 out of 5 stars
Glad to add to our collection
It was very enjoyable to watch these to performers interact with each other.
This will be a Christmas present to family members next year.
This will be a Christmas present to family members next year.
Published 1 month ago by Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent DVD
You can beat the music of James Taylor or Carol King when they sing separately, however in this album when they sing togeather the music is outstanding
ED Bates
ED Bates
Published 1 month ago by Edwin G Bates
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bravo!
First, I saw the concert live when James and Carole came to Pittsburgh. And now I have the CD & DVD to relive those great memories of a wonderful show.
Published 2 months ago by Michael Bires
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful up-close concert with great entertainers
Loved the classics done again by two great musicians who have stood the test of time. The duets are fabulous.
Published 2 months ago by W. Basso
5.0 out of 5 stars
James Taylor... raw
I love listening to this album. The recording quality is quite good, not excellent (for you audiophiles), but quite good. Read more
Published 2 months ago by bcms6
Listmania!
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