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James Taylor, Carole King Revisit 1970 in L.A.

The beginning of the '70s was a milestone time for both Carole King and James Taylor. With King's 'Tapestry' collection and Taylor's 'Sweet Baby James,' both created their inroads into mainstream success and subsequently long-running careers. To that end, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of L.A.'s venerable Troubadour, the two friends are revisiting their early days as solo artists with a series of very intimate performances at the venue.

The three-night, six-show (with an early and late show every night) kicked off Wednesday night with a magnificent late performance before a crowd that included fellow Troub alum Jackson Browne. With Taylor on guitar and King seated at the piano, the duo started with a one-two combo of Taylor's 'Blossom' and King's 'So Far Away.' To maintain the authenticity of the recreation, Taylor said the two were trying to keep it to songs from 'Sweet Baby James' and 'Tapestry,' and earlier. In fact, they were so steadfast in maintaining the feeling of the early '70s. "It's almost deja vu," Taylor quipped, "except I can't remember it that well."

Age came up again when Taylor introduced King's gorgeous rendition of 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,' a hit for the Shirelles. When he commented, "This is a song you wrote in 1960," it prompted a couple of ooh's from the audience. King proudly responded, "This is what 65 looks like," and stood up from the bench to the delight of the audience.

Meanwhile, Taylor's stunning 'Fire and Rain' drew tears from a few in the audience, while King's 'It's Too Late' prompted an elated sing-along. Among the numerous other highlights were Taylor's rollicking 'Steamroller,' which featured him cranking up the electric guitar, King's equally upbeat 'I Feel the Earth Move,' the lilting 'Cowboy Lullaby' and and the pair's moving 'Up on the Roof,' where they alternated versions, with King singing her parts in the soft, piano style and Taylor doing his in the upbeat original version.

"This is such a different thing and I think we've missed it," King said of being back together in the tiny club after their years of individually touring bigger venues. "It dosn't get any more real than this."

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Marilyn

My first James Taylor Concert was when I was in college and it was at the Rochester War Memorial, 1971 (I think or maybe 1970). It was James Taylor and Carole King! The each did songs alone, they did some together. No back up band, as I recall, just pure music. I have been to every James Taylor concert in the Rochester area ever since.

July 17 2009 at 1:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marilyn

My first James Taylor Concert was when I was in college and it was at the Rochester War Memorial, 1971 (I think or maybe 1970). It was James Taylor and Carole King! The each did songs alone, they did some together. No back up band, as I recall, just pure music. I have been to every James Taylor concert in the Rochester area ever since.

July 17 2009 at 1:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Marilyn's comment
Martha

I saw James Taylor and Carole King at Curtis Hixon hall in Tampa Fla. in 1970. I have no recollection of him having a band only a folding chair and an acoustic guitar. It was one of the best concerts ever until this new Troubadour tour.

May 31 2010 at 12:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ms. Lotus

I like James Taylor, but I LOVE Carole King. She is a truly gifted songwriter, singer and instrumentalist. My childhood was decorated by her music as my brother owned "Tapestry," and I adored it. It wasn't the greatest childhood but such special music made it tolerable. Music saved my soul. Thank you, Carole.

November 29 2007 at 8:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Elanna

I hope Taylor and King come to Virginia. I would love to see them in concert.

November 29 2007 at 3:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Barry

The onstage banter of almost ANY artist is more interesting to me than the performances at most concerts. I disagree with Anthony's comment above!

November 29 2007 at 3:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Anthony

I love both these performers but just hope they don't spend the whole concert talking between songs like they did when I saw them separately two years ago. That onstage banter was very annoying -- I just wanted them to play music.

November 29 2007 at 3:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply