Blogging in the Eye of Art, Unity, Truth, & Yearning (BEAUTY)

A discovery of things, places, and people who move earth, sky, heart and soul. Or at least make you smile...

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Location: Way Down South, United States

Bayou Child once lived on a great mountain overlooking a wild rushing river. After seven years of meditation, she made two discoveries. First, she realized she didn't know anything. Secondly, she found that nothing matters except love. So she moved back to the place she had come from, the bayou - a slow moving body of water in the Deep South. Bayou Child, a shy but friendly person, has done many things including writing, editing, publishing books, counseling, teaching psychology, creating serigraphic and lithographic designs, and weaving in a cotton mill. She doesn't do most of those things anymore. Instead, she sits by the bayou, feeds the ducks, and hopes for the best. Bayou Child is mother of two shining souls, one of whom went back to God a few years ago. The other lives in an artsy, west coast community and works in communications. Bayou Child currently lives with her great love of many decades, a handsome, creative man who teaches/writes psychology.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By YOU!


His mellow voice warms your spirit like butter and honey on a cozy evening by the fire. His lyrics tell stories of lost love and redemption, of friendship and sweetness, of Carolina and Mexico and country roads. He takes you places in your mind where you can dwell easy and the water runs deep. And your feet just wanna dance to the sweet beat of his band. Yes, James Taylor.

In February of this year (2006), sweet baby James was honored as "Person of the Year" by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' MusiCares program. And what better way to honor him than by having some of the best vocal artists around sing his hauntingly beautiful, uplifting, insightful songs to an audience including James Taylor and his friends and family.

An unbelievable line-up of singers and musicians paid tribute to James Taylor and his songs. Bruce Springsteen gave a hands-down fantastic performance as he belted out “Millworker.” Taj Mahal and Dr. John cranked out “Everybody’s Got the Blues” with earthy, hip-swaying style. Keith Urban stomped out an unforgettable “Country Roads” that made your soul cry for more. Alison Krauss crooned our souls to heaven with “Carolina on My Mind”, and Carole King captured our hearts when she poured out “You’ve Got a Friend.”

King’s powerful voice and staccato piano rocked the hall as her eyes lovingly gazed into the big blues of her good friend James, who sat in the audience just loving it. And of course, he couldn’t stay away. He joined her at the piano for the roof-raising finale of the song. After that, what could top it all but for James Taylor himself to sing several of his best recordings, including “Shed a Little Light,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” and the soulful unforgettable “Fire and Rain.”

In the last couple of numbers, James’ brother Livingston joined him on stage to sing, while James’ two little sons danced nearby, holding their uncle’s hands. James’ wife sat in the audience with tears in her eyes.

And a jammin’, rockin’ good time was had by all!

The program was broadcast on PBS stations this past November. If you didn’t get a chance to catch this fantastic performance, not to worry. It’s available on DVD. The title is A Musicares Person of the Year Tribute: James Taylor (2006). Buy, borrow, or steal it. You won’t be disappointed.

See video clips here:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/jttribute/songlist.html


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posted by BayouChild | 2:58 PM

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