Friday, July 8, 2011

Concert Rocks the Night Away

              (Taken with a trusty little Kodak Easy Share camera, from way back in the audience.)


 Some nights in life are almost picture perfect. Such was the case at a recent James Taylor concert at Tanglewood in Western Massachusetts.


 
 
Imagine a huge "shed" with open sides where famous musicians come to play.  Surrounding the covered stage are acres of green grass where thousands of concert-goers sit on lawn chairs or blankets. Magic is in the air!

That is Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Fabulous music produced there fills the night air. Candles set in containers on blankets flicker like fireflies, stars glow in the sky above, and fans of Taylor get their fill of terrific music.


At the Tanglewood concert,  James Taylor enchanted his fans with his mellow voice and guitar playing. The immensely popular musician drew thunderous applause from thousands of his devoted fans.

Guest artists were Amy Grant and Vince Gill. Both singers added to the night of popular musical selections.  One song Gill sang, about seeing the beautiful smile of his wife, was a winner.

In the second half of the program, Taylor covered his almost bald head with a beret. Age has not kept this entertainer from giving it his best. His voice remains clear and vibrant. Seeing him perform is like watching one's brother. He talks with the audience, jokes, and makes everyone feel like he is in their living rooms.

He sang new songs as well as old favorites like "Up on the Roof" which was written by Carole King and her husband for the Drifters. It's  about a misty morning in New York City and how people can escape the summer by going up to the tops of tenement buildings.

Taylor wore beige colored pants and a white shirt.  He told how he wrote "Baby James" for his newborn nephew.

The lighting enveloped the stages with changing colors.  It was even fun to look up at the colorful, design-filled ceiling above the stage.



Grant, Gill, and Taylor gave the thousands of concertgoers their very best. The applause was loud and long. 

Sounds of "I've seen fire and I've seen rain," filled the open shed.  Taylor wrote those lyrics when he was a very young man At the time, he was fighting depression and drug abuse. Verse one has been said to be  Taylor's reaction to a friend's suicide. 

                        "I always thought that I'd see you again," the melancoly song continued. 

Taylor's fans were very glad to see him again at Tanglewood.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE MUSIC OF JAMES TAYLOR?  AMY GRANT?  VINCE GILL?

9 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness - those were the days. I remember I've seen fire and I've seen rain. . .and sunny days I thought would never end . .

Love Any Grant and Vince Gill.

Another wonderful day in your life! Don't you just love the old music. I can almost remember where I was . . .

middle child said...

Love them all!

It's Just Dottie said...

Great post about my old friend. I love James Taylor. Thank you for sharing his stories tonight,
Smiles , Dottie

The Old Parsonage said...

What do I like? Why singing along of course!

Great photos for a point and shoot!

Leann

Unknown said...

This sounded like a wonderful concert. I love Vince Gil and Amy Grant too. I haven't been to Tanglewood yet, but we were supposed to attend a Josh Groban one a while back. I love James Taylor too.

Karen

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

The Man and I love James Taylor's music. It has an easiness about it that pulls you right in. Not a big fan of Amy Grant, but I do love Vince Gil's incredible voice and range, not to mention his musical abilities. Sounds like an awesome evening.

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Susan: What a fun night for you. I have seen James Taylor at the Hollywood Bowl. He does put on a great show. I am so glad you got to see him. Have a great week dear friend. Blessings, Martha

Linda @ A La Carte said...

James Taylor makes me swoon! I am of the opinion that there is no one better. I have been lucky to see a concert of his and he is amazing! Going to put on a JT CD right now!
hugs, Linda

Rebecca said...

My young friend just returned from Tanglewood with her husband & little daughter Sophie. She went at the end of her husband's 4 week stint where he tuned pianos there! Her pictures of Cape Cod were amazing. This concert must have been wonderful - though I can't say I'm only a little familiar with these musicians. (For awhile I "knew" Vince Gill & Amy Grant, but I've not kept up....)

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