Carol and James

When did you learn that Tapestry was supposed to be in your collection? I had been aware either in late high school but more likely, college, when I supposed to own this one. My American Pop Culture History course in my sophomore year cinched it; an essay in an assigned text made me at least grasp its importance. Only Dark Side of the Moon charted longer in the decade than Carol's record. I first owned a copy on vinyl and I wore the grooves out of it. The cd is great but something is lacking from the experience of dropping the needle on the flat, black disc. And yet, there are the songs. Those twelve, catchy, simple yet masterful pop songs that could either create or define an entire range of emotions. Carol's Tapestry is an old friend, a beautiful collection of songs that only this wonderful woman could have given us.

Last night, the concert did nothing but place Ms. King in front of me, along with 16,000 others. Paradoxically, she didn't play the title song but knocked off ten of the songs, along with several other of her biggest songs. Even as her voice wasn't in the best form, she showed up to sing from her heart and soul and that genuine performance surely delivered. James came to wow the audience as well and did nothing but succeed. I've seen JT a couple of times and he always gives the journeyman's performance, with jokes, stage antics and a general "greatest" setlist that does not deviate from a core ten songs. And yet, his rich baritone and solid finger-picking held the audience riveted last night, a solid foundation for Carol's songs to hit us fresh and new. The setlist (seen below) was a treat; nothing could have really added or detracted from the performance. I loved seeing Russ Kunkel, Kootch and Lee Sklar as the original rhythm section for JT and Carol (but also so many LA singer-songwriters). Did I need to see Carol in order to love her music more? No; nothing will beat a rainy day morning than a cup of coffee, my kitchen panes being pelted with drops and Tapestry carrying me through the hours. And yet; the in-person, visceral connection (from across an arena) just brought a warm and peaceful feeling to know that the author of such beautiful songs gave them back to us in a live performance which did nothing more than validate the greatness of the original recordings.

Set List 5/11/10

Blossom JT
So Far Away CK
Machine Gun Kelly JT
Carolina on My Mind JT
Way Over Yonder CK
CK on piano above

both on guitar
Smackwater Jack CK

CK Back to piano

Country Road JT
Sweet Seasons CK
Mexico JT
Whispering Wind CK
Long Ago JT
Beautiful CK
Shower the People JT
Natural Woman CK

>>Intermission<<

Copper Line JT
Crying in the Rain CK & JT
Where You Lead CK
Sweet Baby James JT
Jazz Man CK
Will You Love Me Tomorrow CK & JT
Steamroller JT
Too Late Baby CK
Fire & Rain JT
I Feel the Earth Move CK
You've Got a Friend JT & CK

>>Encore<<

Up on the Roof CK & JT
How Sweet It Is CK & JT

>>Finale<<
You Can Close your eyes JT & CK
Do the Locomotion CK