James Taylor: A MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute

For a guy who's had a terrific career—signed to the Beatles' Apple label in the '60s, progenitor of the '70s singer-songwriter movement, composer of more than a few standards of the genre, beloved by peers and fans alike—the self-effacing James Taylor has flown somewhat under the radar all these years. But that was certainly not the case in February 2006 at a ceremony honoring Taylor as the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences "MusiCares Person of the Year," in recognition of his contributions to the arts and commitment to environmental and humanitarian causes. The lineup of folks who showed up to perform Taylor's songs is extraordinary, including Bruce Springsteen, the Dixie Chicks, Sting, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow (with David Crosby and Jackson Browne), Bonnie Raitt, India.Arie, and Carole King. Their renditions of Taylor tunes such as "Shower the People" (Dixie Chicks), "Mexico" (Crow, at al.), "Close Your Eyes" (Sting, playing that weird lute thingy he's been favoring lately), and "Carolina in My Mind" (Krauss) are uniformly good. While some are a bit too reverent, Taylor's own versions are nothing if not tasteful, so perhaps that's to be expected. On the other hand, Taj Mahal and Dr. John supply some Nawlins strut on "Everybody Has the Blues," while Springsteen's solo "Millworker" has real grit and Urban brings a rock 'n' roll heart (and some exceptional guitar playing) to "Country Road." Taylor himself takes the stage toward the end, joining King on "You've Got a Friend," before performing a few numbers on his own, including the inevitable but still-moving "Fire and Rain." Add to that the backing throughout of Taylor's exceptional band, and you've got a 13-song show—presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 or PCM stereo—that will produce paroxysms of pleasure (restrained, of course) in JT fans. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)