From the Archive: James Taylor Will Teach you Guitar
The New Yorker Radio Hour
Deep Dive
Why did James Taylor develop a distinctive guitar style?
Taylor's style was influenced by his early cello studies, which introduced him to Bach harmonies, and later by his exposure to The Beatles, Brazilian music, and Motown. His technique filtered these influences through his unique guitar fingering, creating a sound that became his signature.
What was James Taylor's first song?
His first song, written when he was 13 or 14, was called 'Roll River Roll.' It was a simple tune with a walking bass line and minor chords, hinting at the style he would later develop.
How did James Taylor get his big break in the music industry?
At 19, Taylor signed with Apple Records, the label founded by The Beatles, which marked a significant reversal of fortune and opened the door to his career.
What were the early influences on James Taylor's music?
His parents introduced him to Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, and folk music, while his brother Alex introduced him to Ray Charles, Joe Tex, and Brazilian music like Antonio Carlos Jobim. These influences shaped his harmonic language and guitar style.
How did James Taylor feel about his personal experiences becoming universal songs?
Taylor found it strange and difficult to see his private experiences, like those in songs like 'Fire and Rain,' become universal vehicles for others' feelings. The transition from personal to public was a unique challenge for a solo singer-songwriter.
What role did Brazilian music play in James Taylor's musical development?
Brazilian music, particularly the works of Antonio Carlos Jobim, had a significant impact on Taylor. The rich harmonies and guitar techniques in songs like 'The Girl from Ipanema' influenced his own compositions and guitar style.
What was the first song James Taylor felt was a strong, finished piece of work?
Taylor considered 'Something in the Way She Moves' as the first song he wrote that truly worked as a song. It was part of his early body of work that he still performs today.
How did James Taylor's approach to music change in the mid-70s?
In the mid-70s, Taylor began experimenting with covers, including Motown classics like 'How Sweet It Is.' This shift allowed him to explore other people's work and find a new creative direction, moving away from the sound of his earlier albums like 'Sweet Baby James.'
What was the significance of James Taylor's father picking him up during a difficult time?
Taylor's father drove 10 hours to pick him up when he was struggling after the breakup of his band The Flying Machine. This act of support inspired the song 'Jump Up Behind Me,' which became one of his treasured memories.
How did James Taylor's early guitar lessons influence his music?
Taylor's early guitar lessons, which included playing Christmas carols and hymns, gave him a solid foundation in Western musical harmony, similar to Bach's style. This influenced his harmonic language and became a bedrock for his later musical explorations.
- James Taylor's distinctive guitar voicings and harmonic language.
- Early musical influences: cello, Broadway musicals, Beatles, Ray Charles.
- First song: "Roll River Roll", showcasing early musical style.
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