DESERET NEWS – Carole King, James Taylor bring classics back to life

By Scott Iwasaki

Back in 1970, singer/songwriters Carole King and James Taylor played the legendary Troubadour club in West Hollywood, Calif.

It was what Taylor called, “a big step into the light for both of us.”

After stellar careers that stretched more than 35 years, Taylor and King reunited in 2007 to play the Troubador’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

They were joined by three of their original band members: guitarist Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar, bassist Lee Sklar and drummer Russ Kunkel.

With the success of those performances, the duo took the “Troubadour Reunion Tour” to Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Earlier this year, the King/Taylor CD/DVD package “Live at the Troubadour” hit the Billboard 200 at No. 4.

The set list on the Hear Music release is impressive. Highlights include Taylor’s “Blossom,” “Carolina in My Mind,” “Country Road,” “Fire and Rain,” “Sweet Baby James” and “You Can Close Your Eyes.” King’s contributions include “Smackwater Jack,” “Up on the Roof” and the Shirelle’s No. 1 hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” co-written by her former husband Gerry Goffin.

Also included are King’s No. 1 hit “It’s Too Late,” which she wrote with Toni Stern, and “I Feel the Earth Move.”

One of the highlights is the duet of “You’ve Got a Friend,” a hit for Taylor that was written by King.
The duo also sings “Up on the Roof,” another hit for Taylor, which was written by King and Goffin.
Their voices and music still capture the listener as they did back in the ’70s.

The great news is King and Taylor will be appearing at the EnergySolutions Arena next week.
There’s something to be said about these two brilliant songwriters who have survived the decades in the music business.

Their songs have touched people’s lives and have remained staples on the classic-rock radio playlists.

Even though the DVD of “Live at the Troubadour” gives fans a little taste of the chemistry, it will be a whole different experience seeing these two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers in person on one stage.

If you go

What: Carole King, James Taylor

Where: EnergySolutions Arena, 301 W. South Temple

When: July 15, 7:30 p.m.

How much: $35-$125

Phone: 801-467-8499, 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com