Carole.

I am glad I went to this show. I have told people that back in the early 1970's I used to cut the grass in the neighborhood in Mississippi so I could go buy music. I got the music bug in the early days in the heart of the delta, Greenwood, Mississippi. From there I moved all over the state but my constant was music. I remember the day I went to the local Roses Discount Store in Meridian, Mississippi and spent my cash from toiling in the very hot southern Summer sun. I bought Carole King's "Tapestry" and the Guess Who "Greatest Hits." My first 33 RPM vinyl records but far from my last. I still have those records and they are just a few feet from me as I write this. Music has always been my passion and I keep it close to me.

i had a great night in Charlotte watching some very cool musicians this week. Sometimes I know I am a lucky man. 'Nuff said.

Until next time, I'll see you, down the road.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/arts/music/06taylor.html

Leland Sklar

Leland. He has a resume. Go check him out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leland_Sklar

A random James Taylor photo. I just grabbed one of many.

James. He mentioned North Carolina so many times I lost count. The huge crowd roared. North Carolinians are a proud bunch. Everyone loves a native son. It was a good show with a good feeling.

James and Danny Playing the Blues.

Yeah they were playing some blues. I shot over 2,000 pictures. I just added this one because I like it.

Russ Kunkel.

Russ at his desk. You just have to see him play. He is damn good.

I refer back to a story he told me in Key West one night. He had never played with a band and he charted the whole performance from a cd on to a piece of paper. Then he played it in front of several thousand people. It was very good. I was there about forty feet away watching him play. I will always remember that performance and that night. It was very cool. Russ rocks. Wednesday night I touched him on the shoulder and said "Russ, you are the man."

Danny Kortchmar.

Danny Kortchmar, the guy who introduced James to Carole so many years ago. His guitar playing was verrry good. i enjoyed that Telecaster sound.

http://www.dannykortchmar.com/

Up on the Roof...

When people from the Carolinas think about the song "Up on the Roof" they think of the Drifters. Yeah they had a hit with it. Carole wrote it. She has written so many cool tunes over the years you just have to look them up. There are tons of great songs in her past...

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below can't bother me
Let me tell you now

When I come home feelin' tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let's go up on the roof (up on the roof)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP8OVzVzR6o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7XkuczcIRE&feature=related

James & Carole.

I think you can see the expression on their faces. I don't need to explain.

http://www.jamestaylor.com/splash.aspx

http://www.caroleking.com/splash_tour.php

Carole says “I feel gratitude to have the stamina to do this show at 68,” “Frankly, that was the one thing I was concerned about. I was a little concerned about my vocal stamina, but that seems to be there. But it’s a very high-energy show. I’m doing the Carole King earth-move workout out there.”

Trust me. She had it. I heard the sound check and the whole show. It ROCKED. These two still have it, they always did, and I am glad I was there. That is all I can say.

Charlotte, North Carolina...

I have just arrived in uptown Charlotte for the Carole King and James Taylor show featuring some really awesome musicians.
As I look around I realize the show is sold out and I am not too far from the revolving stage. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than rich as the saying goes.

http://www.timewarnercablearena.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmBFUjoepyc&feature=related