James Taylor - Me & My Guitars

James Taylor - Me & My Guitars - Full Interview

Рет қаралды 442,785

Күн бұрын

In 2011, James sat down at his home studio, TheBarn in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, with writer/director David Mirkin to give a special tour of his guitar collection which James calls "like a photo album of my life". The tour includes James’s first guitar purchased when he was 14 years old (and painted blue by his older brother, Alex), the Gibson J-50 guitar on which he wrote the song “Fire and Rain.” Also included is a James Olson custom guitar that he first encountered in a Minnesota hotel room and has played almost exclusively since 1989.
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Пікірлер: 497

@Onemattressatatime 9 ай бұрын

So glad James Taylor is still with us

@guyincognito1423 Жыл бұрын

It's nice to see an accomplished players acoustic guitar collection that's not just a multitude of Martins of various models and years.

@melodymakermark Жыл бұрын

Right? I was impressed with the Yamaha. My first guitar was a Yamaha FG-750S from 1979. A solid wood instrument that just plays and sounds like a dream. I recently had it gone over by a professional luthier, and I wouldn’t trade that baby for all the Martins and Gibsons out there.

@GS-xt8fu Жыл бұрын

James. I am 57. Growing up in Ohio, riding our bikes, warm and peaceful summer days of the seventies. I started really listening to music and playing the classic school flute. I progressed from there and listened to many of the seventies ( probably the best decade) great singer song writers etc. You were one of my favorites and of course, still are. Thanks so very much. I grew up with you and some of my other favorites. Although we will likely never meet….you’ve got a friend.

@diegoterneus2250 Жыл бұрын

James Taylor: an integral part of the soundtrack of my life. Thanks, James.

@AlanStransman 3 жыл бұрын

If I were to come up with the most interesting topic for a video that I could possibly imagine it would be James Taylor talking about his guitars. This could be an entire television series or even a 24-hour channel.as far as I am concerned....For now, I will simply savor the 13 1/2 minute video above....

@jimmysavageultrabrutal8130 Жыл бұрын

The way he embraces his guitar with his face showing tranquility and something like "I feel complete" - tells everything .

@HoneyboyDominguez-dw8if 10 ай бұрын

Those guitars should be safely kept as American treasures just as how Egypt treasures their precious ancient artifacts. From the Philippines Mabuhay to you JT.

@mikemccartneyable Жыл бұрын

Such a legend of songwriting, singing and guitar playing ...yet so humble. Just a regular guy in a room showing you his fav guitars 👍

@danielstein5290 Жыл бұрын

are you Paul's brother Mike? lol

@raspyni Жыл бұрын

What a joy to watch a gracious artist share his heart. Thank you, JT. You've been with me for decades :)

@glennjames7107 Жыл бұрын

That J50 is amazing ! I recognized that guitar as James's immediately upon hearing the first few notes ! That guitar is the original James Taylor sound !

@777bigbird Жыл бұрын

That's why I've hung on to my 69 J 50 all these years . I actually learned on a J45 and a ovation matrix non electric back in 76. I'm actually a veteran drummer but wanted to write and by age 20 I was playing pretty good. The J 50 is a great guitar.

@billwilkie6211 Жыл бұрын

It's why I bought a '65 J-45, that characteristic sound.

@godbyone Жыл бұрын

Wow. Great sound

@GordonPavilion Жыл бұрын

Had the same feeling upon hearing that guitar.

@giulianodemedici7641 Жыл бұрын

James Taylor playing that Gibson J-50 triggers so many memories . So many amazing songs written and recorded on that workhorse guitar.

@iamanovercomer3253 Жыл бұрын

I agree with the wide neck on the telecaster. It fits like a glove 👍‼️

@mercurusblastomus879 Жыл бұрын

James Taylor, always inspired and moved by His music and His humble demeanor a true American treasure.

@waynerichards3025 Жыл бұрын

Spent my life listening and appreciating James Taylor's music and his guitar playing style.

@triktrak_1451 Жыл бұрын

Love you, James. Life would be less without your songs, and your charm.

@tonynoon8693 Жыл бұрын

My first guitar was a Yamaha that my Dad found floating down the Merrimack River with a big hole in the bottom. I still have it 35 years later and it still sounds great.

@robc1961 Жыл бұрын

It's nice that there is a great story to go with each instrument. They become part of you.

@jamesmcgrory6391 Жыл бұрын

I met James Olson and toured his shop in 2010. He was already half way through making a batch of guitars but was nice enough to make one for me and catch it up to the others, after first saying he wouldn’t be able to do it. Such a nice guy and fascinating to see his shop and all of the machines which he made himself to do the work. The clarity and brightness of tone of that guitar is unmatched. One of the high points of my life… Thanks Mr. Taylor and Mr. Olson

@absoluteinspections 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful story James! I started with a $69 Norma electric I pestered my dad enough to buy me in 1969. I was 12 and fell in love with that little crappy guitar. Three years later that was followed by my first acoustic...a $150 Harmony. Over the years, I’ve been through Epiphones, Yamahas, a Tacoma and a few others I can’t remember, but still have a fondness of those early guitars, which I still have. My current is a Taylor and at 62 years old, am itching to give an electric another try. My guitars have been my therapy throughout a life of ups and downs. Thank you again James!

@8xlaxx Жыл бұрын

JT's unique guitar tone has never really changed across all those instruments. The Yammy sounded awesome in that room.

@misterchristopher8857 Жыл бұрын

These "arachic minutiaic" shares are wonderful. Having a close relationship with the instruments creates an energetic bond which is as real as any other relationship in life. The woods, metals and ingredients of an instrument absorb, then reflect back this devotion, love and friendship. Thank you for this share.

@thomasmalone8216 Жыл бұрын

A legend and yet a humble man. Thank you for the music.

@sandyedens9222 Жыл бұрын

Your songs helped me survive my unhappy childhood. Thank you for all those meaningful lyrics Mr Taylor.

@suzannehedderly1331 3 жыл бұрын

I could listen to James talk all day. That was VERY interesting! Hearing him play those first notes of "Something.." literally brought tears to my eyes. Thank you James and videographer for this wonderful piece. Keep talking James...

@daisypodd Жыл бұрын

what a genuinely decent, humble human being..no ego.no flashiness..just a good person, oh and a very very good singer/songwriter toboot!....such a refreshing change from most of todays "stars/celebs" etc...quite inspirational...ps, im just off to pick up my ovation semi acoustic and have a play..thank you James Taylor.

@stevedavid6207 Жыл бұрын

What a treat listening to you talk about your guitars.......they sound amazing. And I'm still listening to a few of your albums on vinyl after 50 some years and never get tired of them, Thanks for all the great memories of those great times 😀

@bestwaterfrontdest 3 жыл бұрын

One thing I love about James Taylor is his down to earth approach to everything! Such a great talent and humble attitude. I have loved every one of the concerts I have been to. Great sense of humour. Keep up the great work James!

@patriciabedding349 3 жыл бұрын

The epitome of a singer/songwriter telling us about his life! I am getting through this difficult time with James as my background to stabilize me. I am rediscovering his songs with a new sense of what is important in life. I’m about his age...can relate to him somewhat from 3,000 miles away. I’m glad we get to see his guitars and their meaning for him. He has a great soul! ✌🏼

@anncaswell8569 2 жыл бұрын

Just watching this video on 12th September. Hoping that all is going well for you today.

@juana1483 Жыл бұрын

You can re-connect with Jim Croce as well???

@aaroneley2125 2 жыл бұрын

I first heard Fire and Rain on vinyl when I was in high school in the 1990s, and I had to know how that sound was being made. I walked through every music store I could visit in 3-states, plucking the low E string of every acoustic guitar until one day one's resonance spoke to me. It also fortuitously resembled Mr. Taylor's Olsons. It was a 1995 LL-11. Imagine my astonishment decades later when I learned JT owned a very similar model. Finally got to see him live in Shreveport about 6-yrs ago.

@motohirokatagi9087 Жыл бұрын

Every time , I watch this video , it gives me great inspirations . Thank you .

@seymourtompkins Жыл бұрын

That J50 is the James Taylor sound that i love most of all. It is like your aural signature.

@gilldanier4129 Жыл бұрын

James, when you started playing that Gibson, my heart burst!! what a beautiful song and playing. Such wonderful memories too.

@bpman57 3 жыл бұрын

I sure do love your storytelling, JT. Whether it be in song or monolog. This was a wonderful history of your guitars and their place in your life chapters. My wife and I saw you in Ohio when you performed with your son Ben. Your music was my constant companion during my stressful college years in the 1970's. I would grind away with studies and exam angst, but when I was at my wits end, your early albums would always comfort me. I spent many a night drifting asleep to those glorious tunes from yesteryear.

@vsurg 3 жыл бұрын

And that Mr Taylor, is why I saved for five years to have James Olson make me a JT cutaway SJ (without the signature...). It is a visceral thing, to play it and there is nothing like it. When JT, David Wilcox, Leo Kottke and Phil Keaggy play the same instrument, even EF Hutton listens... Thanks for this walk down your memory lane.

@SRKanai1 Жыл бұрын

Ive heard that those guitars are amazing beyond words. Do they live up to the reputation?

@mojoefelix Жыл бұрын

He says it has a wide nut. How wide is it?

@robh9352 Жыл бұрын

@vsurg - Sir Paul McCartney was gifted an Olson Guitar by none other than Phil Keaggy when they invited Phil to a private family wedding to perform. If you search google you will find Phil and Paul sitting on an edge of a bed playing guitar together.

@jordanfeltcorn1645 Жыл бұрын

I believe the first James Olson guitar that he commissioned was actually bought ahead of taking delivery by Justin Hayward because he loved it too much

@jaykay6412 Жыл бұрын

When I discovered Wilcox in ‘89 he was playing a guild but when he switched to the Olson i noticed. It wasn’t until many years later, on a Blink-182 record in 2003 of all things, when i was assistant engineering in LA, that the producer Jerry Finn asked me to grab his acoustic to record. I opened up the case and, like the suitcase in pulp fiction with the underglow, i had come face to face with the unicorn. One strum and that was it. I still have my Collings 02H simply bc i didn’t have the $10k or the patience to obtain an Olson. Enjoy yours, buddy. The acoustic on Blink’s “I Miss You” is an Olson

@eppyz 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy the history of the guitars and the details that James gives. Really appreciate the time and work that is involved for posting these. Thank You🙏

@TheCream14 Жыл бұрын

As a guitar player and huge JT fan, thank you for this great video. JT certainly was one of the biggest influences in my life. His songs always mellow me out in this crazy world!

@michaelelliott1212 2 жыл бұрын

I love hearing JT talk, (more, obviously when he sings). It builds the anticipation for the moment his fingers touch the strings, and then...magic! ❤️

@jennifersman7990 Жыл бұрын

Just to add to his story about auditioning for McCartney & Harrison, Peter Asher was also there as he’d brought Taylor to their attention and Paul was dating (or had been dating) his sister Jane. Paul liked what he heard from James, turned to Asher and said “You want to produce him?” Asher nodded “OK, go ahead then” and James Taylor was signed to Apple Records.

@Allguitarinfo 2 жыл бұрын

James...Thanks for sharing the Love of your precious guitars thru your gift of song to so many of us..We hear the pain ,joy and every emotion bled from your heart thru fingers to fretboard and the melody of your voice......Fellow Carolinian here....Love that Gibson man...2nd guitar JUST WOW...

@LukeMaynard Жыл бұрын

This was a pleasure, JT. Thank you for sharing it. On a side note, I grew up learning to play fingerstyle guitar on your records and songbooks. You are holding a guitar on the cover of one of the "James Taylor Complete" songbooks with a big W on the headstock. I thought for years that it was an early Washburn, and "I was today years old," as the young folks say, when I recognized that it must have been your other Mark Whitebrook (it didn't have the tattoo inlay on the headstock, just the W). Your music has meant enough to me over the years that I've remembered all these details. As a lover of guitar and great lutherie in general, It's really a treasure to hear a few more of the stories behind the tools of your trade.

@billybobsmusic 2 жыл бұрын

I love the way this man makes a acoustic sing. Thank you for all the wonderful music!

@peterjones4621 2 жыл бұрын

James is such a great storyteller. He's an absolute musical and vocal genius. I can't get enough of the guy.

@williamrobinson7435 9 ай бұрын

Great to have this insight! Maximum love and respect to James Taylor, and thanks for all the beautiful songs and great performances. ⭐👍

@11kerol Жыл бұрын

No words to say just love it man for love of guitar.😊

@mpojr Жыл бұрын

Thank you James been listening to your music for about 50 years now ; l enjoyed the little side trip about your guitars.Your music made me smile when l felt down.

@martinmcgimpsey9750 Жыл бұрын

Always loved your music and yours songs, Mr. Taylor! And still do! Thank you!

@eholland582 Жыл бұрын

The countless musicians you’ve inspired…including my son! Seeing this video of your guitars has truly brought me, as a fan, full circle. Thank you.

@timwooten6776 2 жыл бұрын

I missed his in 2009. I’m 35 and fell in love with his music at 20. It’s like 3 months away and I’m still counting the days. This isn’t a concert, but a dream come true!! Doesn’t seem real. Legend!!!

@dianaisobel6468 3 жыл бұрын

Well, this is just wonderful! 👏👏👏 When you play the first notes of “Something in the Way She Moves” on your Gibson... 😭 Nobody sounds like James Taylor. Nobody! Thank you so much for this video! It is a treasure! 🙏

@colinpadley1897 Жыл бұрын

I you read this James because I remember seeing you in London a few years back, I think it was the Royal Albert Hall but could be the Hammersmith Odean, and you did something I've never witnessed before, instead of walking off at the break you sat on the edge of the stage signing autographs and having pictures done, what a great thing to do.

@WmRob Жыл бұрын

I’ve played one Olsen in my long life and it played like butter. Wonderful instrument. And God bless James Taylor.

@SnoDawg Жыл бұрын

I started high school in 1969. James you’ve always been in my top 5 favorite artist ever since. Thanks for all the incredible music for all these years. Never got the chance to see you live and have always regretted it.

@rogerarmstrong8893 Жыл бұрын

James Taylor is a name that comes to mind when think about what I would call Music perfection. Every note cord strum of his guitar and voice is harmony beautifully perfected to an unmistakable warmth you instantly recognize .

@4Score747 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tour! Love your backyard view. Peaceful ❤

@ericspath5430 Жыл бұрын

The barn has fantastic sound! However of all your guitars the J50 and Yamaha caught my attention. I've always loved your sound and noticed that they both have that great intonation. Thanks for you music - always been uplifting.

@djross2043 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mr. Taylor for sharing your guitar story.

@777bigbird Жыл бұрын

Amazing to see you on KZfaq. I'm glad you are so down to earth and told Your story. I've hung on to my 69 J50 for years because of it's playability and sound. It's non electric. I also have a takamine f 960 that I love. Today my favorite is my SL 261 takamine. I'm actually a veteran drummer but I wanted to write so at age 20...guitar. Thank You James for being You. God Bless You Always .

@thomassaylorrealtorlicense8763 Жыл бұрын

one of the most interesting videos I've seen in a long time. I grew up on James Taylor tunes. Probably he got me really interested in guitar playing. This is not minutia to us. What comes across here is you are not a guitar snob as many others are. You show people that it is possible to make terrific art from very modest equipment. Thanks so much for this, and so much for your art these many years!

@scottb6282 Жыл бұрын

I love this guy. His songs touched me deeply in my formative years.

@Allthrashedout. Жыл бұрын

such a gentle soul.. and down to earth

@trevorm3354 Жыл бұрын

That J-50 has such a voice- it just sounds like those early songs!! These are all great guitars but this old Gibson stands out to me personally!!

@keithhunter3910 Жыл бұрын

Exactly! The sound took me straight back there.

@graemethorne4540 Жыл бұрын

Wow great story thanks for sharing your guitar collection with us and there history,I love the tone of that telecaster 🎸.

@markjohnson9485 Жыл бұрын

Great interview, I have admired James for so long . He is quite the humorous and fun guy there. Really enjoyed this 👌

@andystagger2906 Жыл бұрын

Ive been playing guitar for 36 years now because of you mr James Taylor… thank you ❤ for the inspiration ❤🤘you are simply amazing!

@ctheflower7818 3 жыл бұрын

What a Great Share, a Great Story of your Life & "The Family Members" that help you share your Incredible Heart, your Great Talent so wonderfully with all of us, with The World 👍 Very COOL 😎 James Taylor 🤗🎶🤗 So appreciate this share 🤗🎶🤗

@seanmcaleavy2369 2 жыл бұрын

I hate how people are always using the word underrated to describe people who are in no way actually underrated. But, having said that, you rarely hear the name James Taylor in discussions of guitar playing prowess. And that is a definite oversight. James Taylor is an absolute gargantuan guitar player. I am not talking about flashy solos or walls of amplifiers blowing people's hair back. I am speaking of real technical intricacies and a seemingly perfect sense of dynamics and timing. For anybody who takes the time to really listen to what he is doing, they'll surely come to the conclusion that James Taylor is a monster musician.

@VoiceCoachDebbie 3 жыл бұрын

What a fabulous video. Thank you so much this was very enjoyable. Hoping to see you on tour this summer if all goes well.

@erikbossard2635 Жыл бұрын

Love you too much, James. Your songs have made me cry so many times.

@monkeyfinger7949 Жыл бұрын

I really loved this guitar tour! I admit that I am a gear geek, and a rabid James Taylor fan.

@neo8802 Жыл бұрын

His voice and kindness to share...Makes me want to be a better musician. ❤️😉🙏😇

@compoundmaintenance819 3 жыл бұрын

Love you James. You music is timeless

@msapostle 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much James

@SteveBrant55 3 жыл бұрын

This was filmed in 2011? I'm delighted to be watching it in 2021. Thank you for telling us these stories. You have a wonderful guitar family!

@denali9643 Жыл бұрын

What a beautiful tribute to your best friends. I, myself, have an Applegate SJ (#33). Brian Applegate was an apprentice to Jim Olson in his shop and Jim made the neck on my SJ. I stare at it with endless delight. I did get to pay an Olson SJ once and it was truly an out-of-world experience. JT devotee since ‘78

@tompelham7035 Жыл бұрын

Articulate is the word comes to mind, when listening to JT and his music.Truly sets a standard! Cool thing about that Tele and the wide neck, didn’t think it existed… would …. For one of those;)

@marylieberman1969 3 жыл бұрын

James Taylor: Your storytelling goes beyond Outstanding! I have garnered a Wealth of Knowledge through your Music, Stories & Generosity of Sharing your Amazing Journey with The World. I personally want to thank you for making the World a better place. You are An Amazing Human Being! Cannot wait until I see you in person Again. Stay Safe, Healthy and Wash Your Hands👏👏💕

@rubensalcido5606 Жыл бұрын

Still remember 'two lane black top' James Taylor was in.Awsome singer!

@RonoNagorski 2 жыл бұрын

We saw James in Milwaukee in late 2020. First time seeing him live. Do your self a favor and see him next time he's in your town. Guaranteed, you'll have a special evening. Please come back soon James.

@rickmontgomery3037 8 ай бұрын

What a national treasure! And so are his guitars 😉

@mro2112 Жыл бұрын

My last name is Olson also. I talked to Jim on the phone once cuz I was interested in his guitars. Now, there are many Olsons in the north, so I said "we're prolly related". The earliest Olsons came to the northeast long ago on wooden ships across the Great Lakes...but I digress. Since the waiting was at least 1 year (in 1996), I decided instead to buy two Taks for performance, and a Landola, made of rosewood and spruce...for the same price as ONE Olson. Seems 'relatives' don't get a discount...he he he. Love you live, James. You are an inspiration - - Mark Olson. 😎

@henryphillips4683 2 жыл бұрын

James, my friend Pam Miller, the past mayor of Lex, Ky for 2 terms, was your family babysitter for a while. She Is still in touch with your mother and told me of traveling with your family in Europe in a VW Bus. She said you were in the VW bugging the family with a harmonica and she switched you to a Mandolin. She has a good Pantomime of your laugh way back then. Before I met her, since 1968, you were my singing and Guitar Muse, so to hear these stories was amazing. Your mom may not know that her husband and my Hang Gliding best buddy Ralph Miller, passed away recently...... TY for so much pleasure in my life!!! ...Henry Phillips

@linkedup7346 5 ай бұрын

Holy SHHHH___! I never dreamt I'd have the opportunity in a life time to see James Taylor talk about his guitars. They are beings to him who did him well in writing, touring, and just enjoying. He actually was very instrumental in helping Leland Sklar to become so popular. I spoke to James's brother Livingston at a show. He told me that all music is done now on the internet. This is when I asked his help with getting my songs heard.

@deanc.5984 Жыл бұрын

2022 December, JT is a treasure, what a nice guy, awesome songs & guitar playing. Some musicians can make any instrsoubd amazing if they have the musical gift.

@andeegreen 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a video I could watch week in, week out - even just to hear one of my top 5 vocalists speaking. 👌🏼

@mamaindy61 3 жыл бұрын

You have the best stories. Thank you for sharing.

@3top5 Жыл бұрын

Most excellent.❤❤❤❤ Thank you kind sir.

@michaelmangan1704 Жыл бұрын

Amazing been big fan and follower since 1970 when I was 9 you inspired me to write songs of folk and now a few albums later I still get requests to play your songs -I love what you created and last saw you with my wife in Toronto few years ago Ontario Place was amazing- I had to tell the women behind us to keep quiet or Id knock them out!! true story

@jimquantic 2 жыл бұрын

I'm new to this--thank you, not for just saying what you like, but the all important "why" you like it. Interesting and helpful.

@ritaemmenegger2043 Жыл бұрын

I love this video! Thanks for sharing, James!

@tonybandana291 Жыл бұрын

In Awe Of James Taylor. I never heard a better guitar love tune than "you can close your eyes" (b side of you have a friend) Great guitarist and great voice.

@tjukkv Жыл бұрын

Such a gentle and sweet human being.

@queerstars1 Жыл бұрын

Thank you James

@ritasmith1127 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your guitars and the stories that go with them ..... I am a North Carolina Gal whom loves you and your music dearly . I still have a turntable and all the vinyl records you can think of..........@ 4000 plus 🦋🥰😇🙏 Love your #1 fan from NC💙Rita💙

@cindyscott54 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, James.

@GregoryMcCay Жыл бұрын

Thanks for backstories about your guitar. In 1962 in Montreal, my Dad bought me my Gibson J-50. I still perform with it-& one of my favourite songs I love to cover is “Rainy Day Man” A wonderful stalwart: thanks for that, your style & content-& all your years of writing /recording /performances of beautiful iconic songs.

@christophermiles6778 Жыл бұрын

Love this. Love you, James.

@SergeUnplugged 3 жыл бұрын

Those instruments carry so many great memories

@joshsimpson79 Жыл бұрын

Fun video. I always like when artists go through their instruments.

@cliffsandifer3877 Жыл бұрын

David Lindley, FRETS magazine article....130 + instruments.......

@DansAm76 Жыл бұрын

I am so thankful you are making these videos. I find it all very entertaining. The more stories the better. I am also a big guitar fan and enjoy to play and perhaps own more than I actually need. Anyways thank you for these videos.