James Taylor - You Can Close Your Eyes (One Man Band, 2007)

CD/DVD liner note from James – One Man Band (2007):

“It’s a strange reality of the modern popular song that the first time it’s played is when it’s recorded. Sometimes a song will be finished for deadline in the studio the day the thing is cast in stone forever. I know that songs and arrangements evolve and develop over time; that somewhere around the twentieth time it’s played for a live audience, a song finally completes itself. That, among other things, is what makes a good live recording unique. I’ve often thought that live performance means being well prepared and then waiting for the inevitable, unexpected thing to happen. We come onstage, well rehearsed and in good shape, and repeat what we have done before as best we can. But the real goal is to be in the present moment and on the surface of ourselves; open and trusting. Nobody wants to be perfect: that’s frozen, dead…It’s “be here now”, I guess…

Of course, @larrygoldings does more than just accompany me. His growing presence in the world of jazz is well acknowledged, both for his own recordings and live performances and as a member of a good number of team efforts. I tend to form musical (and personal) relationships with other players and then stick with them for years. @Arnold McCuller and David Lasley have worked with me since the mid-‘70s and others nearly as long (Jimmy Johnson, Steve Gadd, Mike Landau, Kate Markowitz, Valerie Carter…)

After my great friend, producer and pianist Don Grolnick died in ’96, I performed with a number of excellent keyboard players. It was during the recording of my October Road album in ’02 that I worked with Larry. Russ Titelman had booked him to play on “Mean Old Man” along with Steve Gadd on drums, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Clifford Carter on synth, and the fine seven-string jazz guitarist, @John Pizzarelli . This was an incredible band, and after hearing Larry Goldings’ solo on that song, first time through, he pinned it. That was our introduction and he’s been my first call ever since.

Then there’s the bus factor. You see, someone’s playing may be great, but what’s it going to be like spending 10 hours a day riding to the next gig with them for a couple of months? Larry’s Bus Factor is not a factor for he is a bus riding fool, for a fact.

Part of his talent is his ability to “split his hands.” Though not as painful as it sounds, it does require great focus and skill to play a melody/accompaniment with his right hand and, with his left hand, (often on another keyboard) play a distinct bass pattern. This Larry can do with effortless grace, and he has made this One Man Band show possible. He is a committed father, brother, and son, and I am in his debt. Larry Goldings is my One Man Band.” – James Taylor

LYRICS
You Can Close Your Eyes by James Taylor

Oh, the sun is surely sinking down
But the moon is slowly rising
So this old world must still be spinning around
And I still love you

So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it’s all right
I don’t know no love songs
And I can’t sing the blues anymore
Oh, but I can sing this song
And you can sing this song when I’m gone

It won’t be long before another day
We’re gonna have a good time
And no one’s gonna take that time away
You can stay as long as you like

Only close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it’s all right
Oh, I don’t know no love songs
And I can’t sing the blues anymore
Sure, but I can sing this song
Yes, and you can sing this song
When I’m gone

#JamesTaylor #JT #OneManBand #YouCanCloseYourEyes

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[rileydotson]

I'm proud of the fact I'm only 21 and this man is my favorite musician

[thereynoldsranchable]

No one’s going to take that time away…
Many sweet memories listening to my sister sing this,
And now she has passed on to heaven…
And I imagine her singing it there

[salvadorsepulveda]

Good morning JT 🙏 the best part of living is having the music of James Taylor. ❤️

[catboyzee]

This dude...!!! James Taylor is simply an amazing singer, acoustic guitarist, songwriter, and story teller. Pure mood. #respect

[studiothereflections]

Wow to be alive at the same time as James Taylor 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[richardyoung]

Been listening to JAMES TAYLOR since 1970, listen to all the great ROCK AND ROLL, BLUE, S BANDS, ZEPPELIN, STONES, THE WHO BEATLES BUT ALWAYS COME BACK TO JT THE GUY IS MY ANCHOR IN LIFE, CHEERS JAMES FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE OF MUSIC. PEACE BE WITH YOU MY FRIEND'S,

[signofthetimes]

James, I've loved you my whole life, I'm now 65... your music has helped get me through life, thank you!! ❤💯

[Noaleftdead]

Just saw him live on Monday in Colorado Springs. I love James

[cindymalone]

I liked watching him sign autographs and interact with his fans.He seemed to enjoy it as much as the people did.

[debkeeler]

It seems like yesterday we were surrounding my mothers' hospice bed and as my father held onto her hand he said, "You can close your eye's, I will be alright." Personally, I had never saw or heard this type of compassion from my father like I did that morning when she took her last breath. It was so heartfelt and comforting to witness this side of a love story my mother and father once had.

[bradmori]

One of the greatest pickers ever...he makes it looks so easy...loved him since the 70's...

[jeanalice]

Such beautiful memories from teen years My sister cousin and I played our guitars and sang James Taylor’s song You’ve Got A Friend
on the Gong show We came in third place 🥉 ❤️🎸🎶😊 Thank you sir for all your amazing talent and songs 💛

[joyhursey]

I love this song, I have enjoyed James for many decades and I still think he’s wonderful.

[lisamalone]

I Love your Voice James Taylor.
Thankful for your Music. 🌎 ✌

[gwynballinger]

He comes across as a really genuine, nice guy!

[rinalore]

🌹James Taylor's music will never be gone (even after he's sadly gone) and he must believe that, I'm sure of it.🎼🎓Mr. Taylor's earned his📜historical degree, through the school of hard💔knocks, just like me💭I believe.
🇨🇦✌🏻🎶♥️✨🌎💫

[carolcarlin]

Loved this man’s singing since I first heard him in 1970! This is one of my faves.

[Boblw]

Saw him in Clark University coffee house in 1969 as unknown folkie. Heard all the great songs before he became famous.

[hermosasons]

If only one dream would come true.. it would be ... to have him sing one somg to me. At 58 i goota just come bk to the states to hear this dream i meed fulfilled. ❤️💯❤️ his voice 😍

[ivancavalcanteusa]

Thanks James, your songs continue to be a relief in many aways.