James Taylor - Steamroller Blues (One Man Band, July 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
Steamroller Blues by James Taylor

Well, I’m a steamroller for you, baby
I’ve got to roll all over you
Yes, I’m a steamroller for you, baby
I’ve got to roll all over you
Yeah, now, baby
I’d like to inject your soul with some rock and roll
Maybe shoot you full of rhythm and blues tonight, oh, yeah

Well, I’m a cement mixer for you, baby
A churnin’ urn of that burnin’ funk, yeah
You’ve got to drop that thing and come back home to me, baby
A churnin’ urn of burnin’ funk
And I’m a demolition derby, mama
A hefty hunk of steamin’ junk

Oh, well, I’m a love bomb for you, baby
I’m guaranteed to just blow your mind
Yes, I’m a love bomb for you, baby, yeah
I’m guaranteed to just blow your mind
And if I can’t, and if I can’t, and if I can’t have your lovin’
There won’t be nothin’ ever left behind
Oh, no, no…
No, no, no…
Yeah, no, yeah…
But I never did seem
And I never did seem
In the far distant future
Someday to lose
I can’t seem to lose, baby, yeah
Somebody got to help me to lose
Got to help me lose
Yeah, yeah
Help me to lose my steamroller, yeah
Help me to lose my steamroller, darling
Help me to lose my steamroller, baby, yeah
Help me to lose my…
Now, my baby…
Yeah, yeah, yeah…
Steamroller, baby, ha!
My steamroller blues, ha!

#JamesTaylor #JT #SteamrollerBlues #OneManBand

🎵 NEW ALBUM 🎵

🌟 FOLLOW JAMES ON SOCIAL 🌟

🌐 VISIT THE WEBSITE 🌐

✉️ JOIN THE MAILING LIST ✉️

🎸 FREE GUITAR LESSONS BY JAMES 🎸

[SunnyIlha]

I wish was there.
🙂
When it happened.
Soul food.

[ceceliagolden]

Thank You, James.
You've sung me through my Life!

[space]

You are amazing & I’m 🥰❤️with you Mr Taylor 😊

[sherrysmirl]

Enjoyed this song in Ft Worth Texas 10-19-2021
GREAT concert!

[elizadolots]

This is brilliant!!! I love this man and this song!

[rickguerrero]

Very nice chops on that Fender, Mr. Taylor!

[chrishodgson]

Such a delight to listen to. Thank you.

[jeffsanders]

Had the pleasure of seeing you in 1996 at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington and again this week in Tacoma. And yes, the old jokes are the best!

[karenreardon]

He's still got it man!!!! Yowza❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤!!

[bethmollet]

Only one JT- saw him in Indy 1977- birthday present from my two brothers

[michelangelolupo]

Sempre bom ouvir boa musica, ainda com voce é tudo de bom 😏

[denisehedden]

🖤🥀Excellent performance what else from these two people together?¿ This is blue's side. Lmao I love this side of James Taylor he's got a powerful vocal range and still sounds great with a sense of humor!!🥀🖤✌🥀☝️

[Alonelybedindesert]

A song triggered me to learn guitar !!

[rfd]

love working with you on this one-man band concert at the clonial theater in Pittsfield, ma and enjoy it.

[bobbiema]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
🎼_Sing it James._🎼

[alifmuhammadchicago]

🤣 😂 🤣 dying
Killed by da steamroller