I saw him years ago at the Oak Mountain Amphitheater near Birmingham, Alabama, which is an outdoor stage. He was playing along great and I was having a blast. All of a sudden he stopped playing and said "hang on a second. I gotta get this gnat out of my eye". He proceeded to pick out the bug with his finger, then continued playing.
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.
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.
Ditto Paul Simon. Not just guitarists, both monster musicians. JT in particular can take any song, even if not written by him, and instantly make it his own.
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
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.
Hi James. In late summer 1971 I was taking a break from acting and singing in the rock musical Hair to record some songs in SF with my dear friend sound designer Abe Jacob. Abe had just lent me a newly designed pickup for my acoustic guitar which he had called a frap. I loved the pickup which was basically a Barcus Berry design. A couple weeks after using the frap, Abe asked me to join him in Los Angeles for your Hollywood Bowl rehearsal and concert that he was doing the sound for. He said he wanted to see if you would like to use the pickup. And so as it turned out, you liked the pickup as well and Abe gave you the pickup. A guitarist and songwriter myself, I've always followed you and loved your music. I was more than than happy when you added my two dear friends, David Lasley (rip) and Arnold McCuller as your backup singers for so many years. Keep on playing and inspiring the planet James. Much Love, Light and blessings ~ Jonathon Johnson
Interesting story! If you saw JT in that time Carole King was likely with him being introduced by JT. I saw the two of them in west palm beach in 1970. Carole King came close to stealing the show.
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
Many thanks. I picked up his Apple album when my ship, the USS Talbot, was docked in Norfolk, VA for a few days. That same day I bought my Gibson J45 at a pawn shop near the base. I still have them both. The J45, with a Barcus Berry transducer screwed into the underside of the bridge, was the guitar the I used in many roadhouses from Maine to California, PA to Alberta, Canada from 1973 to the end of 1982. Still play it though not nearly as much. Have to find a career when you have kids. Now retired, that guitar has a special place in my home. James has always been the standard. And a western MA neighbor, too.
I played the guitar as a twelve year old and when I was a year or two older, I heard James singing Fire and Rain and when I listened to him play, I somehow knew that I could never match his sublime connection to the guitar and although I tried to achieve a similar familiarity with my guitar to what James seemed to so effortlessly have, in my heart I knew it was beyond me. I believe James Taylor is one of those few people who are truly gifted in a way that sets him apart from the majority of guitarists. I still play around with my guitar, but I mostly just love to listen to people like James and just bathe in the sound of a master, just doing what he does as naturally as most people breathe. Anyone who can’t feel that isn’t really listening I feel.
Amazing array of all makes and model. I was expecting to see vintage Martins and custom luthier models. It shows that a master musician can make anything sound great.
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 !
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.
I too followed JTs original Gibson choice and purchased a Gibson Blueridge in 1972 on our honeymoon. You heard right. She still loves me (and JT) after 50+ years. My Blueridge had a similar fate being caught in a major blizzard and leaving in my trunk that created a multitude of fine cracks in the finish that made me sick. It later suffered a broken neck when knocked over on a concrete floor that was repaired by a fabulous luthier in New Orleans where we lived at the time only to later suffer flood damage in hurricane Katrina. It was at my daughter’s house and was in brackish water for a several days until the water receded. 19 years later a luthier in Paducah Ky restored it from the flood damage and made it better than new. It plays great, has the Gibson dreadnought sound similar to the J45 and is a gem in our family. Thank you James Taylor!
I have to say I really enjoyed that James nice and humble. Very nice. I hope you get your blue guitar back. Somebody may just happen to have it. That J 50 when you started playing it brought back my childhood memories. The first time I heard your songs from Cleveland, Ohio Westlake, actually and some neighbors down the road. Their parents were very much into you and the timbre just takes you right back to those early albums. A really bold deep raspy. The Olsen definitely has a very unique, fully balanced, glowing projection just amazing sound.
Funny, I published a guitar book titled "Me And My Guitar" many years ago :-) Thanks for the great music. Your Christmas album is always a hit at our house every Christmas...
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! ✌🏼
The most beautiful of humble interviewes. Those guitars all sound amazing. I'm glad TH-cam for once suggested this video instead of the rabbitholes I sometimes end up in.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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....
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.
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.
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. 😎
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.
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 😀
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!!!
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 .
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!
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.
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.
@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.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
Wonderful demo. I love your guitar playing, James. When I bought a great sound system and my first big flat screen display I bought a dvd of your concert, doing all your classic hits. I was in heaven. It was fun learning about your favorite guitars. The guitar stands hang the guitars by the head (vs, resting on the tails). Is there a reason you like that? Thanks for sharing. Keep on playing. I love your music. I'm playing a Martin D-18 and learning finger style guitar.
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!
Amazing to see you on TH-cam. 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 .
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...
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.
Saw him in concert at Jones Beach 2024. Besides great music he tells great jokes too. Been listening to him since Sweet Baby James. Also an influence on my guitar playing.
Same here Frank. My wife & I saw JT in Nashville in 2024. Love his dry sense of humor. Like he says the olds one (jokes) are the best ones. His all-star band was fabulous. He’s been a major influence on my guitar playing.
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 🤗🎶🤗
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.
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! 🙏
James Taylor is responsible my my love of his music and excellent stereo equipment. One day I walked into a high end store. They were playing Fire and Rain with JBL century 100 speakers with a Macintosh amplifier. It was almost like being with James Taylor. I love James Taylor music and will always Love everything he has produces. He can do no wrong. What a sweet man.
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.
Nice presentation Mr. Taylor. Ive been listening to you since day one. Thanks. Funny, but yesterday I watched Two Lane Blacktop! James Olson made me a beautiful SJ in 1994, and a 12 string in 1995. He's in a league of his own.
Great musician and great writer, thanks for this James, more than interesting and well done on what you have achieved with music and what you have given to us over the years. Brilliant!
James Taylor: an integral part of the soundtrack of my life. Thanks, James.
🙏 "just yesterday morning.. i wrote down this song" ☝️
So glad James Taylor is still with us
I saw him years ago at the Oak Mountain Amphitheater near Birmingham, Alabama, which is an outdoor stage. He was playing along great and I was having a blast. All of a sudden he stopped playing and said "hang on a second. I gotta get this gnat out of my eye". He proceeded to pick out the bug with his finger, then continued playing.
It's nice to see an accomplished players acoustic guitar collection that's not just a multitude of Martins of various models and years.
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.
it would have been so cool if he had a Martin though
Those Olson's take guitar sound to another level, especially in James' hands.
same here, Yamaha 700 series guitars SLAM
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.
Ditto Paul Simon. Not just guitarists, both monster musicians. JT in particular can take any song, even if not written by him, and instantly make it his own.
I agree with the wide neck on the telecaster.
It fits like a glove 👍‼️
My heart soared when James played. So many songs that will live forever.
James Taylor, always inspired and moved by His music and His humble demeanor a true American treasure.
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
What a joy to watch a gracious artist share his heart. Thank you, JT. You've been with me for decades :)
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.
🙏 what a great comment ☝️
Hi James.
In late summer 1971 I was taking a break from acting and singing in the rock musical Hair to record some songs in SF with my dear friend sound designer Abe Jacob. Abe had just lent me a newly designed pickup for my acoustic guitar which he had called a frap. I loved the pickup which was basically a Barcus Berry design. A couple weeks after using the frap, Abe asked me to join him in Los Angeles for your Hollywood Bowl rehearsal and concert that he was doing the sound for. He said he wanted to see if you would like to use the pickup. And so as it turned out, you liked the pickup as well and Abe gave you the pickup.
A guitarist and songwriter myself, I've always followed you and loved your music. I was more than than happy when you added my two dear friends, David Lasley (rip) and Arnold McCuller as your backup singers for so many years. Keep on playing and inspiring the planet James.
Much Love, Light and blessings ~ Jonathon Johnson
Interesting story! If you saw JT in that time Carole King was likely with him being introduced by JT. I saw the two of them in west palm beach in 1970. Carole King came close to stealing the show.
James, you're one of the coolest most humble dudes to ever grace our presence.
The way he embraces his guitar with his face showing tranquility and something like "I feel complete" - tells everything .
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
Many thanks. I picked up his Apple album when my ship, the USS Talbot, was docked in Norfolk, VA for a few days. That same day I bought my Gibson J45 at a pawn shop near the base. I still have them both. The J45, with a Barcus Berry transducer screwed into the underside of the bridge, was the guitar the I used in many roadhouses from Maine to California, PA to Alberta, Canada from 1973 to the end of 1982. Still play it though not nearly as much. Have to find a career when you have kids. Now retired, that guitar has a special place in my home. James has always been the standard. And a western MA neighbor, too.
Wonderful demo, James.... Thank you.... and what a warm and welcoming room to be inspired by !
Spent my life listening and appreciating James Taylor's music and his guitar playing style.
I played the guitar as a twelve year old and when I was a year or two older, I heard James singing Fire and Rain and when I listened to him play, I somehow knew that I could never match his sublime connection to the guitar and although I tried to achieve a similar familiarity with my guitar to what James seemed to so effortlessly have, in my heart I knew it was beyond me. I believe James Taylor is one of those few people who are truly gifted in a way that sets him apart from the majority of guitarists.
I still play around with my guitar, but I mostly just love to listen to people like James and just bathe in the sound of a master, just doing what he does as naturally as most people breathe. Anyone who can’t feel that isn’t really listening I feel.
Such a legend of songwriting, singing and guitar playing ...yet so humble. Just a regular guy in a room showing you his fav guitars 👍
are you Paul's brother Mike? lol
I love acoustic guitar too sooo much❤
No words to say just love it man for love of guitar.😊
James Taylor playing that Gibson J-50 triggers so many memories . So many amazing songs written and recorded on that workhorse guitar.
Amazing array of all makes and model. I was expecting to see vintage Martins and custom luthier models. It shows that a master musician can make anything sound great.
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 !
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.
It's why I bought a '65 J-45, that characteristic sound.
Wow. Great sound
Had the same feeling upon hearing that guitar.
I too followed JTs original Gibson choice and purchased a Gibson Blueridge in 1972 on our honeymoon. You heard right. She still loves me (and JT) after 50+ years. My Blueridge had a similar fate being caught in a major blizzard and leaving in my trunk that created a multitude of fine cracks in the finish that made me sick. It later suffered a broken neck when knocked over on a concrete floor that was repaired by a fabulous luthier in New Orleans where we lived at the time only to later suffer flood damage in hurricane Katrina. It was at my daughter’s house and was in brackish water for a several days until the water receded. 19 years later a luthier in Paducah Ky restored it from the flood damage and made it better than new. It plays great, has the Gibson dreadnought sound similar to the J45 and is a gem in our family. Thank you James Taylor!
Thanks for doing that, James. There's a ton of history in that room. It's very obvious those guitars bring back a lot of good memories for you.
I have to say I really enjoyed that James nice and humble. Very nice. I hope you get your blue guitar back. Somebody may just happen to have it. That J 50 when you started playing it brought back my childhood memories. The first time I heard your songs from Cleveland, Ohio Westlake, actually and some neighbors down the road. Their parents were very much into you and the timbre just takes you right back to those early albums. A really bold deep raspy. The Olsen definitely has a very unique, fully balanced, glowing projection just amazing sound.
Every time , I watch this video , it gives me great inspirations . Thank you .
Funny, I published a guitar book titled "Me And My Guitar" many years ago :-) Thanks for the great music. Your Christmas album is always a hit at our house every Christmas...
Your songs helped me survive my unhappy childhood. Thank you for all those meaningful lyrics Mr Taylor.
Thank you Mr. Taylor for sharing your guitar story.
I’ve played one Olsen in my long life and it played like butter. Wonderful instrument. And God bless James Taylor.
What a national treasure! And so are his guitars 😉
Still remember 'two lane black top' James Taylor was in.Awsome singer!
As soon as he started playing ...I was transported to a beautiful time back in the 70s. Amazing
What a beautiful collection! Nothing better than seeing these fine guitars actually getting played as they should. Thanks for this!
Love you, James. Life would be less without your songs, and your charm.
Love you James!!! Never tire of listening to your beautiful music. Please come back to Canada to perform again. :)
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! ✌🏼
Just watching this video on 12th September.
Hoping that all is going well for you today.
You can re-connect with Jim Croce as well???
such a gentle soul.. and down to earth
The most beautiful of humble interviewes. Those guitars all sound amazing. I'm glad TH-cam for once suggested this video instead of the rabbitholes I sometimes end up in.
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!
Great story. Our guitars becomes a part of who we are.
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.
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.
A legend and yet a humble man. Thank you for the music.
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.
It's so exciting to be with James Taylor and hear him speak.
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....
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.
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.
Wow! A good luthier could fix the hole!
It's nice that there is a great story to go with each instrument. They become part of you.
What passion and love this man has for his companions. Truly appreciates the tools that helped him create the beautiful music. Thanks for sharing JT.
As a rock and roll kid growing up, everybody in the room got quiet when James Taylor came on "Fire and Rain" , that still happens today 🎉
JT's unique guitar tone has never really changed across all those instruments. The Yammy sounded awesome in that room.
Thanks for the tour! Love your backyard view. Peaceful ❤
That J50 is the James Taylor sound that i love most of all. It is like your aural signature.
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. 😎
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.
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 😀
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!!!
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 .
Such a gentle and sweet human being.
Great to have this insight! Maximum love and respect to James Taylor, and thanks for all the beautiful songs and great performances. ⭐👍
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.
I love this guy. His songs touched me deeply in my formative years.
His voice and kindness to share...Makes me want to be a better musician. ❤️😉🙏😇
Great interview, I have admired James for so long . He is quite the humorous and fun guy there. Really enjoyed this 👌
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!
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.
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.
Ive heard that those guitars are amazing beyond words. Do they live up to the reputation?
He says it has a wide nut. How wide is it?
@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.
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
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
James, when you started playing that Gibson, my heart burst!! what a beautiful song and playing. Such wonderful memories too.
Thank you for sharing, James.
We love and appreciate you!
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.
i never heard that.. you must be a bigger fan than me 👉❤
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!!
Exactly! The sound took me straight back there.
Always loved your music and yours songs, Mr. Taylor! And still do! Thank you!
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!
Ive been playing guitar for 36 years now because of you mr James Taylor… thank you ❤ for the inspiration ❤🤘you are simply amazing!
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.
Wonderful demo. I love your guitar playing, James. When I bought a great sound system and my first big flat screen display I bought a dvd of your concert, doing all your classic hits. I was in heaven. It was fun learning about your favorite guitars. The guitar stands hang the guitars by the head (vs, resting on the tails). Is there a reason you like that? Thanks for sharing. Keep on playing. I love your music. I'm playing a Martin D-18 and learning finger style guitar.
James is such a great storyteller. He's an absolute musical and vocal genius. I can't get enough of the guy.
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!
Amazing to see you on TH-cam. 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 .
Love you too much, James. Your songs have made me cry so many times.
Most excellent.❤❤❤❤ Thank you kind sir.
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...
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! ❤️
Such a great guy and fantastic musician… Love those old Takamine’s too..
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.
Saw him in concert at Jones Beach 2024. Besides great music he tells great jokes too. Been listening to him since Sweet Baby James. Also an influence on my guitar playing.
Same here Frank. My wife & I saw JT in Nashville in 2024. Love his dry sense of humor. Like he says the olds one (jokes) are the best ones. His all-star band was fabulous. He’s been a major influence on my guitar playing.
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 🤗🎶🤗
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.
Hi James, I have been a fan since your original flying machine and play guitar because of you. You are a true legend.
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! 🙏
All guitar geeks love this. Some simple designs and builders can make very expressive and tone-full guitars.
James Taylor is responsible my my love of his music and excellent stereo equipment. One day I walked into a high end store. They were playing Fire and Rain with JBL century 100 speakers with a Macintosh amplifier. It was almost like being with James Taylor. I love James Taylor music and will always Love everything he has produces. He can do no wrong. What a sweet man.
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.
Nice presentation Mr. Taylor. Ive been listening to you since day one. Thanks.
Funny, but yesterday I watched Two Lane Blacktop!
James Olson made me a beautiful SJ in 1994, and a 12 string in 1995. He's in a league of his own.
I really loved this guitar tour! I admit that I am a gear geek, and a rabid James Taylor fan.
Great musician and great writer, thanks for this James, more than interesting and well done on what you have achieved with music and what you have given to us over the years. Brilliant!
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!