James Taylor

[DaveyO]

Has anybody heard James Taylor's voice lately live?
I think age is finally catching up to him
I'm sorry to say
Because I am truly a big fan
I didn't go see him locally recently because the tickets were a bit pricey
But I have seen them before
But his voice seems a little weak and labored
Anybody else notices?

[jpmist]

Haven't seen Taylor live but he's in his late 70's as is Knopfler, another one of my guitar heros. I'm only a few years behind them and I been aware for a while I've lost a few beats, my 1/16th note fingerstyle riffs are a thing of the past.

I'm impressed Taylor still tours, as does Clapton who is older and has peripheral neuropathy which affects his fingers. Knopfler no longer tours and his last album seemed phoned in. The Stones are still at it, surprisingly.

To their defense, fans are willing to pay and so why not give them an appearance?

[StringPicker6]

McCartney's voice it shot also, sadly. 

[Queequeg]

I always liked JT. I think he has been under-appreciated as a guitarist.
Very good songwriter too IMHO.
I had a chance to meet him one time and I lamented the fact that I no longer attended large arena or stadium concerts, including his shows. He said he didn't like those venues either but he had a large band & crew to support and theaters simply weren't a financially viable option.
He's witty and quite a very nice guy.

[teh]

I have never seen JT perform live but I appreciate his songwriting abilities, guitar playing, collaboration with other musicians and his overall style. The one concert I regret missing was the show in Detroit back in 1977 with Harry Chapin, John Denver, James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot. All four artists were backed up only by GL's lead guitarist, Detroit native Terry Clements. Sadly but fortunately, James Taylor is the only one still with us.

Truth be told, my voice and playing ability are both showing their age along with the rest of me. Someone once asked Willie Nelson when he was going to retire and he said something along these lines. "All I do is golf, play guitar, sing and play cards. What do you want me to retire from doing?"