Taylor made

I love the lyrics to SECRET O' LIFE by the great James Taylor.

There are many great covers of this song. Perhaps my favorite is by jazz pianist/vocalist Shirley Horn.

To me, her rendition is of one who's been through a lot in life and wants to pass on a little advice. I'm drawn to her version in the same way I'm drawn to advice on life that my dear grandparents have to share. I've really learned to appreciate their outlook on things the past few years. They've been through a lot and are an amazing testament to the power of faith and family.

itunes link here

youtube link here

Shirley, who is a huge inspiration to Diana Krall (you can definitely hear the influence) passed on in 2005. Check out her great catalogue.

Taylor, the Latte Boy

HEAR MUSIC, the Starbucks Record Label, has made quite a name for itself in the music world.  Starting out by having Starbucks store exclusive cds, by 2007 they became a full record label distributing to all retail stores and itunes.  Artists such as Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor are now HEAR MUSIC exclusive artists.

...and last year James Taylor released a covers album called.... (drumroll please).... COVERS!  

It definitely has a "coffeehouse" feel to it.  I really dig his cover of the Dixie Chicks' tune SOMEDAYS YOU GOTTA DANCE and HOUND DOG.

Last week he released a follow up (songs that didn't make the first cut.)  It's called... (bigger drumroll please).... OTHER COVERS!! 

On this release, I love the groove of GET A JOB, and also like his take on the showtune OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING.

...speaking of Taylor, here's yesterday's blog subject KRISTIN CHENOWETH singing an an ode to finding love at Starbucks called TAYLOR THE LATTE BOY.  This adorable tune was written by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich who are currently working on the music to a Broadway adaptation of the Drew Barrymore movie EVER AFTER.

Cute cute song.  You can also find an unofficial response from "Taylor's point of view" called TAYLOR'S RESPONSE.  There are versions all over youtube.  It's funny, but takes away the charm of the original a little bit.

By the way, I'm halfway through her new book and am LOVING IT!