Georgia On My Mind

This delightful radio broadcast from 1981 finds American music legend James Taylor in concert at the Atlanta Civic Centre as part of his tour to promote the Dad Loves His Work album. James' 10th studio album was released in March, a couple of months before the gig, to generally positive reviews across the media. Often remembered best for the duet performed with J.D. Souther on 'Her Town Too' - which reached 11 on the Billboard charts when released as a single - the record is also a reply to Carly Simon, Taylor's wife since 1972, who had recently issued an ultimatum; cut back on his music and touring, and spend more time with her and their children, or the marriage was through. The album's title said it all - the couple was divorced soon after its release. When Taylor hit the road he was to partake in the longest tour he had undertaken in over five years. 47 shows were penciled in domestically with a further 17 overseas, largely in the Far East, Australia and New Zealand. The fourth date on the tour was the very show captured on this CD. Joining James onstage were Dan Dugmore and Waddy Wachtel on guitars, Leland Sklar on Bass, Don Grolnick on keyboards, Rick Marotta on Drums, David Lasley and Arnold McCuller on backing vocals, and as special guest, J.D. Souther joins the ensemble for a rip-roaring version of 'Her Town Too'. A beautifully produced sound is present throughout the proceedings on this early summer evening back more than thirty years ago and we should all be thankful for the technology that allows us to still hear such incredible performances all these years later.