Filmed by Lemon Sky Prods. in association with Sony Music Video Enterprises. Exec producers, Peter Asher, Jerry Durkin, Deborah Newman; producer, Marcus Viscidi; director, Jan Egleson.
Band: Clifford Cater, Don Grolnick, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Landau, Carlos Vega; Singers: Valerie Carter, David Lasley, Kate Markowitz, Arnold McCuller.
Did you know James Taylor has spent long stretches in a mental institution? Was once a heroin addict? Came from an extremely privileged background? Was once half of the celebrity couple of the moment, via his marriage to Carly Simon?
If you didn't know it, you won't after viewing this program, which is carefully orchestrated to avoid any trace of humanity, save for the performances. The name of the game is sell the record, and the special actually does that quite well, showing Taylor performing in a farmhouse with his band through a run of classic numbers, including the expected "Fire and Rain"
But aside from some psychobabble on the meaning of artistry and some all-too-brief reminiscences, Taylor's life could have taken place inside the farmhouse, for all we learn. The dialogue constantly tweaks our interest--"... and there I was with the Beatles in London in 1968 ..."--then cuts away, lest Taylor reveal anything.
Still, if you're too lazy to go see him in concert, grab a bowl of popcorn and listen to some great music. Despite the lack of record company juice since the early '80s, Taylor is in fine voice, and a little bit of attention could bring him quickly back to the spotlight.
Editor, Jay Keuper; director of photography, Paul Goldsmith; production designer, Howard Cummings.
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Date in print: Wed., May. 13, 1992