We went to see Livingston Taylor at the High School last night. It was nice. The last time I saw him perform was in college. We were trying to narrow the date down to something less than a 4 year window, and all I can think of was that I don’t think I went with my wife, which would make it somwhere between late ‘73 and early ‘75.
Back then, I went simply because it was something to do. As far as I can recall, I had never heard of him before, though I was a fan of his brother, James. It was probably in the Oak Room at Fairfield, and beer was probably involved as it was in most things in the Oak Room but I really don’t remember anymore. I do remember enjoying the music but never took it any further. I was more into hard rock at the time, so it was an isolated evening of entertainment.
Since then, my tastes have evolved somehat. I still enjoy Ozzie and the like, enjoy Mountain on the rare occasions some DeeJay blows the dust out, but listen to almost anything except pure CW, Hip Hop, Rap, and traditional Opera. Even some of the Hip Hop, I enjoy (not much, but some), and try to give an unbiased ear when the kids ask me to listen to something.
Last night, my daughter sat with us for the concert, and when I asked her if she liked it she said, “not really.” Actually, she was a bit more specific. Without trying to quote her, she told me that he wasn’t her kind of music, but that she thought he was incredibly talented. I like hearing that flexibility. Maybe my wife and I have taught her something after all. When I was her age, I don’t think I would have thrown in the talent part.
Back to Livingston, the music was really enjoyable. I have never purchased one of his CD’s, but will consider it. He’s similar in style to his brother, but different enough to stand out in his own rite. I always saw James as a shy performer, and I would say Livingston brought an overt approach with a light banter between songs that definitely added to the performance. To the audience, he seemed like one of us, rather than a star we were watching. He connected.
This was the first in what is envisioned as a series of concerts to benefit the new High School (and it’s new music department). I hope they do more like it. The seating was comfortable, and the acoustics were good (both firsts for Oxford), but the fact that Livingston “connected” with the audience is what I hope happens again. I guess I’m at an age where I’m not looking for the mania; I just want the relaxed connection that sees commonalities in our experience that he has an ability (gift?) to express.
Entries (RSS)