George Jones photo courtesy of Bandit Records.
Aug. 5, 2008 — Some 30 years after he earned a country hit as the songwriter of George Jones’ "Bartender’s Blues," James Taylor is showing a continued affinity for the Possum by remaking George’s very first charted single, "Why Baby Why," for an upcoming album called Covers.
It’s one of several former country hits that get updated by Sweet Baby James on the album, including Glen Campbell’s "Wichita Lineman," Elvis Presley’s "Hound Dog," the Dixie Chicks’ "Some Days You Gotta Dance" and John Anderson’s "Seminole Wind."
"An album of other peoples' music is something I've been wanting to do for years," James says. "I've enjoyed performing these songs over the years, but to record them live in a room with these incredible musicians was just extraordinary."
James recorded all 12 tracks on Covers during a 10-day run of sessions with such noted players as percussionist Luis Conte, drummer Steve Gadd, guitarist Michael Landau and fiddler Andrea Zonn, who’s recorded with Steve Wariner and Trisha Yearwood, among others. Covers is being released on Sept. 30.
The country content should come as little surprise. In addition to writing "Bartender’s Blues," James also provided harmony vocals on George’s 1977 recording of the song. Additionally, James has sung with Ricky Skaggs on the Christmas track "New Star Shining" and won a Grammy award in 2004 for his duet with Alison Krauss on "How’s The World Treating You." Garth Brooks has frequently cited him as a major influence, and when James was tabbed as the MusiCares Person of the Year in 2006, he was honored at the tribute concert by such acts as Alison, the Chicks and Keith Urban.
George, GAC’s Artist of the Month, has his own album on the way. Burn Your Playhouse Down: the unreleased duets comes out Aug. 19, loaded with guest performances by Keith Richards, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Mark Knopfler, Marty Stuart and Tammy Wynette, among others.
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