The times they were achangin' back in 1971. They'd been changing for several years as a senseless war sent our young to die or be wounded physically or mentally for the rest of their lives. But back home there was some great music being written and performed. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Earth, Wind and Fire and many others were combining or fusing different genres into great music. Folk and rock fused. Jazz and rock fused. And one performer stood out as
a voice for another movement that was gaining strength in the 60's and 70's, the Women's movement.

That woman was Carole King. She was not the lone voice but certainly one of the most important. Before 1971, she had written numerous songs performed by others and her
demos were appreciated by only the few musicians lucky enough to hear them. But Carole decided in 1971 to move out front with her own music and her own voice.
"Tapestry" was her breakout album and it headed the charts for 15 weeks and stayed on those same charts for six years.

Carole King wrote every song on the album with co-composers Gerry Goffin, Jerry Wexler and Toni Stern on a few of the cuts. The songs are poetry set to music. They can make you laugh or cry or simply shake your head in agreement. She and producer Lou Adler gathered some great musicians for the album: James Taylor, acoustic guitar; Joel
O'Brien and Russ Kunkel, drums; Charles Larkey, electric bass; Curtis Amy, various woodwinds; Danny Kootch, conga and guitar. Strings and backup vocalists were present
on some cuts, but ultimately, it was Carole's vocals and piano-playing on her wonderful songs that makes the album a classic.

The songs are as follows on the newly remastered (!999) CD:

1. I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE

King's piano opens this great number, followed by her voice in tribute to her darling. The song has definite R & B influences and is instrumentally wonderful.

2. SO FAR AWAY

A complete change of pace, this lovely song sings to the lover who is so far away. Haven't we all been there?

"Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
I sure hope the road don't come to own me
There's so many dreams I've yet to find
But you're so far away."

Can't say it better than that. Only Taylor, Kunkel, Larkey, and Amy accompany Carole here but it's a true work of art. King overdubs her voice in a beautiful harmony and Amy ends with a quiet flute solo.

3. IT'S TOO LATE

One classic after another. Here, we have a definite jazz-blues sound in a song that is saying goodbye to a loved one. Amy plays a great jazz soprano sax solo and Kootch is fine on guitar and King is perfect.

4. HOME AGAIN

The wanderer is tired of the road. A gospel sound fills this longing to be home and in the arms of a loved one. Piano and drum (Kunkel) are dominant here. It's a simple, heartfelt song.

"Snow is cold, rain is wet
Chills my soul right to the marrow
I won't be happy till I see you alone again
Till I'm home again and feeling right."

5. BEAUTIFUL

An attempt to be optimistic in a world that doesn't expect the smile on your face. Carole sing's "You're beautiful as you feel" with conviction. Great words of
encouragement but one of the weaker melodies on the album.

6. WAY OVER YONDER

Back to gospel roots, you can almost imagine this song being sung by a black choir in the church of your choice. Great emotions more forth from Carole and Curtis Amy on a soulful tenor sax solo. You can tell Carole really feels this one. "Way over yonder, that's where I'm bound" is sung with optimism.

7. YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND

My personal favorite on the album, what better way could there be to express the beauty of a great friendship? When the world seems to be against you, it's nice to know you have a friend who'll be there winter, spring, summer or fall. Just call out your friend's name and he'll or she'll be there. We who have such friends are lucky indeed and we're all lucky to have Carole King reminding us of this blessing.

8. WHERE YOU LEAD

A followup to "You've Got a Friend", this song is sung more to a lover and is slightly out of the character of much of the album. It's a little like "Stand by Your Man" in its message. Not my favorite on the CD but it does have a catchy melody.

9. WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW?

The eternal question, will you respect me in the morning, sung in a simple, but beautiful folk style with James Taylor one of the backup voices. Only time ever answers this question of whether love will last after the passion dies down. Exellent melody.

10. SMACKWATER JACK

"You can't talk to a man with a shotgun in his hand." The most humorous song on the album, it's a little in the vein of Rocky Raccoon and some of Jim Croce's later work. Blues and jazz licks are played throughout and the backup voices are R & B.

11. TAPESTRY

My co-favorite on the album after I listen again. Very classical influences although it is pure folk. Definitely beautiful poetry from the opening lyric, the song also has mystic qualities.

"My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue
An everlasting vision of the ever changing view."

How many popular songs have ever been more beautifully written. Emotions swell and ebb as her tapestry unravels.

12. (YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE) A NATURAL WOMAN

Another absolute classic that speaks of the type of love we all wish for and are lucky to find. King is accompanied only by Larkey's bass. Again, it is obvious that Carole strongly feels the music and words she sings here.

13. OUT IN THE COLD (previously unreleased)

A jazz oriented song of a lamented loss love, I'm not sure why this wasn't on the original album because it is certainly appealing. The song warns against looking
elsewhere when you have a good thing going or you might get left out in the cold.

14. SMACKWATER JACK (LIVE)

Not too much is added to this rendition besides a little audience participation and a little more piano solo. Doesn't add much to the CD.

Well, I've enjoyed going over this Oldie with you. Carole King wrote and performed more great music but seldom has there been such a tremendous debut album. Thank you, Carole, and you, too, have a friend.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Romancing