The Songs of James Taylor

Listen Up: Seminars on Music is a weekly gathering of music lovers every Wednesday morning, hosted by AZMF’s Resident Artist, Josh Condon.  Each session combines music history, analysis, active listening, and discussion, designed to enhance your listening experience and overall music appreciation.  Listen Up covers all genres, emphasizing our common humanity across all musical styles!  Coffee and refreshments provided.

With his warm voice, intimate lyrics, and effortless guitar work, James Taylor has been a comforting musical presence for over five decades. In this seminar, we’ll dive into the storytelling and songwriting craft of Taylor’s most beloved songs—from Fire and Rain to Carolina in My Mind. What makes his music feel so personal yet so universal? We’ll explore themes of love, loss, resilience, and home, while reflecting on the emotional resonance that continues to draw listeners in. Bring your favorite James Taylor song—and the story it tells you.