45. James Taylor / Fire & Rain

[@JonBotIRL]

In the summer of 1988, you were with James Taylor doing a concert in Portland, Maine. I was bummed I couldn’t go to the concert because I was working at the 24-hour LL Bean store up the road in Freeport. The store was abuzz later that night when JT was rumored to be shopping. I didn’t see him because I was at my register on the second floor, but you happened to come to my register and I sold you some LLBean boots. No one knew who you were, but I did. Some joked that I just sold boots to Santa Claus, and I said “No, just the coolest bass player in music right now.” I never did see JT that night, but I didn’t care. It was a great pleasure to meet you.

[@michaelhuggins9947]

What a GREAT personal story!!

[@roylivingston9085]

James taylor...fire and rain BBC video...just him and his guitar...my favorite you tube video...there's nothing better.

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

This popped up for me today. (1/26/2023) Wow, way back with #45 (no, not that one!). Great video, great song, great stories. Loved watching you play. I was in high school when this came out. Loved it then, love it now. Thank you so much for sharing. It brightens my day.

[@MrCaprock7]

Mr. Sklar, you and I were at a car rental counter in Nashville back in the 80’s I think. I caught up with you just before you walked into an elevator. Just a quick word then to say that I loved your work. Well the same today as then, I love your work. Thanks for sharing your talent with us over the years and now providing us with a more personal way to share with us.

[@vstrings]

"There's gonna be somebody in that audience that's hearing this for the first time, and that's whom ultimately I am playing to." Life lesson! Thank you for this ❤♫

[@MrDanHatton]

You must be the most famous man on KZbin at the minute - love the rate of video uploads ! 🤘😊

[@TheChrist117]

Fire & Rain; surely one of the finest popular songs ever written. Timeless.

[@dr.zarkhov9753]

I agree. Now that I've lived long enough to know that fire and rain in a more tangible way, it means that much more. Brings me to tears sometimes.

[@mschorer]

You don‘t need a green screen Lee. We love your room as it is. It is genuine and could be any of our rooms as well ;-)

[@susancoffey9632]

You recognized brilliance when you saw it and James recognized brilliance when he saw it. You two were perfect together! Then you added a few more brilliant musicians and the rest is history!

[@anticop76]

You have become one of the best people to watch on youtube. thank you so much for the music, the talking, just you.

[@PGeorge61]

Fire and Rain. Just beautiful! Thank you. My 15y/o son has taken up the bass, and I have saturated his brain with music from the good old days, and teaching him as much as I can. He asked me today "Who's that," while watching this vid. "Well," I said...this is a legend." Telling him of your path. Then I pulled up your wiki page...scrolled down to your discography, and showed him how many songs, albums, and movies you've been on. "Wow!" "Yes son, wow!" And now another fan that will be watching these great vids. Thank you!

[@lelandsklar6363]

Give him my best wishes! All the very best.....

[@PGeorge61]

@@lelandsklar6363 Thank you! And to you as well.

[@Pelza20]

I like the pile of stuff behind you, it feels real and not stage set. It's Leland Sklar sittin' down telling us stories and brightens up my days.

[@geopro9390]

Elo Mr Skylar. I came across your name via a Rick Beato video. All I can say is thank you so bloody much, listening to you play, and your stories is perfect for these days spent in isolation!! I shall be going on a bit of a binge on your content and can’t wait to watch. Hope you and your family keep safe and well. All the best.

[@rockhardagain]

Growing up in Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, one of my best friends was a boy named Scott Moore. As I began playing more music, I would talk with Scott and his father Ron about my favorite musicians of inspiration. Anyways, one day Ron Moore told me that he is your accountant. Small world. Ron was a very good man to me as I grew up. I consider you the secret ingredient if an artist wants a catchy hit song. From Jackson Brown to JT, Phil, and many others, it is your bass line which caught my attention as standing out and being more than ordinary, pushing the song along, and never taking away from the song. I have played now for 32 years, I can't believe it. I am not a gifted musician, I am a practiced musician who pulls out licks from my bag of tricks. Thank you for taking the time during this awful moment in human history to share yourself with those who appreciate it. I moved to Mexico (Cabo), and gig more often than I ever imagined I would, especially down here, supplementing my life with my bass playing. I am excited to reaporoach songs I have played for years, but with a greater insight to your approach. I am eager to watch you play some Toto stuff. Somebody's Baby (JB) is also one I would like to see you play. Take care of yourself and your family.

[@TC-ef9dh]

Lee, my wife is a nurse and we've been watching your videos on our TV when we have some chill time. (We appreciate the shout outs too). She saw me watching this one while she was getting ready for work and stopped me!..."no no wait till I can watch too!" Huh! You're one of the few things we both like to watch on TV!

[@terrygould3965]

Leland your videos are giving my SVS subwoofer a real workout. I want to thank you so much for these videos and your career. Back in the day I went to junior high and high school with Jeff Porcaro. He graduated from grant high school early so he could start working on the Sonny and Cher TV show. I followed his career which ended so tragically. A few years ago when I was still burning compilation CD I made a 10 cd compilation of all the music Jeff had played on. There were times that I wish I could have been Jeff or lived his life. I have to say after watching your videos that I wish I could’ve lived your life. At a minimum I now need to do what I think will be a huge compilation of music that you played on. I knew of you from all those Toto concert videos you played on. With all your KZbin videos it has been great to get to know you. I am 65 now and just retired and this is really not the world that I expected to retire in. However if there are more people like you in this world then there is hope. Take care Leland and keep the music alive.

[@lelandsklar6363]

Did tons of records with Jeff. He was such a dear friend. Losing him was one of the worst things in my life.

[@bensimpson2419]

Hay Lee I am 46 and just picked up the bass a little over a year ago and fell in love. If your yard if your yard is your way of staying sane then the bass is mine. I stumbled across your videos the other day and found a kindred spirit. Keep it up. I love the stories and the truly masterful music.

[@chrisquinn6695]

Highlight of my day and lockdown, thank you sir.

[@robertleitch7528]

It's awesome how you can play along with the songs of James Taylor. You're a good musician and have to be to perform with James Taylor and even Toto.

[@andrewhobbs6962]

Rick sent me here! And thanks are in order!

[@mikekavanaughdotcom]

I became a huge fan back around 1970 when you were working with James Taylor. Never imagined sitting listening to you chat and play 50 years later...

[@steveL..]

Thank you Mr. Sklar for your music, stories , and giving us a glimpse into the life of an icon.

[@ebikes2xs]

James Taylor and Paul Simon best acoustic players ever. Writing and playing skills of equal value.

[@michaelmahoney3806]

Hi Lee, I watched this video 4 years ago and wanted to revisit the story which, like a fine novel, just gets better over time as you are able to notice "stuff" you perhaps didn't the first time around. Thanks for taking the time in putting this to video, and thanks for creating such warm memories (OK JT as well) for so many of us.

[@rbk7876]

No need for green screen, just being yourself in your own abode is the way to be, thank you for all you share and do 👍

[@melissaward6311]

You are a real treasure,sir. Ty for everything you do and give to us.

[@Garraliposker]

Please don't pull no green screen or whatever behind you,... your videos look and feel so homey and cozy, it seems like Iistening/talking to a good old friend , who calls you from far away by Skype.Thank you, mr Sklar, we love you!

[@acimbobby]

we love the spare room. You made what could have been a boring bass line into something majestic. Your basslines are alive in a right of their own. And I am clap clap clapping in my spare room. You've got a friend ... its called the A.I. algorithm copyright Agent

[@mkrpa2741]

Sitting here watching such a master at work is so amazing, after seeing you with Jackson Brown, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt back in the 70's. Thank you so much for doing this!

[@monkeymanyoung6153]

I, We love you just the way and place that you are playing and sharing your life with us. THANKS.

[@JohnNealTV]

Thanks for bringing a beautiful daily shaft of light to my little village in England. You're not just an inspirational bassist but a truly inspiration person.

[@christianstrodt1302]

Mr. Sklar, thanks for sharing your stories with us.. looking forward to it every day! Take Care!

[@bartonone2005]

Hello, Lee Sklar!! This song always brings tears, and your bass part, played live here, did it again. JT's cello gave him an advantage on the fingered bass as he fingerprinted guitar. I can understand why it sent you scrambling. The tension you created in the third verse and the outro is exquisite!! So beautiful, especially when it resolves. Chuck in Northern New England

[@jamesgibbons313]

Simply one of the best songs on the planet. Loved watching you playing it. Thanks again.

[@CARDINAL701]

Yes...by all means DON"T STOP making these videos!!!! You are a gem!

[@nonomiconone9124]

I love you, Leland. Your bass lines changed my brain in the '70s and set me on the path to be a composer and multi-instrumentalist. Your posts are my treasure. Damn, I'd love to jam with you. Maybe there's a universe where that happens. I'd love to tune in to that show.

[@subjunctives]

So good! That's what it sounds like when a bass player writes a bass line instead of just playing along. Adds a hook and propels the song to be better.

[@lornestein7248]

..and another classic from the legend himself! Who doesn't LOVE this song?

[@RobHoughton]

Mr. Sklar - quintessential flattened bass-pinky, BTW! Love your daily messages. Re: Horowitz - when I was at a crossroads of career choice I was headed toward sports and then I thought, "what can I do until I'm 90 years old?" and Vladimir Horowitz and Arthur Rubinstein popped into my mind - done deal! Thanks for your insights!

[@ElfGreatTree]

Oh where do I begin? First: Thanks for the video(s), Lee! I guess a good place to point something out, is that for you younger musicians: note how that he really was not going at some break-neck pace. Its harder to play slower than it is faster. This is a master musician very plainly and matter of factly schoolin' all of us @ once. It felt like he was whipping out one method/skill/ability after another as he went along, just smacking down that groove - with a snappy little run up the neck at the end, too. I would love to hear a tune or two from the Wolfgang band, if the mood strikes you, Lee. I think my favorite Dingwall is that nice all wood body, its too damn pretty to play....almost. Instruments are meant to be played and *not* collect dust (Another thing I was taught in Memphis).

[@Zach-Rosicka]

I must say I have never found a cooler channel on KZbin! I’m so honored to hear your beautifully shared stories and it’s just brilliant🙏 This is so valuable in what it brings to our soul to hear this first hand from you and your humility and gratitude for your friendship with James and sharing what it been for your life, a blessing💙🙏🌅 God bless you and just a gorgeous player and tones, my friend.

[@jana.2275]

🙏 thank you very much Lee for doing this every day! Take care and stay confident.

[@KirkDHansen]

So grateful for you Lee. So grateful that you are sharing these experiences.

[@user-pe2mx2cs5y]

Mr. Sklar. If this message finds I have some things I'd like to say to you concerning your music. I grew up listening to James Taylor and cut my Bass guitar teeth on your work with him. I have many, many influences on my playing that range widely from Billy Sheehan to John Entwhistle to Will Lee. But you were and are the closest model to my style. While my health issues have taken a toll on my hands I still try to play from time to time. I know I'm blowing a lot of sunshine here but this is my opportunity to offer my thanks for your inadvertent tutelage and just plain old great music over the course of my 54 year old life.

[@morgana2816]

Greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark - me and my boyfriend are happy to have your lovely presence with us here in our livingroom! We feel like we have known you always after only a little more than a week! More stories about Led Zeppelin are most welcome - I´m a long term fan (and lover of blues and stuff mostly from before the 80íes , and also classical music in various forms:) ) and my boyfriend is a former guitarist. I work as nurse doing yoga and meditation on the side. Stay safe and on

[@ryan-shore]

Absolutely love these videos, hearing you play, and hearing you talk about your experiences creating music! Thank you Leland!!

[@guyonkeys]

Leland, You are my bedtime storyteller here in the UK. I look forward to hearing you every night. You are a truly remarkable musician.

[@michaelcato9255]

Absolutely my favorite James Taylor song. It really brings back memories of traveling across country on my motorcycle to get to California from NC. I had it on cassette on a tiny little Sony Walkman player with an ear phone.

[@michaellowe17]

For Christmas in 1970 this eleven year old finally got my own stereo. It was a blue, hard plastic, suitcase affair, a GE Wildcat. I had started fooling around on both drums and bass in late 1968, early 1969. I was a music geek already thanks to my guitarist older brother, and my even older sister. (My oldest brother was in Viet Nam.) The new stereo came with two albums, McCartney, and Sweet Baby James, by James Taylor. The stereo didn't have a headphone jack, so I'd have to turn the volume really low. I would put both albums on the turntable and hit play... Those two albums were like a lullaby that I'd fall asleep to every night. As such, I was very familiar with the drum and bass magic of you and Russ. Your playing was a huge influence before I even knew your name. I had gotten to see you play live many times over the years with many different artists in cities up and down the east coast. In 2010 the James Taylor & Carole King "Troubadour Tour came to Pittsburgh. It was the final show at the Civic Arena (Mellon Arena due to naming rights...) I had seen many artists over the year there, but I somehow knew this would be something special. But I was really excited when you and Russ came onto the stage. It truly was a magic night. In 2019 I attended a Russ Kunkle drum clinic in Harrisburg, and got to meet him in person for a minute. More importantly, one of the songs that he played along to was "Fire and rain", one of the songs that started my love affair with his and your playing. Watching you play this today brought all of these memories to the surface. Thank you again for your artistry and inspiration.

[@davidfern6259]

The first time I ever heard of You Mr Sklar was when I bought James Taylor’s album at 15 years old because of this song. It was one of the first times that I ever tried to figure out who the other people on the record were other than the title person. The reason I did that was because I fell in love with the bass line. So I went out and bought a Fender bass, quit playing trumpet in the school band, and met a whole bunch of people by playing in bands who are still my friends today. Thank you Lee

[@jim5346]

For me there is one particular song that Leland shines and it's "Only Love is Real" by Carole King....The song itself in tempo and sound is perfectly written and connected. I wish Leland would do the same as he did in this post, and enamor us with his brilliance.

[@looklooklearn5531]

Best share yet. Thank you for the stories, the tunes, and the stories behind those tunes. Loved hearing your bass do the talking on stage over the years, and now loving hearing your voice doin’ the talking. A very sincere thank you for being who you are.

[@gregmackinnon3663]

Thank you Lee, this has deepened my appreciation of a song I've always loved. Keep well sir.

[@dckmusic]

There are many of us that are transfixed with your playing as well. Reminds me a lot of seeing BB King about 25 years ago. Just amazing to soak it all in as he did his thing. That is the same to me as watching you now.

[@GudmundurKristjansson]

yeah that's right about BB I also remember and that was way before I got me a real guitar, how BB also played with is belly! and used it as a WaWa effect! when he bent the body of his 335

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I heard a story about Horowitz when he was 92. He suffered from arthroses in his hands and they were stiff when he woke up in the morning. He would go to his piano and start playing. He sounded like a 3 year old pounding away, gradually he gained some mobility and several hours later he could play his solfeges. And he always gave his concerts in the evening. And he'd start again the next day.

[@davidesardo1481]

Thank you so much for these moments of beauty and sanity in these deranged times, and thanks for being so honest and real. Your videos don't feel like a music legend talking to a camera, they feel like being on skype with a very loquacious friend! And that bass... Well, I've heard it in countless recordings of yours, but listening to it in this naked form is unreal, it truly is a dream bass, it sounds perfect and now I see clearly why it is such a studio legend in itself ;)

[@joefaz1818]

I say Lee Sklar for president!!! Thank you Lee, don't stop!!!!

[@swylie001dronegeek]

Great performace my friend ! thanks for the shout out to ! LOL love you brother

[@DavidWootenJr]

I love listening to you share your memories and sharing your talent with the world. I'm a fellow bassist and enjoy watching and hearing you play. Keep the music alive and continue sharing with the world.

[@Bobbygear]

Thanks Leland for pulling us trough with your music and your stories and what an amazing bass that Frankenstein is. Greetings from the Netherlands, take care and stay safe.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

This man is as real as anyone could hoped to be!

[@janiewest9305]

I bet James Taylor is grateful to you as well.......:)

[@mikenash4216]

What an awesome bass sound!

[@ZeeCeeRider]

Love the way you are just as deeply absorbed within the more technically simple stuff as you are with the more physically difficult pieces. It's a real lesson for me that seems to have a lot to do with how to play music! Thank you.

[@PaperbackWriter92]

oh wow, Mr. Sklar. What a pleasure it is to click on your youtube video. Believe it or not I'm 30 years old and have seen James Taylor 5 times. The first two times was when the original band from the Troubadour got back together for the James Taylor/Carole King tour. I was a high school student and went to both June 2010 shows with my mom at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia but had heard "Fire and Rain" before that. According to my mom I've liked James since I was around 3 or 4, drove her kind of nuts.

[@mathumphreys]

Beautiful sound. I love that bass.

[@NesconProductions]

Thanks Leland for being a good friend to us all in these times of 'Fire & Rain' best wishes..

[@ajsteven]

Lee, you are LA-area salt of the earth with respect to who, what, when... I personally think you would knock it out of the park if you interviewed Kootch, James, Jackson, and anyone else you recorded with.....you have camera presence and a journalist’s discipline....😎

[@BillTscherno]

Fire & Rain ....... such a beautiful song, ..... seldom I can hold my tears back. And btw., there is no "green screen" necessary, I like this background. It's a kind of "home-feeling".^^

[@carolwunsch4546]

I love that chaotic room! Don’t change anything ☺️. Lovely to hear that bass line “highlighted” after hearing it interwoven all these years. How generous you are! Thank you.❤️

[@Bowhunterwt]

Thank you for these stories of your career, may the future be as colorful as these are. Peace.

[@WarwickJaensch]

This was fantastic! I really look forward to my 'daily dose of Lee', he is such a bright light in these dark and gloomy times.

[@ShootingStars808]

Your enjoyment of this song, in this moment, is wonderful. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 🌴 📸

[@alejandroruiz3475]

"to break up the monotony of me?" mr. Lee, you are the reason we watch your videos, the legends like you don't need any background to loose focus. Believe me, and I think I speak for everyone who follow you here, we're more than happy to hear you and to learn from you. Regards and respect!

[@TimEdeyMusic]

this is so awesome Leland hearing you talking about the times and songs, ah man its ... beautiful

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

You are too much Lee. This is by far my high light everyday to see “What is Lee up to today” let me go into his “World” and see what for stories are being told today. Absolutely amazing Lee. What better place to be then in “Lee’s Music Lounge 🎸” 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻 Thank you also to all the heros making our life a bit better.

[@Luiscruzmusicando]

Great videos. Congratulations from Portugal. Great bass player, fantastic stories. Thank you.

[@kennonmoen4424]

You mentioned playing with B. B. King and how star struck you felt being in the same room with him-I think a lot of us, I know I do, have a similar feeling every time you come into our home with a story and song to share with us. Thank you for being so generous with your time and talent. Stay home...stay safe...save lives!

[@conductorsearle]

There's such an art to playing simple songs like this and knowing when to "ground" it and when to "embroider" it. You just gave a mini master class in these things.

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

If I may chime in, my favorite players (young and older) are those who can "embroider", but always know how and when to "ground" it. Very well said David.

[@robertkerr9738]

So good. I love to watch you transform from telling the story with your mouth to telling the story through your fingers and your bass. You are in the song in such a way that you are bearing your soul. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

As a player, I totally understand not getting bored playing the same songs a lot. Even on the most middle of the road covers I play, I enjoy the audience enjoying the music. And you being onstage with J.T. , I can't imagine that being anything less than exhilarating.

[@vincentcuevas]

The passion you put in every note you play inspire me!!!

[@johncrossley-hall9366]

Just subscribed to your channel because Rick Beato thinks so highly of you. Looking forward to your pearls of wisdom, knowledge and history.

[@brachialmusiker]

Absolutely fantastic such interresting stories which would have not been told for a big audience. Thanks for that !

[@ianrossmusic]

Worth mentioning again... that bass is outrageously, unbelievably good sounding. I don't know if you add any bump from 250-500 on your amp or if it just speaks phenomenally well in that region... man, just unreal. And it helps that you are playing it! I agree with you; playing songs and supporting them while adding, as you've said, as little as possible to contribute... that never gets old. Especially not a song this incredible and iconic.

[@dougwatt6303]

YOU are a legend! Thank you for sharing. Cheers from Alberta Canada!

[@MrGavinspoppop]

sweet ! This is soooooo good of you to let us into your life .... be safe ... peace ! p.s. I have been blessed to be a chapter coordinator for Guitars For Vets .. in Viera Fl ... our goal is to end veteran suicide .. pass it on brother !

[@steelydrwu]

Bless you Leland Sklar.

[@rogerferron3595]

If you knew how many times that song has pulled me through.Now it's Skin in the Game. Thankyou

[@Heymusicluvah]

Keep singing and talking to us Lee!

[@apfeltorte99]

Very touching 😌 The beauty of this song never fades away over time.... Thank you for being a part of it!

[@gwheat63]

I just want to say that although I have different political views than you, I have been greatly influenced by your playing, and you seem like one of the most kindest and down to earth! I am learning Something happen in the way to Heaven - WOW what a bass line!

[@RichardT2112]

The master himself. Please keep doing this .i work in healthcare and this is so cathartic!

[@guitarxc1]

Thank you !!! Pleased to hear your stories ! Go on and stay safe ! Hugs from Milano Italy ! Ciao Leland !

[@JosephFrancisBurton]

“There is always somebody in the audience hearing the song for the first time.” - That describes me hearing Fire and Rain for the first time with this video. Thank you for the beautiful song and your gorgeous playing.

[@kitano0]

Just curious...how old are you?

[@helenespaulding9372]

kitano0 my thought too. It’s such a classic beautiful song.....

[@helenespaulding9372]

Joseph Francis Burton you should look up the full album and listen to it. Taylor and Jackson Browne had the most beautiful singing voices.

[@lelandsklar6363]

kitano0 73 next month! 🎂

[@kitano0]

@@lelandsklar6363 Not you, silly man...I was asking Joseph Burton. But, happy birthday...and thanks for these fun videos...been listening to you all my life, and such a pleasure to get to hang with you!

[@jimw6659]

Beautiful playing and sound. Perfect for the track.

[@johnkenna2195]

I think I had read that James Taylor had spent some time hanging with Jim Croce in the very early years in his back yard when Croce lived down the street from where I now live. Croce wrote the majority of his hits there. The small out house with the cathedral window that Croce was looking out of on his “You don’t Mess around with Jim” album still stands there. It was a farm house apartment he lived in during the late 60s, early 70s in Lyndell, Pa. Cheech Marin & Argo Guthrie hung out there a lot with him. He wrote time in a bottle there.

[@lelandsklar6363]

Cheech and I were art students in college together. I remember him telling me that he and a friend were going to try out a comedy act. OY!

[@johnkenna2195]

Leland Sklar - Very cool ! Caught their show in 1972 at the Valley Forge Music theater which no longer exists. Tore it down for a shopping center. I’m Still pissed about that. Who can forget “ Mother Mary Elephant” 😂

[@rockandrollfish]

Hello Lee, I’m working on the frontline at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN. I’ve been watching your video clips during my lunch break to de-stress 😁. Thank you for taking the time to do these and share your stories. It feels like having a conversation with a friend.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Amen to that Lee...the person getting to see/hear for the first time, songs they've always loved or wanted to see/hear performed...have always admired you and your playing...learned a lot from watching you. I've been a semi pro bassist doing local tours etc in the central CA area and N. Nevada over the last 40 or so years. Be safe my brother in bass!!! :)

[@pfontaine23]

I'd love to know what bass players and musicians you admire and whether there's someone you'd love to play with that you haven't had the chance to do. I appreciate the videos you produce so much as they provide lots of glimpses into a life a lot of us only dream about! Thank you very much!