Bob Bennett: "When JT Plays and Sings" (For/About James Taylor)

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Earlier this year, when Covid-19 was still somewhat new to all of us, James Taylor began posting some of his songs with a hashtag (borrowed from his friend Yo Yo Ma): #songsofcomfort. Shortly thereafter, musicians around the world began in earnest posting their own versions of JT songs. That eventually led to the hashtag: #JTFanCover.
Now it’s not that I don’t know how to follow instructions but my “inner-songwriter-challenge” instincts sort of got the better of me here. Please know that I understand full well that it’s a tricky thing to write a tribute song. It could seem kind of “uber-fan creepy” and the potential to do it poorly looms pretty large. I did my best here. I’m no sonic genius, so it’s one budget condenser mic plugged into a long-in-the-tooth iMac with no effects or edits. I hope you like it and that your review is not, “Well, there’s two-and-a-half precious minutes of my life that I’ll never get back!”
Bob Bennett
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Costa Mesa, CA
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WHEN JT PLAYS AND SINGS
W/M: Bob Bennett
© 2020 Bright Avenue Songs (ASCAP)
His voice upon the melody
Hands upon the strings
Troubles can’t survive for long
When JT plays and sings
From the days of ancient vinyl
To these days of instant streams
Singing joys and sorrows
Giving language to our dreams
Seen and heard by millions
A lifelong friend unmet
Joining notes and chords
To letters of the alphabet
His voice upon the melody
Hands upon the strings
Troubles run away to hide
When JT plays and sings
The soundtrack to our days
Songs to see us through
The ups and downs of all that we
Have done and may yet do
Sometimes in our humanity
Our hearts are stubborn things
But how the sad gives way to glad
When JT plays and sings!
His voice upon the melody
Hands upon the strings
Troubles they have met their match
When JT plays and sings
Country road, fire and rain
Carolina in mind again
His stories sung, widely known,
Remind us we’ve got stories of our own
His voice upon the melody
Hands upon the strings
Troubles shared, love declared
When JT plays and sings
His voice upon the melody
Hands upon the strings
These troubled times are not so bad
When JT plays and sings
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Thanks so much for your interest.

[@jimchumley2982]

You are my personal favorite Bob Love you and your music. Through the years you have both inspired and comforted me. The song I like the most is Come And See. Can you imagine brother someone telling you hey Bob I have someone I want you to see and meet? After hearing that song the other day for the hundredth time my mind starting thinking about that song. I wonder what Jesus voice sounded like? I wonder what it was like to look into the eyes of God in the flesh? I wonder what is was like to hear him talk about the kingdom of God. I wonder what it was like to get a physical hug from God. Or to hear him just call me by my name? I'm sure you can go on with this thought. What a mighty Savior and friend this Jesus is. Unlike no other. Awesome Savior and Lord. SHALOM my brother!

[@donwittbrodt-donsprojects7507]

So Bob:... I have been listening to and been challenged and inspired by your music since 1980. Trying to learn how you play this stuff so cleanly on acoustic. I always tell people that you and James Taylor taught me how to play for the last 40+ years. Having listened to both of you artists for decades, now, and striving to learn all the nuances of your playing, I will have to say you are a Master of fingerstyle guitar AND songwriting. I even debated the issue of who is the better player (you or James), today. No disrespect to either of you because both of you are my favorite musicians and guitar teachers. Today, I decided you have the edge on James as far as technique and difficulty. Don't get me wrong, James is amazing and I probably know more of his songs than yours ,(working on that, though)... But after listening to how much is going on in your music, (especially in concert), you have a bit more going on. Many times, it sounds like two guitar players. For someone who is not a pro player but aspires to play much better, I have to say every Bob Bennett song is a clinic in guitar mastery. Thank you for sharing your JT song. Please keep up the amazing work. I just shared "A Song about Baseball" with a co-worker who loves baseball (as I do). That song still makes me tear up after the 1000 times I have listened to it. My son is 30 years old and I hope I was the Dad your song spoke about while I was teaching him baseball 25 years ago. Thank you, always, Bob.

[@drrobinf.a.2942]

What a wonderful tribute. I've been reliving my glory days by listening to Matters of the Heart and Songs from Bright Avenue lately. In particular, I enjoy "Singing for My Life" although I sing it about congregational singing as a lifelong churchgoer: "I've held onto these pews of wood" for example (& changing language from "man" to "woman," also). Thank you for your music and ministry, Mr. Bennett. You have the heart of both a singer and a poet.

[@BobBennettMusic]

Thank you for such an encouraging comment. I had so much fun writing and recording this song. A couple years ago now, James Taylor's social media team actually shared a link to this on his official Instagram account. No evidence that I'm aware that he might've actually heard it, but that's my fondest hope. Again, thank you so much for listening all these years. With appreciation, Bob. (Costa Mesa, CA)

[@judymeyer7228]

Hi Brother, I remember you from Calvary Chapel Downey back in the late 70s & early 80s. I also went to Warren High and I believe you went there with my brother. Anyway I bought your first album back then and I would cry and cry over the beauty of the Lord and the beauty and anointing of your music. Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift. I love you brother and may the Lord continue to bless you as you bless others.

[@BobBennettMusic]

Judy, thank you so very much for your very kind comment and encouragement. Ah, Downey ... my hometown! I appreciate your listening all these years. God bless you ... Bob.

[@douglasdesmarais2798]

As is the case with all Bob Bennett songs, this one is a gem. Here's hoping it is included in the next Bob Bennett album!

[@davidsevenbros3065]

A lovely tribute to one of the best by one of the best. Your music has touched me through the years and continues to. God bless you my brother and guitar hero.

[@clarkcope]

You nailed it with this one! Funny thing is, you and JT have perfectly matched the musical soundtrack of my life for many, many years. Simply put, this good life would not have sounded the same without you or him. God's blessings to both of you!

[@BobBennettMusic]

Thank you so very much Skip. I had a really fun time doing this. And I was delighted to find, somewhat after the fact, that someone on his social media team posted this video to Instagram. That doesn’t mean JT himself heard it, but the possibility always makes me happy.

[@jodyfeatherstone4420]

Excellent Bob Bennett!! Excellent!! 👏

[@BobBennettMusic]

Thanks Jody!

[@NicolaasMulder]

An incredible tribute to James Taylor by one of my favourite singer-songwriters - Bob Bennett ❤️🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎤🎸 “His voice upon the melody Hands upon the strings These troubled times are not so bad When BB plays and sings...” Thanks Bob - love from 🇿🇦

[@BobBennettMusic]

Nicolass, thank you for such a kind reaction.

[@colingeorgeh]

I love his voice and I love your’s too. God bless you.

[@BobBennettMusic]

Thank you Colin.

[@gfotinakes316]

Hello Bob, this is George formally from All Saints...you certainly have not lost your touch over all these years. It's really great to know you are still creating beautiful art for us to enjoy.

[@craig5pts]

Been listening and enjoying your music along the same timeline (mid-70s) as Mr. Taylor's. This is such a spot on tune. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@BobBennettMusic]

Thanks for listening all these years!

[@Jesman73]

JT has to hear this! It is an amazing tribute to one of your musical heroes.

[@BobBennettMusic]

I've submitted a link to his website ... but I imagine his staff is besieged with this stuff. And, of course, it's not strictly a "cover" ... although I hope the sentiments in the my lyrics will capture some of the goodwill and blessing that his songs portray so very well. Here's hoping ...

[@crystalpalace4641]

Happy New Year to you Bob. Peace and Blessings!

[@jimcole4692]

Killer song Bob!!! Jano from Green Bay forwarded this to me. As always just great! And you sound as great as ever!

[@davidbunker6150]

A song by and about 2 of my fav artists. Loved it Bob. Uncle Bunkie.

[@BobBennettMusic]

David! Great to hear from you. Glad you like the tune. Had fun writing it. Love to you and Kathy from the Left Coast. Your pal, Bob.

[@williamharwood9076]

You have such a way with words! I've grown up/old listening to and loving JT's music, so I heartily give your song a 'thumbs up!' I hope he hears it.

[@BobBennettMusic]

That’s my hope William. But whatever may happen, it was fun to write and sing a modest tribute to a musical hero.

[@blairerwin2496]

Love this tribute. JT has long been a top favorite of mine. Thanks, Bob

[@BobBennettMusic]

Blair Erwin: Thank you Blair. I recognize your name from past communications! Thanks for listening and checking in.

[@brendaraasch1800]

Beautiful and easy to listen to! What a wonderful way to express your/our appreciation for JT with your special gifts. Thank You.

[@BobBennettMusic]

Brenda Raasch: Thank you so much Brenda. I appreciate your “stopping by” to listen.

[@originalmamagrizzly2478]

❤️❤️❤️

[@rampr9272]

That was a really kind song. The melody carries the cheerful, grateful tone of the lyrics. Thank you!

[@BobBennettMusic]

And thank you for your kind encouragement. I dearly love my job and artists like James Taylor have showed me, by example, how it's done. It's said that bank tellers learn to spot counterfeit money, not by handling the fake stuff, but by handling real currency constantly to instinctively know the difference. James Taylor has been letting me "handle the real currency" for the past fifty years of my listening. "Grateful" is the right adjective and I'm so happy that's what you heard in my song. Take care, Bob.

[@Ellen6122]

ENCORE!!!

[@BobBennettMusic]

Tom & Ellen Doer: Thank you!