Anne Haley, Happenings - American Folk Music at its Finest!

March 08, 2006 - It will be a homecoming of sorts when Livingston Taylor steps into the Town of Oriental. Or, perhaps it may be closer to a step back in time for Taylor.

And, perhaps it may be a reunion of sorts.

In years gone by, the Taylor family spent time at the Pretlow Winborne home, which was located on the Oriental waterfront. Taylor's parents, Isaac and Trudy, both were quite the sailing enthusiasts. His brother, James, often used to walk the streets in Oriental, guitar slung over bare chest.

Taylor grew up in the Chapel Hill area His father was the dean of UNC School of Medicine. When he was 16, he moved to Boston to finish up high school. It was here that he began playing the multitude of coffee shops, learning and honing his craft.

And he learned and honed well.

Currently he is an artist-in-residence at Harvard University and a stage-performance professor at Berklee College of Music. In other words, he teaches students what he does and causes them to inject their own flair and identity.

And, this comes from a guy who admits he "barely" finished high school in Boston.

He has played with the best during his career: Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull and others.

And then look at those on his newest CD, released in January: Carly Simon, Andrae Crouch with the New Day Jubilee Choir, Pam Tillis, Vince Gill, siblings James and Kate Taylor, and Take Six.

And it may come as a surprise as to who has played with Livingston Taylor - Anne Haley, a musician now living in Pamlico County. Haley performed with Taylor in the late 80s. Actually, it didn't surprise Haley that Taylor became a professor because during their time together, she learned a tremendous amount from him.

"Oddly, it did not shock me while we were talking backstage at his performance in Wilson, and he said he had decided to take a position teaching performance techniques at Berklee College. It made me smile inside because I kind of like to feel that I was one of his first 'students,'" she said.

Taylor will be doing some of his old standard tunes, perhaps, "I Will Be in Love with You" and "I'll Come Running."

But he will be promoting his newest CD (his 14th) titled, "There you Are Again."

In a Monday phone interview, he was asked if the Oriental audience would be treated to selections from the CD.

"Well, I don't think there's any chance of avoiding that," he chuckled.

The CD begins with a duet with Carly Simon, brother James' ex-wife, and Taylor.

Further in the CD, "Step By Step" has humor surrounded by a gospel sound. This song showcases Andrae Crouch and the New Day Jubilee Choir and the vocals are outstanding. And although the 45-member choir won't make the Old Theater performance, Taylor should be able to handle the vocals on his own. "I'll have them there in spirit," he said.

Taylor said he was happy to be able to bring gospel to an area that appreciates it. "The gospel hit is something that I take from my upbringing in North Carolina. They don't understand it so much up here," he laughed.

Taylor is almost giddy at the thought of returning to this area. "I can't wait to get back to North Carolina this time of year," he said, "I haven't been to Oriental in many, many years but my gosh I just can't wait to get back to the coast."

Taylor's shows are on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are on sale at Croakertown in Oriental or are available by sending an email to tickets@pamlicosounds.com.

Taylor says, "I'm going to have a wonderful time and I sure hope people enjoy themselves."

But perhaps Haley sums it up best, "You don't want to miss this show. You will laugh, you'll cry. You'll feel every emotion possible. I am so proud to know that Liv has taken time in his busy schedule to visit us in Oriental!"