Faithful to original album producer Lou Adler’s vision of making King (and not just any pianist player) appear seated and playing in front of listeners, this SACD delivers utmost transparency, balance, warmth, intimacy, and perhaps most importantly, feeling. Mastered by engineer Shawn R. Britton (assisted by Rob LoVerde), this collectible version has sound that mirrors what went down in the A&M Studios. Lean, simple, direct, and nakedly real, it gives what Rolling Stone deems the 36th Greatest Album of All Time the due it deserves.
King’s personal singing, graceful pianism, and the integral rhythmic foundation provided by the likes of drummer Russ Kunkel and guitarist Danny Kortchmar, plus the symmetrical contributions of guest instrumentalists ranging from saxophonist Curtis Amy to guitarist James Taylor: All resonate with three-dimensional imaging and cozy presence.
Indeed, one reason – apart from the flawless songwriting, earnest deliveries, and eloquent performances – Tapestry endures is because of the naturalness of the production and songs. King’s unadulterated articulations on love, conviction, friendship, place, sadness, and companionship ring true because there’s no doubting their meaning, intent, or sincerity. Tapestry makes you feel, and compels you to get closer to the music, and the musicians performing. It is an album of organic nuances, suggestive intents, and engaging melodies.
Classics such as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman” resonate because they address universal sensibilities and the human condition. They, like all of Tapestry, are relaxed yet emancipating, strong yet mellow, comfortable yet terrifically beautiful and lastingly unique. Four major Grammy Awards, four Top 10 singles, sales of more than 25 million copies, and one of the first albums chosen for inclusion in the National Recording Registry just seem like icing on the cake.
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