Carole King - "The Living Room Tour"

CK's first release since 2001 is well worth the wait!

Carole King has written so many songs, she can’t begin to remember all of the titles, much less the lyrics. So, she can be forgiven for lugging a huge three-ring binder full of her songs on stage with her.

With The Living Room Tour, CK proves that, at age 63, she’s still got it -- the clear, powerful voice, comfortable stage presence, and uncanny ability to turn feelings into words.

Hundreds of artists have performed CK’s songs, but nobody delivers them quite like she can. King’s one-to-one intimacy with her audience with instantly recognizable standards like "So Far Away," “Smackwater Jack” and "I Feel the Earth Move” create a very large, warm comfort zone.

These are live performances, recorded during her 2004 tour. It’s not hard to visualize the comfortable couches, coffee tables and slightly askew lampshades that comprise her stage set. That she is comfortable in these surroundings is apparent in her treatment of the music, especially her interpretations of her songs that were made famous by other artists, such as "Take Good Care of My Baby," "One Fine Day," and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".

In keeping with the intimate theme, this album features backup vocals by her daughters (by first husband and songwriting partner Gerry Goffin) Louise and Sherry. Gary Burr, who co-wrote “Loving You Forever” and Rudy Guess occasionally help out with vocals, guitar and bass. Otherwise, it’s just CK accompanying herself on piano and guitar.