"James" by Billy Joel.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: Billy Joel wrote this plaintive 1976 pop ballad to mirror a Baroque round a la J.S. Bach. It appeared in his "Turnstiles" album that same year. An unfeigned conversation between two childhood friends about the different paths they had taken in life. A reflection on the choices they've made amid societal and familial pressures and expectations. One chose a conservative and stable career while the other pursued life on the road. Based on a combination of friends from his past. Sublime soprano sax solo by Richie Cannata, Billy's original saxophonist before Mark Rivera. Billy plays a haunting accompaniment throughout the song using his Fender Rhodes Mark I electric piano. Song? Answer: "James" by Billy Joel. I had just about completely forgotten about this gem until I heard it again as part of the score for the 2002 musical "Movin' Out", featuring Billy's music and choreographed by the magnificent Twyla Tharp. It has since become one of my favorite Billy Joel tunes. Mark Rivera's father was Puerto Rican (man, those P.R.s are everywhere!). BTW, there is a new 5-hour Billy Joel documentary (two 2 1/2 hour episodes) on HBO/MAX. A must-watch for any Billy Joel fan! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HXjtlDjdP4&list=RD4HXjtlDjdP4&start_radio=1

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