Middle Ridge Wine Tasting Gallery

Taylor-Made Tapestry

What can you say about the legendary musical genious of James Taylor and Carole King that hasn’t already been expressed—except “a match made in heaven.” And their legend lives on even today, as both are still going strong into their seventies.

From the early age of four or five, Bryan recalls listening to a couple of James Taylor’s songs in his Oklahoma City home. The melodies of “Fire and Rain” and “Handyman” also sailed through the air riding in his older brother’s Mustang II. It wasn’t until years later that he picked up a guitar and taught himself to play “Mexico”, still one of his favorites. “The music speaks to me so strongly”, Bryan says enthusiastically. “And the lyrics and delivery convey such emotional storytelling by James.”

Lareé’s story is somewhat similar concerning Carole King. Lareé taught herself to play piano at the age of 12, and upon turning 13, Carole’s Tapestry album was exploding on the charts. As a budding songwriter herself, Lareé took quick notice of Carole’s piano and songwriting style. “ I can only aspire to play that well and write songs like that”, Lareé recalls thinking in those tender years. “To this day, I can relate with Carole’s timeless and melodic approach. I feel her passion!”

In the spring of 2009, Bryan and Lareé met while performing individually on a Holland America cruiseship. They gregariously shared their favorite music with each other and Taylor and King were at the top of their list. They begam dreaming that one day they would be able to perform together and honor the music of James Taylor and Carole King. That dream has now become a reality, and also woven into this beautiful tapestry are selections by Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell.

As husband and wife (their own “match made in heaven”), Bryan and Lareé have had the priviledge of performing in a variety of venues, including Holland America Line, P&O Cruises Australia, the Los Angeles Veterans Administration, and many clubs and local venues within their community in Idyllwild, California.