Taylor to bring songs, stories to Caffe Lena
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Caffe Lena opened its doors in 1960. It is now considered the oldest continuously run venue for folk music in the United States. The list of unknowns who played the space in the early years who became very famous includes people like Bob Dylan, Emmy Lou Harris, Arlo Guthrie, Dave Van Ronk and Don McLean. Caffe Lena has played host to a virtual “who’s who” in folk music.
For many practical reasons few return. But many do stay attached to the small, coffee house on the second f loor of 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs.
One of those performers is Livingston Taylor, an icon of folk music, who will be at Lena’s Friday and Saturday night. In a recent telephone interview, he says, “I played there quite a few times, and have always enjoyed the experience.” Indeed, Livingston admits a two- day engagement is a rarity on his schedule. “They requested two days, my schedule fit and I accepted. It’s that simple,” he said.
Without question, the opportunity to experience this intimate show with a folk legend in a space that seats 110 people will be special to those fortunate enough to be in the listening room. As a performer, Taylor is noted for his ability to establish an immediate relationship with his audience, as his music is accompanied by shared anecdotes and personal stories. One can only imagine how the experience might be enhanced by the intimacy of the space.
Taylor said he understood how the experience might be special for those in attendance, but he doubted that the small house would alter his performance. “Over my 50 years performing I played thousands of venues. Whether I’m performing in Fenway Park or in Caffe Lena, I’m always trying to make contact with that person in the last row.”
Taylor is very serious about his craft and has devoted 30 years to passing on his knowledge and instincts to younger performers. He is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, where his course Stage Performances is always rated as one of the most popular courses at the school.
Perhaps because of his success as a mentor and author, Taylor refuses to be minimalized by terms like singer- song writer to define his career. He uses the terms “teller of tales, weaver of stories, teacher, lecturer” to describe his skills.
Livingston’s unquestionable talent has brought him enormous staying power in an industry that focuses on the new favorite of the month. Yet, he realizes talent is but one element for success.
When asked why he thought Caffe Lena endured while others failed, he offered an answer that seemed as personal as it was institutional. “There are a thousand excuses for success. But it always depends a confluence of lucky stars as well. You have to remember there were many far brighter, stronger, more talented than you and I who caught a bullet storming a beach.”
As a “teller of stories,” he insists that “angry songs tend not to do very well.” He admits that people enjoy conflict in songs and points to popular songs with lyrics like “It’s my party and I can cry if I want to” as an example of a song “that immediately hooks a listener.” He says, “It sets out the di- lemma immediately. You know things aren’t good if I person is crying at their own party.”
As for his own creations, he says, “My songs tend towards optimism. I am able to be at my best when I identify compelling themes by using acute detail.”
He does not feel a song has to be emotionally loaded to be effective. He explains the process of permitting the listener to bring their own experiences to the song by comparing it to a Norman Rockwell painting. “You see a kid on a stool in an ice cream shop with a cop next to him. When he (Rockwell) surrounds the scene with the details of the moment, people immediately bring their own vulnerabilities to the painting. It’s the same with songs. You don’t have to wear your heart on your sleeve for people to understand the moment.
As an optimist, Taylor thrives on hope. “My core belief is that people are willing to do good. No matter how bleak things might appear, I believe that the eternal font of hope will flow again.”
It will flow for sure at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Caffe Lena.
For more information call 518- 583- 0022, or go to caffelena.org