Few songwriters have had the same ongoing influence and widespread appeal as American singer-songwriter James Taylor.
It’s his place in the cultural consciousness that forms the heart of his show Fire and Rain, Australian performer Darren Coggan’s celebration of Taylor’s music.
“I have a really personal attachment to a lot of these songs; I think most of the audience do, too,” he said.
“These songs are like bookmarks in our lives; each time we hear them, they bring back memories.
“And whether those memories are about love, or heartache, or whatever the connection is you have with it, it’s as if the song was written especially for you. That’s what great songs do.”
Coggan has spent his life making music, whether performing as a country singer-songwriter, a musical theatre actor or alongside the likes of Rebecca Gibney and Jon Stevens in arena spectaculars.
His memories range from learning Taylor songs like You’ve Got a Friend and Fire and Rain as a child in Wollongong, to playing them to his newborn son.
“My memories attached to James Taylor’s music are all positive, so to be able to sing these songs for an audience is such a blessing,” he said.
“I just think these songs are worthy of staying in the conversation of music, I think they’ll outlive us all.
“I don’t come out and pretend to be James Taylor, it’s really about honouring the artist and celebrating these timeless songs. So I try to present this show with the respect I feel the songs deserve.”
Darren Coggan’s Fire and Rain is at Geelong Arts Centre on Saturday 21 March. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for more information.
