2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor

Subject: Jim Taylor RIP
From: nager
Date: 12 Sep 06 - 07:03 PM

Sydney and Newcastle (NSW) people will be sad to hear of the death at the weekend of Jim Taylor - brilliant ragtime style guitarist and wonderful song writer.
His funeral is tomorrow (Thursday) 2pm at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium at Matraville in Sydney.
Helena and I knew Jim for almost 30 years and we are all saddened by his death at the early age of 57.
His album back in the 80s Phelan's Magic Picture Show was a great piece of work and sounds every bit as good today as it was then.
In recent years his work as a mathematics master in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs saw his music take a bit of a back seat but I heard him play and sing recently at a party and he was as good as ever.
Jim will be remembered for his great knowledge of folk music, wonderful guitar playing in many different styles and of course his great songs.
He was a good bloke.
Rest in Peace old friend.
Paul

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep 06)
From: JennieG
Date: 13 Sep 06 - 03:54 AM

One of Jim's songs 'Winter Songbird' is in my choir's repertoire, we sang it at Monday night's practice in Jim's honour.

G'day Paul - we met again at the open mic at Woy Woy recently when Mary-Jane's choir sang, we hadn't seen each other for ages. Say hello to Helena for me.

JennieG

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep
From: Helen
Date: 13 Sep 06 - 05:29 PM

I remember Jim from the Newcastle Folk Club when it was in the "Dungeon" at the TAFE, then known as the Tech College. He performed many times and always put on a great show. I particularly remember one night when he had a woman singer with him. That added another layer of complexity to his performance that I liked a lot. I think it was about the time that he put out the album that Paul mentioned above. I haven't seen him for at least a decade.

Rest in peace, Jim.

Helen

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep
From: curmudgeon
Date: 13 Sep 06 - 08:20 PM

This is very sad news. Especially so as I had often thought to post here inquiring about Jim, but only when I wasn't near a computer.

I met Jim in 1980 when he was an exchange teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH. I was on stage at the Stone Church in Newmarket and noticed a single guy with a bottle of Guiness paying close attention, a rare phenomenon in pubs. But when I started the Queensland Overlanders, he really sat up and took notice. After the set we ggot together for a pint and some small talk.

Over the year he was here, I got to know him and about him. There are lots of memories of that too brief time, the first time he sang Phelan's Magic Picture Show , his elation at going to New York with Bill Morrisey and meeting Dave Van Ronk, his skillfull guitar work and expressive singing.

I'll now take a glass for Jim's memory -- Tom Hall

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Sep 06 - 07:41 AM

WE met Jim actually in 1981 (hey, darlin -- we didn't meet until December 1980 so it had to be at least 1981 before we met Jim) at The Stone Church. And his wife, whose name escapes me. We enjoyed his music and their hospitality.

Anybody have an address for condolence messages?

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep 06)
From: nager
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 01:15 AM

Hi everyone:

Jim's funeral was on Thursday at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium.
It was well attended with plenty of old friends and colleagues from far and wide.
It was an outdoors service and there were eulogies from Jim's brother Robert, his son and daughter James and Annaus, friend Mary Jane Field (who sang Jim's Songbird), the principal of the college and some lovely well chosen words from the celebrant.
In addition old friend Paul Hemphill sang a Dylan song and young James played a lovely instrumental guitar piece on Jim's Gibson.
Another highlight was a recording of Jim singing one of his great songs: Whistle Down the Wind.
Several students from his school Moriah College attended and formed a guard of honour and gave three hearty cheers for him as the coffin was carried away.
It was a very emotional time for everyone to farewell such a good friend.
We all singed a condolence book after the service and there was a wake at Paul Hemphill's home later in the afternoon, which unfortunately I couldn't stay for as I had to get back to Newcastle from Sydney that evening.
I am afraid I don't have an address for messages to be sent.
Hi again Jenni and thanks for the mssage about singing Jim's song.
A few of us were fortunate enough to receive a complete book of Jim's songs and poetry at the service.
I have many tapes of Jim singing and will add a couple more of his songs to my list of songs now.
I have actually sung Jim's Wasting Time for many years and performed it in front him at a party not too long ago - he was tickled pink and gave my version the nod!
Thanks everyone for your comments above.
Paul

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep 06)
From: GUEST,Lisa
Date: 23 Jun 11 - 11:30 PM

Hi all,

Jim Taylor would have been my great uncle. I have heard about the "Phelan's Magic Picture Show" song written and performed by Jim, and I'm wondering if anyone has a copy or knows where I might be able to obtain a copy. My grandmother (Aunty to Jim) once had a copy but isn't able to find it. Any clues would be appreciated :)

Cheers, Lisa

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep 06)
From: nager
Date: 24 Jun 11 - 03:09 AM

Hi Lisa: I was a very good friend of Jim's and I have a copy of the record. plus a couple of tapes and a songbook. PM me contact details and I will discuss it with you. I am in Newcastle NSW.

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor RIP(Sep 06)
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 11 - 12:16 PM

Lisa- You'll want to join Mudcat so you and nager can exchange contact information. Membership is free and allows one to send PMs (Private Messages.) Look up at the top of the page where you should see "Membership has its advantages". Click the link.

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: GUEST,Marianne
Date: 06 Sep 14 - 08:31 AM

Dear Jim
you are sorely missed, your music and poetry, gave us just a glimpse of your creative talents. Meeting many moons ago in Sydney through Norm and the folk scene, we became fast friends, a treasured friendship. In your short time here you certainly made your mark.
I remember the launch of your record perched up in the buggy with Deb driving the Arab down the main road of Wallsend, your home town. What a special day, the Album a job well done, a fine achievement. You were always interested and interesting, such a mind and such a good supportive friend, you are sorely missed. Marianne

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: nager
Date: 07 Sep 14 - 06:13 AM

Hi Marianne.. how wonderful to see another posting here about our dear friend Jim Taylor. I have a few of Jim's songs in my repertoire and enjoy usually singing one or two at concerts I do in a variety of places ranging from folk clubs to retirement homes here in Newcastle NSW. The album Jim made is a treasure in my collection. Jim may have passed on, but his music will remain alive for many years to come I am sure.

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: GUEST,Marianne
Date: 08 Sep 14 - 05:04 AM

I was trying to remember the name of the folk club at the Wayside Chapel and when I asked Jim if he could remember he wrote out his recollections of the folk scene, I passed this information to a few folkish folk, many names, much information and many memories of way back when, both Newy and Sydney.

Subject: Jim Taylor legacy songs
From: GUEST,Whistle down the wind album
Date: 09 Mar 15 - 08:55 PM

Does anyone know where I might purchase a CD or other of Jim's album (and or just the track) Whistle down the wind?

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 01:09 AM

Hi Guest.... You are in luck. I have a copy of the album. plus a few tapes etc of Jim and another CD as he was a good friend of mine. I will get a mate of mine (tech savvy) to copy the album onto a CD for you. The album is actually Phelan's Magic Picture Show and Whistle Down the Wind is track one. I am in Newcastle NSW and can post it out to you or you can collect it if you are nearby. And please, no need to buy it... glad to pass on Jim's music.

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: nager
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 01:12 AM

That message was from me.. nager.

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: nager
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:03 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: nager
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 09:57 PM

Are you still interested????

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: GUEST,Peter Cave
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 12:17 AM

Jim Taylor was a cousin of mine and we are both great Grandsons of John Stephen Phelan the subject of Jim's song Phelan's Magic Picture Show.
My mother had a copy of the LP but sadly it went astray after her death many years ago.
I know this is a faint hope but would anyone have an MP3 of the song Phelans Magic Picture Show.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor (Sep 2006)
From: Helen
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 12:47 AM

Hi Peter,

I've checked and the Mudcatter called nager hasn't posted here for a few years but I have just sent an email to someone who might know how to contact him.

I didn't buy Jim Taylor's album back when I used to see him at the Newcastle Folk Club so I can't help you with the MP3 of the song but someone may pop into this thread to help you.

(Note: totally off topic. I have some English relatives with the surname of Cave.)

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: GUEST,SqueezeMe
Date: 26 Mar 20 - 02:49 AM

I have it, now playing as I type.
I've emailed you, Peter.

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: Helen
Date: 27 Mar 20 - 11:46 PM

Hi SqueezeMe (that's not an invitation by the way!)

The friend that I emailed about this has asked if anyone has a copy of Jim Taylor's song - or maybe he means album - called Book of Gold. Do you have a copy of that? If so, is it possible to give him a copy of it?

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: GUEST,SqueezeMe
Date: 28 Mar 20 - 03:06 AM

Helen, I think maybe your friend is thinking of Heart of Gold, written by James Taylor, though popularised by Neil Young. Pretty sure I heard Jim play it back in the day, as did most every contemporary folk club guitarist of the time.
Lots of Youtube links to this if it is the one.
Otherwise, no bells ringing for me, but might for some one....

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: Helen
Date: 28 Mar 20 - 05:26 AM

He said it was a song on the Phelan's Magic Picture Show album.

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 28 Mar 20 - 07:05 AM

Sorry, Helen; can't see how to pm a jpg of the back cover, but track list as follows:

a1. Whistle Down the Wind
a2. Phelan's Magic Picture Show
a3. Pea Porridge Pond
a4. Dreams of Yesterday
a5. Mountains of the Moon
a6. Frogs March to the Midden

b1. Foxtrot Rag
b2. Souter John
b3. Vision in the Chicken Coop Blues
b4. Love Song
b5. Ian's Song

Maybe your friend might recognise it by another name???

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 28 Mar 20 - 07:09 AM

Just a thought....Warren might have re-released it as a CD at a later date and included other songs.

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: Helen
Date: 28 Mar 20 - 07:47 PM

Thanks for the track list, SqueezeMe. I'll send it on to my friend and see whether he recognises the song. It might not have been on that album, it might have been when Jim T performed live on those many occasions at the Newcastle Folk Club (NSW, Australia).

That was a long, long time ago and our memories are getting frayed with age.

He told me that nager, the OP on this thread may have passed away. I never met him but other people I know used to go to his regular music sessions. I'll wait for confirmation on that.

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 12:24 AM

PM sent.

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: GUEST,nager
Date: 12 Jun 20 - 07:16 PM

Hi Helen.. Yes I am still around but don't get on here often.. I have a book of Jim Taylor's songs plus his LP and a couple of cassettes that he did for me too.

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: guitarist-songwriter Jim Taylor
From: Helen
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 06:31 PM

My heartfelt apologies for spreading false rumours about you, nager!

I didn't make it to your sessions in Lake Macquarie so I haven't met you in real life.

All the best, Helen