Jazzman by Carole King

Album: Wrap Around Joy (1974)

Charted: 2

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This was Carole King's biggest hit after the release of the album Tapestry. Here, she celebrates the jazz musician, particularly the most gifted ones who "lift me above the old routine," and requests a song. >>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
King wrote the music, and the lyrics were written by David Palmer, who was a vocalist on some early Steely Dan songs, including "Dirty Work."
Tom Scott played the role of the "Jazzman" - that's him on saxophone. Scott is a prolific player who has worked as a solo artist, performed with The Blues Brothers and appeared on the song "Terminal Frost."

Comments: 10

Josh Martin from St. LouisIts about Ray Charles' band member, composer
Dennis from PaI don't know if it's true, but I'm pretty sure I once heard that the Jazzman is supposed to be Neil Diamond, and this song is a companion to his Sweet Caroline, which is about her.
Frankie from San DiegoIt’s a ask Jesus into your heart song: Jesus lifts you above old routine, so you can play it clean, your testimony testifies, faithless man believes in Jesus, Jesus sings you into paradise, in awe Jesus brings you to your knees in surrender, gospel kind of feeling forgives wrongdoing, you receive pure revival, now Jesus sanctifies you, take your blues away, make my pain the same as Yours, He will allow sadness and tears so you’ll call Him into relationship with Jesus, fallen angel rising time is near
Mitchell Anthony Greca from New Boston Miit was always jazzman take my booze away.
Darlene from Raleigh, NcDoes anyone know who plays guitar? Sounds like Al Stewart.
Dave Wilson from Cherry Hill NjThis is the closest to a perfect song I've ever heard, she was born to perform it! And after all these years, my eyes tear up whenever I hear it play.
Andrea from GeorgiaIn the song jazzman a touch of Georgia slide.... Is it about mud slide or slide guitar?
Robert from Chicago , IlThis is also my favorite Carole King song. The song came out in the mid 70's ('75 I believe). It didn't register with me until I went to college (in '79). I had a frat brother whose nickname was Chaz and I would always sing the lyrics as "Chazman".
Erl from T.o., OnI actually remembered this song when I just listened to it. Not from the radio though. I believe this song was used on a "Simpsons" episode. I believe this show was about the death of Lisas favorite sax player, "Bleeding Gums Murphy". Near the end of the show, Murphy, from the heavens above, plays this song with Lisa, before he hits his final resting place. If memory serves me, Lisas quest was to get some of his music played on the radio.
Paul from Detroit, MiMy favorite song from the talented Ms. King. Perfection.

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