James Taylor Your Smiling Face Drum Kit: Sheet Music & Play-Along Tracks

Capture the Joyful Energy of James Taylor's "Your Smiling Face"! 🥁

Bring a smile to your own face as you master this upbeat, infectious pop classic from one of America's most beloved singer-songwriters. Released in September 1977 as the second single from the multi-platinum album JT, "Your Smiling Face" became an instant hit, peaking at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Adult Contemporary chart . The song also reached #11 in Canada and remains a staple of Taylor's live performances to this day .

This comprehensive kit is meticulously crafted for drummers who want to master every groove, fill, and dynamic shift that makes this track so irresistible. The drum part, played by legendary session drummer Russ Kunkel, perfectly captures that classic 70s soft rock feel—tight, tasteful, and guaranteed to get audiences tapping their feet.

📥 HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL INSTANTLY GET INSIDE:

• 🎼 PROFESSIONAL DRUM SHEET MUSIC (PDF): A high-quality, accurate transcription of the entire song, running approximately 2:43 . Every groove and fill is meticulously notated for easy reading, capturing Russ Kunkel's signature style—a perfect blend of simplicity and musicality.

• 🎧 FULL ORIGINAL TRACK (MP3): The complete song for reference. Immerse yourself in the original recording, recorded at the Sound Factory in Los Angeles between March 15 and April 24, 1977 . Produced by legendary producer Peter Asher (who also worked with Linda Ronstadt and Cher), this track represents the pinnacle of 70s soft rock production .

• ⏰ PRACTICE TRACK WITH METRONOME (MP3): Build rock-solid timing with this essential practice tool. The song moves at a comfortable tempo around 90 BPM in the key of E, Gb, and Ab . Perfect for developing that relaxed, confident feel that defines James Taylor's music.

• 🥁 DRUMLESS BACKING TRACK (MP3): The ultimate play-along experience! Jam with the full band—acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, bass, and strings—as if you're in the studio with James Taylor and the legendary "Section" rhythm section. Perfect for practice, recording your own covers, or channeling that classic 70s soft rock vibe.

🌟 WHY THIS KIT IS A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY DRUMMER:

• ALL-IN-ONE CONVENIENCE: Four essential files in one quick download. No more searching for separate resources!

• MASTER A CLASSIC 70s POP SONG: Add this iconic feel-good track to your repertoire—a song that audiences instantly recognize and love.

• LEARN FROM A LEGENDARY DRUMMER: Russ Kunkel is one of the most recorded drummers in history, having played with James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, and countless others. His tasteful, supportive style is a masterclass in "playing for the song."

• DEVELOP YOUR SOFT ROCK FEEL: The relaxed groove and tasteful fills are perfect for developing dynamics, touch, and musical sensitivity.

• INSTANT ACCESS: Download immediately after purchase and start your practice session in minutes!

🎵 About the Song:

"Your Smiling Face" was written by James Taylor and released on his critically acclaimed album JT, which was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1978 . The song has an interesting backstory—while many assume it's a love song written for his then-wife Carly Simon, Taylor biographer Timothy White revealed that Taylor actually wrote it for their three-year-old daughter Sally . White described the song as a "pop sonnet" celebrating the joy of fatherhood .

Lines like "Isn't it amazing a man like me can feel this way?" reflect Taylor's genuine surprise at the happiness he found in his new family life . Rolling Stone critic Peter Herbst described the song as being "unabashedly happy," praising Taylor's vocal performance as "a pretty convincing rock singer" .

The song was produced by Peter Asher and recorded at the legendary Sound Factory studio in Los Angeles . A music video was made for the song—a rarity for the time period—showcasing Taylor in a live performance setting .

🎸 About the Drummer:

Russ Kunkel, affectionately known as one of the "Mellow Mafia" or "The Section" (along with bassist Leland Sklar, guitarist Danny Kortchmar, and pianist Craig Doerge), was the go-to drummer for the entire Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter scene. His drum part on "Your Smiling Face" is a perfect example of his style:

• Tasteful and supportive — never overpowering the vocals

• Solid groove — locks in perfectly with Sklar's bass

• Subtle fills — adds just the right amount of excitement at key moments

Perfect for practice, gig preparation, or just a feel-good jam session. Click "Add to Cart" now and master this classic 70s pop gem!

📝 IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This is a DIGITAL PRODUCT. No physical item will be shipped.

• After purchase, you will receive a link to download the file.