For nearly a year, the Knights of the Round (Turn) Table have been gathering on a monthly basis to discuss historically significant albums of all styles, everything from Bowie to the Beach Boys; Prince to Springsteen. Thursday night, May 23, the group is getting together at Phil Trani’s and, starting at 6: 30 p.m., will listen to Carole King’s chart-topping album “Tapestry.” We asked host Derik Larson a handful of questions about the album, his musical passions and what guests can expect this evening.

What’s your background in music?

My passion for music started in my early childhood. I loved looking through my dad’s vinyl collection and admiring the album artwork. Music was always playing around the house and in my parents’ cars, and they would constantly impart little bits of wisdom about the music. I had a keyboard on which I taught myself to play simple songs like The Beatles’ “Yesterday” and played the trombone for much of my youth. In college, I created a Fleetwood Mac fan page that, at its peak during their “The Dance” reunion in 1997, had up to 500 hits a day. In my young adult days, I dove deeply into the catalogs of artists such as Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and Led Zeppelin and drank up the information available on the internet to find out unique facts about artists and their songs.

What’s your personal relationship with the album? When did you first hear it and how did you feel; when do you listen to it now and why?

I can’t recall the first time I heard the album, although I do remember hearing “I Feel The Earth Move” and “It’s Too Late” quite often in my early years. Honestly, the “Glee” episode featuring music from “Tapestry” (aired in 2015) prompted me to immediately purchase the album on iTunes.  After listening a couple of times, I was so impressed by the intimacy of the music. I felt like Carole King was a friend singing directly to me and that I had known her for a long time. The album still gives me the tingles and goosebumps. I often listen when I’m feeling down—songs like “Beautiful” and “You’ve Got A Friend” are perfect for reminding me that everything will be OK. While doing research for this presentation, I procured an original vinyl copy of the album and have listened to it at least 30 times. I gotta say, this album sounds so fantastic on vinyl and I’m so happy to be able to hear it in that manner. One of the best things about the Knights event is hearing the music on vinyl and sharing the listening experience with everyone.

What are a few little-known facts about the album you think some might be surprised to find out?

• Carole had been a successful songwriter with her then-husband Gerry Goffin since 1960. She had a minor solo hit as a performer in 1962 with “It Might As Well Rain Until September” but didn’t have any more solo success until “Tapestry” in 1971. In between, she formed a band called The City (featuring guitarist Danny ‘Kootch’ Kortchmar on guitar and second husband Charlie Larkey on bass; both played on “Tapestry”) that recorded one album in 1968 and released her first solo album, “Writer” in 1970.
• “Tapestry” was No. 1 on the Billboard album charts for 15 weeks and won 4 Grammys, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
• “Tapestry” was the best selling album of all time until Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” which was the first album I presented for Knights, and the best selling solo album until Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” It was the best selling album by a solo female until Whitney Houston’s “Bodyguard” soundtrack.
• Carole made the tapestry she’s holding on the album cover—it says “thank you” and was given to the producer Lou Adler.
• The album contained two hits Carole had previously written with her ex-husband/writing partner Gerry Goffin— – the Shirelles’ #1 hit “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” which was the first No. 1 by a black female group, and Aretha Franklin’s classic (“You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”  James Taylor covered “You’ve Got a Friend” and it hit No.1 two weeks after Carole’s double-A side “It’s Too Late”/”I Feel The Earth Move” ended its five-week reign at No. 1. James and Carole sang backup on each other’s albums that same year and she toured with him as well.

What are you looking forward to about hosting Thursday evening?

Music is my biggest passion and it is so special to share memories and the listening experience with everyone. I am especially excited for “Tapestry” as I know it has touched so many of our “regulars.” When we teased this album by playing “So Far Away” at the conclusion of last month’s session, a huge cheer went up and everyone started to singing along. It was a special moment and I can’t wait to listen to the entire album with our passionate group.

Knights of the Round (Turn) Table runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Phil Trani’s Fine Food and Spirits; 3490 Long Beach Blvd. For more information, visit the event page here.

Looking for more things to do this weekend? Check out this week’s “The 7” for our suggestions.

The 7: Things to do in Long Beach this week, including… mild sexual excitement