TAYLOR HICKS LIVE

Taylor Hicks' Pix

Remember this Taylor Hicks interview?

Q. What was the first thing you splurged on after you got your deal?

Taylor: I bought a camera -- a Cannon EOS 30. It's a really nice camera. I wanted to document all that's going on, and I got to with this camera.

This stuck in my head because I have an affinity for photography, though I've never had the time to learn how to do it right. Still, I fumble along with my inexpensive digital camera, documenting every little thing that lands within my line of vision.

Way back when GC was still up and running, I left a comment to the effect that someday Taylor should put some of his photos together in a book for his fans to buy. Immediately after hitting "submit," I felt like an idiot. Oh, not because of that particular comment. I always felt like an idiot immediately after voicing an opinion at Gray Charles. (ha)

Anyhoo, somewhere along the way I came across this book of photos published by Rob Morrow when he was doing "Northern Exposure." It's full of behind-the-scenes shots from the show. I appreciate some of the images visually, but mostly I found it to be just plain fun.


I'd love to see Taylor Hicks put a book together like this. If he were legally able to include American Idol photos (especially from the tour), there would be a big market for it. Dont'cha think?

Maybe he's saving his personal photos for another autobiography? He wouldn't have to depend on expensive help from a Rolling Stones journalist this time. There are many talented writers within his fan base who could offer help. (*ahem*)

Taylor Hicks hiding behind the orchestra, trying to get a photo of Jerry Lee Lewis.

Austin Show?

I'm friendly with a few Taylor Hicks fans who live in Texas and we've been frustrated concerning the lack of shows within driving distance for us. We're curious to know if there of more of you out there like us.

So the question is, if he booked a show in Austin, would you go? I want names! (Not your actual name, a screen name is fine.) I don't want a bunch of anonymous yeses because it could be people screwing with me!

This is a petition of sorts. One of our favorite TH fans is going to tell him about the results.

Voo-Doo

I'm not a music expert. And I find it difficult to put into words why I like a certain song or musician. I think a lot of you are like me. There's something in Taylor Hicks' voice or in his delivery -or both- that gets inside your chest and makes you pay attention.

But has anyone out there figured out why we're SO affected by his music? And why we're still online after all this time sharing videos and news about him?

*crickets*

Yeah, I didn't think so! I've decided that the man's got some kinda voo-doo. I lived in Louisiana for about nine years. Believe me, from my experience there's no fighting the voo-doo. Let it take you over:

Taylor Hicks - Gonna Move + Soul Serenade - Magic Bag 6-22-09 from ForeverTaylor on Vimeo.

Back To Basics

One of my favorite bloggers, san, wrote a piece a little while ago titled, "Taylor Hicks~~leave me with the music". As I drive around on vacation, thinking about what I want to do with my blog, I find myself returning to what she wrote.

I'm weary of the fan nonsense. I don't know how many times I considered hitting the delete button on my blog and just walking away because of it. But, the truth is, I'm not ready to walk away from Taylor Hick's music. Is it possible to strip everything else away and focus on those goose bump, life-affirming, joyful performances? I'm willing to give it a try.

I'm currently on a borrowed computer, about 1500 miles from home, so I can't do a proper search for a stunning Taylor Hicks performance. I'll post one that I've shared before and then I'd like to hear from you. Give me some links to your favorite performances and let's get so lost in the music that the rest of it melts away.

A Taylor Tuesday Bonus

My family was visiting when Taylor Hicks' "Whomp At The Warfield" was on HDnet a week ago, Sunday. Despite my fantasies of forcing them to watch it...I mean, despite my plan to relax and enjoy the show with my company, we got caught up doing something else.

So I finally got to see WATW this afternoon. I was so impressed with the show that I decided to make notes as I watched to share here. First of all, due to some scheduling discrepancy, my recording started in the middle of the show. Taylor was already sweaty.

Some general notes: The theater looked full (others have said there are shots of empty seats) and the crowd was energized. I loved the shots from the stage, looking out at the audience. People were dancing, clapping, cheering. Panties flew. We got to see what Taylor Hicks sees as he's performing.

The band was hot. They sounded fantastic. During the THIRD encore ("Badge"), each band member played a solo. (BTW, I noticed Boogie's solo seemed to go on forever and was aware that Taylor wasn't on stage. He finally came out wearing a Giants shirt. Very cute. Taylor then knocked Brian Less aside and banged away on the organ, surprisingly on key. We were privy to shots of his hands on the keyboard so apparently he really can play a little.)

I enjoyed the close-ups of the band. It gives you a better idea of how hard they work and how much they seem to enjoy the music. Brian Gallagher, for instance, laughed as he did his own version of Taylor's trademark "Runaround Spin." (OK, I exaggerate a tad. He turned around. And laughed.)

Speaking of "The Runaround," Taylor introduced it as a Cajun tune. I don't remember hearing him describe it that way before, but OK. It's got some of the elements.

Taylor looked and sounded great. Obviously he brought his 'A' game for the cameras. When he's really on, everybody has a good time. I'm not a guitar player, but it sure looked like he knew what he was doing with his as the camera zoomed in. We also got lots of close-ups of Taylor playing harmonica. I'll bet if you needed someone to blow up balloons at a birthday party, he'd be your go-to guy.

Though the music was tight, Taylor was loose and playful with the audience. After his last bow, he jumped on top of a speaker and danced a bit. The only grimace-worthy moment during the whole show was when he made some odd growling noises during "Naked In the Jungle". Twice.

A couple of quick notes:

I was happy to see that the crowd stayed respectfully quiet during his first encore, "The Fall."

He played harmonica on his knees at one point.

What a great show! What makes it special for those of us who have been to a Taylor Hicks show is that you feel as if you're on stage with the band. You can hear every word sung or spoken, you can watch the musicians at work, you simply don't miss a thing.

Let's see how many of you would buy "Whomp At The Warfield" if you could. I'll put up a poll over there on the right. I know, I know, it's a dead issue. This is just for funsies.

Takin It To The Tweets

Taylor Hicks is an inspiration to many. I've heard of fans returning to old passions like painting, dancing and miming. For me, the glimpses we've been given of his song writing process has inspired me to write my own.

Oh, I may blatantly rip-off the music, but the lyrics came from a place deep inside me, a dark and lonely place a little to the left of my pancreas. I close my eyes, blocking out the world around me and pull the words up (occasionally with a belch. sorry.) I humbly submit to you, dear reader, my latest offering.

The music comes from a song Taylor made his own on American Idol. Let's sing it together, shall we?

Sung to the tune of, "Takin It To The Streets."

You don’t know me
But I’m Cone Ranger.
I was raised up in this ice cream cone.
I’ve got a little time in here
So I’ll write you on my phone

You, won’t believe how much
You’re gonna hear from me
I can’t blog
But a cone twitter is so easy

Takin it to the tweets
Takin it to the tweets
Takin it to the tweets
Takin it to the tweets

Take this message to my fan base
It will find them anywhere
Whenever people go to Twitter
They’ll find a tweet from me in there

Yeah, you, seem to always need
Another piece of me
Here’s some info
You can use as currency

Takin it to the tweets
-----------It’s such a simple thing!
Takin it to the tweets
-----------I tweet and then I sing
Takin it to the tweets
-----------Make sure my phone's secure
Takin it to the tweets
-----------Inside my pompadour!

*dance maniacally*