Not the best quality, but good for what it is.
Credit goes to Tara72 on youtube.
Taylor is the Boogie!
I wanna rock and soul all night, and boogie every day.
Taylor is The Boogie!
Basic info
Taylor’s Official Website
WHOMP!
Little Buddy Radio
Not the best quality, but good for what it is.
Credit goes to Tara72 on youtube.
Taylor is the Boogie! 
Ms. Ei,
Please go to Other Music, on the thread board, I wanted to mention something about Bruce, but it is off-topic, and I cannot find the PM for you.
Mojavedesertgirl, nice to see you! A few of us were starting to wonder what had happened to you. I’m off to read your report …
MGD – Sounds like it was worth the 8 hour drive and $100 tickets. Thanks for sharing.
MK – I believe that Taylor missed rehearsal b/c they moved it up. The report I read said that he showed up at the “scheduled” time.
Sounds like the crowd really wanted more Taylor and less of everything else. Will be interesting to see what kind of concert Taylor’s 1st SOLO concert looks like.
Hi again…Thought I would add some comments about the shout outs and the “for the troops” comment – since I was there :-), and I can give some context.
Taylor never said “Soul Patrol” during this show – not once, not ever. What you hear during TITTS is “Hello Provo! Hello Provo!” The only soul patrol heard came out the mouths of the audience. In one of the few “quiet” moments while he was putting on his guitar and harmonica holder a lot of us (including me – yes, immaturity did reign that night!) were yelling soul patrol! in hopes we’d get a shout back – but we didn’t, and that’s ok. Like I said in my post under ksl.com thread, he showed his appreciation for us with that big smile (which sadly doesn’t show on these videos) and dancing more.
As for “the troops” comment – you have to realize that THIS ENTIRE SHOW was FOR THE TROOPS. Taylor was a small part – there were a dozen plus other things going on (again, go read my story), all of them focused on the soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and all the many many many family members in the audience. All throughout the show they were putting up video of the soldiers in the audience – Utah is home to the 222nd Airborne, and you can’t go anywhere in Utah without knowing that. (Nearly every overpass we went under on the interstate has 222 we love you enmeshed into the guard wire using papercups.) Some posters were bothered by some audience members lack of attention while Taylor is performing – you should know that it looks like the person taking the video snippets with their cell phone was sitting right behind all the families that later in the show would be talking to their soldier dads and husbands on the satellite link – can you blame them if their attention is elsewhere? Every single person who came on the stage did a shout out for the troops – so Taylor was not doing it for “effect” or nervousness or whatever – it’s what the whole show was about. If he just stood there and sang (as someone said they wished he would do, and forget the call outs to the audience) he would have been the odd duck of the show. For goodness sakes – earlier Taylor played his harmonica and minutes later members of the 222nd airborne were parachuting into the stadium! Patriotism was the name of the game that night. And by the way, the whole audience – field and stands – waved their little American flags in time to Taylor singing DIMYP, which he dedicated to the troops. A lot of people – not just Tay fans – were in tears thinking of their family members far away doing dangerous work, and not sitting right there with them enjoying a damn fine show.
PS For a flash – you can see the back of my sister’s head during TITTS when the camera swings way right to the other video screen. 🙂
Hi all – Not trying to be pesty, but my report from the frontlines of Provo and the Stadium of Fire is posted under the KSL thread. I poured my heart into it – hope you go take a look.
Hello Deb. That’s gracious of you, thanks. I’m from the other side of the world and so surprised (well, not so) to see the huge amount of comments here and in the most recent entry in less than 24 hours! I promised a 3-hour diet in my Internet use so I can do other things because my husband is making fun of me, being so Taylor-ized. He loves it, though, because he is so Bruce-ified himself… Bruce Springsteen, that is. 🙂
Anyway, yes, breathing is very important whether he’s doing a fast song or a slow one. Based on his performances in AI with an approximately 1.5 minute song, he needs to work it out. He runs around and about that stage in fast songs. And in slow ones, having a stool there would be alright, I guess. But you know part of the reason I so love that YASB performance is that his posture (even if a lot of people did not like his expression while singing it), while caressing that mic stand and using it as support, just allowed him to give the song that yearning passion that it needs. That’s why that song was so effective. I haven’t seen any contestant being applauded in the middle of a song especially one with, what, five lines? If he’s sitting on a stool, I don’t know if it would be the same. It would make him so relaxed, I think, and would not be able to give it a go. So, I still go with the exercising more bit, and besides, it’s good for his health. 🙂
About BIG bands. My husband and I saw that performance of Bruce Springsteen with the Seger Sessions Band last week in Late Night with Conan O’Brien. What a fantastic performance that was! And while we’re watching, I’m imagining Taylor with that kind of band someday and I can’t help but be jealous for him especially after watching those Stadium of Fire videos. In good time, I guess. He’s still young and he’s resilient.
Big stage, big band with an excellent sound system going on. For intimate performances in a big stage, lighting design can just do wonders. Small stage, small band or just him and his guitar and harmonica. And no more DIMYP please. That song grew on me but if I’m the singer and have to sing it over and over again, I would forget a lyric or two just like Taylor did during his second guesting at Leno and I can’t blame the guy.
And if Taylor can read this, “Taylor, for the love of God, BREATHE!” 🙂
One good thing about “The Deal,” is it really showed off his guitar playing. Really great.
That Vegas review sounded like that whole thing was a mess from the get-go. I am, however, somewhat disturbed at a previous post noting he didn’t make a rehearsal with LeeAnn Womack. Man, if you want people treating you like a professional, you better start acting like one …
Beautifully put, OSB. I think you kind of paraphrased Gray’s Dave Eggers’ “Just say yes” quote, and in a very lovely way.
Seeing that performance of The Deal… it came off even better than it did in the fan video. That goes right up there for one of my favorite performances by him EVER. I loved the whole accoustic feel to him and the song and his voice sounded terrific.
Thanks, Karen! I’ll have to set my alarm to watch from the very beginning tomorrow at 2:00 EDST – – I didn’t realize it was streaming for free – – I guess SOME of our tax dollars go to something good!!!
You guys turn on http://www.pentagonchannel.mil – The Stadium of Fire has started! Already had Taylor wailing!
Mama- you are correct….I should have said Taylor grossly misunderestimated the phrase…screwed it up…just like me. HA!
Thanks for bringing it up. You caught me. Good for you.
No worries. It’s all good.
dd
Do you want to know what was bothersome to me?
1. He did not have enough flip in his flip
2. He was not wearing “those” jeans from the Ellen show
3. He did not do his famous Taylor Turn dance move
4. He did not sing Play That Funky Music White Boy
Just like football season it’s easy to be a Monday Morning Quaterback. I know Taylor is a smart guy and he’ll watch the tape. If this is something he prefers to change he will, I could live with it or without it, doesn’t bother me.
http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/184805/
Here’s another article about Taylor…warning – It’s positive!
Mama – I usually “malign” a few phrases myself so probably am very incorrect. I may have twisted the quote, too. Good for you. You caught me.
It’s all good.
dd
“Whoa, are we putting this guy in a fishbowl or what? Having never been a “fan” like this before, do all fan websites dissect their fave’s performances with such zeal? Glad I’m not famous…”
Sure he’s in a fishbowl, that’s what “fame” is. And we can’t get enough of him so we dissect and argue about every move he makes and every word he utters. At least that’s why I’m on these boards day after day, night after night. I think it’s a way to feel closer to him and to others who love him, and if it gets a little wacky sometimes, that just adds to the fun.
double d, you might want to check the meaning of “malign” in the dictionary. If that was the word you meant to use, then I’m not sure what you mean. Also, IIRC, Taylor’s twisted the phrase in the opposite way…flattery is a great form of humor. (Yeah, I have watched that clip too many times. It’s adorable.)
In any case, I don’t want to get in an argument with you at all. I respect what you’re saying. Different personality quirks and habits come across differently to people, and that’s fine.
I hope Jon is wrong and nobody starts flaming him now. I like the SP shout outs and it doesn’t diminish Taylor’s seriousness as an artist to me at all. I’m not sure I’ll feel that way a year from now if he’s still doing it, but right now it just feels like the right thing to do. To me it comes across as sincere (and much appreciated) gratitude. JMO of course.
But I don’t have a problem with Jon mentioning that it bugs him. Taylor will do what he wants, and that’s as it should be. But once you’re a public figure, people will express opinions about what you do.
“Deliberate with caution, but act with decision; and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.”
— Charles Caleb Colton
“Hyperbole does not an argument make.”- dd
BTW, Charles Colton originated the saying “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” which was completely maligned by Taylor on AI and came out “Humor is a great form of flattery.”
I’m a huge Taylor Hicks fan but I think the shout outs need to subside mainly because he tends to cut the lyrics short when doing so. I’ve noticed this in a few of his live performances post AI.
I know I’m going to flamed for this but…I’d phase out the Soul Patrol shout outs as well, it was ok during AI to drum up support but AI is over, it’s becoming a little cheesy. Nothing wrong with acknowledging the fans who helped him get where he is but I think his true fans will think no less of him if he just gets up on stage and sings and plays. I think Taylor is a serious singer/songwriter/performer and by continuing this he risks that the casual/new fan won’t take him seriously. Remember, for Taylor to become successfull long term he has to attract NEW fans.
I have nothing to say about anything Taylor (or anyone else) does or says. He is living in the moment, just as we are each doing. There are no do-overs in life, only lessons learned. I just appreciate him being part of this lifetime and all of the moments he has & will give me during it.
snark attack option shut off…
Remember the night when Taylor won AI and there was SP recon. It went something like this, 5-6 huddled SP’rs holding their UTR cd’s are hoping to catch a glimpse of him and endlessly wait. He exits his limosine and has the Sp’rs to his right and the full red carpet to the left. We all remember where he went first.
return to Stadium of Fire performance,people are sitting at home into the wee hours waiting for recon. on performance. Next day with Bic lighters still in hand we are delighted, euphoric that he is performing his first original song, in his long awaited arena filled with the echo’s of people talking and waving. We hang on to every word, so proud, so pleased, yet sense that he is straining to connect to the crowd, while we are shouting at home. You’re Great, the Best, Keep Going, Be oblivious to the noise around you. Last line of song.
Shout out to troops, great applause (heavy sigh)
I wanted the troops to wait for 20 seconds and have the first applause for his song.
impending snark attack
A sage vegetarian once said:
you can’t ride two horses with one Onion. IMO nobody is fully happy that way. However, if Taylor is fully happy that way then good enough. I have itunes.
With all the excitement, premature shout-outs do and will continue to occur. I just hope and expect that this will subside with experience.
There will be people that will have to catch up to him. I don’t think he should try to wait for them, ten years is enough waiting. The surprise is there are legions of people down the road with sharpies and bics still waiting for him, and they won’t leave.
As for the disingenuous debate, I think Taylor was raised with the adage “if you can’t say anything good about someone, don’t say anything at all”. I don’t think that most of his attitude is deliberate politics on his part.
Wasn’t that shout-out a kind of segue into DIMYP? Which he DID sing for the troops? I think the shout-outs are kind of endearing. They may not always be graceful, but they are real. I think he repeatedly yells Soul Patrol as a sort of thank-you to all of us. He can be slick and focused when he wants to be. No matter what people yelled or how loud the crowd cheered during his AI performances, he never broke character during the song like the others did (grinning when they heard the girlies scream, etc.). I think the shout-outs are less a nervous tic and more a deliberate choice of how he wants to relate to the audience. So he’ll run with it for awhile, and if it doesn’t work out he’ll no doubt phase it out. It was tough to go from an upbeat, fast, orchestrated song that everybody knows to an unknown song that had more of a folksy feel to it with only himself as accompanyment. In the video you could see folks start talking to eachother during the music. He sensed that and tried to engage them again with the shout-out, and segue into DIMYP. The important thing is everybody heard that song. You could hear folks telling one another that it was off Taylor’s album. So the buzz will spread and his mission was accomplished.
Whoa, are we putting this guy in a fishbowl or what? Having never been a “fan” like this before, do all fan websites dissect their fave’s performances with such zeal? Glad I’m not famous…
I didn’t say that and I don’t believe it. All of us walk a tightrope between absolute sincerity and good manners. There’s not perfect balance. To me, Taylor’s good manners are sweet, but it can come across as insincere, and a bit needy. I actually liked the way Ray LaMontagne came across in that interview for the most part. Very guarded and careful with language. No hyperbole. That’s a good quality in a writer. But even to me it came across as a bit cold, and obviously to others it came across as arrogant and rude.
There are good things and bad things about both kinds of personalities. I like both, but that doesn’t preempt me from saying that something here or there rubs me the wrong way.
HHHmmmm, nice to see that some of the GC people came over to Ash’s boogie.
Thanks Ash !
What? Jeez, I never said Taylor was perfect. If you ever read my posts on GC you would know that I am the one cautioning folks regarding “pedestal topping”. However, I do take exception to saying that Taylor needs to be less gracious. I’m consistent on the board topic and on the other threads, regarding my opinion on that. The Ray thing just grates on me.
Taylor seems to have done just fine so far doing what he’s doing. It just seems that even when the guy puts a great performance out there, someone has a ‘nit-pic’ on it.
No need to flog…I’ll just shut up about it.
I had to return from my own self imposed Opus Dei Time-Out (from above post) to say that I now understand why Taylor feels the need to immediately storm the gates of Gray to apologize to anyone that he may have offended. Heaven forbid he should actually ever fall from grace, or from the perfect perception people hold of him.
Back to flogging…..
So, Taylor’s disingenuous? Just kissin’ butt to get ahead? I think it’s presumptuous to try to suppose what Taylor believes and doesn’t believe. But isn’t one of Taylor’s “attractions” the fact that he’s ‘REAL’? At least that’s what I keep reading.
I personally do NOT believe that he needs any Ray L. “attitude”. That would be exactly opposite of why most people have come to like Taylor.
Taylor is well-raised and polite. He also has respect for other artists that may not be exactly like him but have contributed to the music. I would say that both Manilow and Queen have done so, and therefore, most likely DO have Taylor’s respect.
From where I sit, it’s a much better thing to be gracious and respectful of those who have come before you or who have risked putting their art out there, than being cynical and looking down your nose at others. I believe Gray Charles referred to is as “saying ‘Yes'”.
just sayin….
Different strokes for different folks I guess because I find people’s honest even if differing opinions on Taylor’s performance a more interesting topic/discussion than 20 posts of “didn’t he sound great?” But that’s just me.
During the Larry King interview, Taylor said that the best thing that he learned during AI was how to control his voice during singing a little bit more. That is why I like DIMYP because I can hear his wonderful voice clearly and without straining. I do think that the AI venue was a great place to hear him without everyone screaming–I’m afraid the AI tour will be filled with so much that you won’t even be able to hear him.
double d:
I agree. Reminds me of the endless discussion on the ‘scary site’ about whether or not Taylor said “soul patrol” too much. I, for one, say let the guy be himself and let’s not try to change him, whether it’s too many ‘you knows’ or too many shout outs or too much dancing or whatever. It’s all part of what makes him special IMHO.
Wow, seems like alot of analysis on the guy just doing his thing. Why is it such a big deal about him saying, “How ’bout our troops”?
Doesn’t have to “fit” the song…fits the event. Sorry, but I’d like to see you get up in front of 50,000 people to sing with an acoustic/harmonica self-accompniment and see what you “shout out”.
I think Taylor’s in the quandry of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”. No shout outs and people say, “he’s lost his kun-NECK-shun to the crowd”; shout out too much and it’s “need to tone down the shout outs”.
Sure wish we could find an more interesting topic. Like maybe how great he plays acoustic guitar with no pick.
Yeah, I agree. Noticed it during AI. I thought saying he was “thrilled” to meet Barry Manilow and that Queen was the greatest rock group ever was sweet, but I didn’t believe for a second that he meant it. Sometimes there’s a fine line between graciousness and sycophancy.
While I thought the shout out to the troops during the Deal seemed awkward, I chalked it up to nerves. It wasn’t his show/solo tour… the show was about/for the troops and America, many who maybe hadn’t seen AI let alone heard the Deal before. Taking it to the Streets people know, and if they don’t, they can at least enjoy his dancing. With the Deal, singing and playing guitar and harmonica, all the spotlight was on him, and maybe he had a moment/fear of that and since they didn’t know the song, maybe he thought he was losing them or that they thought “what the heck does this song have to do with America?” so maybe it was like nervous tourettes, and instead of a shout out to the Soul Patrol, he catered it to the audience/theme of the show and did it to the troops.
I personally enjoy the chit chat/shout outs. I love Dave Matthews and James Taylor, but when I see them in concert, while I hear great music, all I ever see is them just standing there singing. Maybe an occassional thank you, but no real “personality” outside of the music. And seeing someone live, for me, should be different than just hearing their record/music, maybe because I am just an interactive person I don’t know, LOL.
But I like how often it seems Taylor is doing his shout outs to “personalize” a performance and to make the audience really feel a part of it. Granted, he makes us feel with his music, but for me, this is different. I love in the live stuff like at the Galleria how he yells out to the band “let’s play this” and then he changes his mind sometimes twice before they play a song, LOL. I just like seeing that side and “realness” of it.
Julie,
>>>”like he had to relate the singing back to the patriotic theme”>>>
“come on baby lets”:
make that arms for peace Deal?
oil for food Deal?
Probably no one else noticed it.
Deb and Mama…I agree. The song is so perfect and shouting anything at that key moment would be distracting – the “how bout them troops” particularly threw me off. It seemed like Taylor felt that his presence wasn’t enough for the crowd, like he had to relate the singing back to the patriotic theme that was the reason for the concert, which is total crap. Taylor is enough.
I can’t help but wonder how it felt to be on that huge stage all alone. He looked so tiny up there but once he started singing he sure filled up the space.
Its like having someone shout out some one elses name at the end of
-might forgive him that too but unlikely.
Taylor has probably watched it and made a mental correction already. Anyway, it’s off to camp for the summer.
Hi! I logged on to:
http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/how.aspx and selected “view Programing”
…the link took me here:
http://pentagonchannel.feedroom.com and an anouncement was made that the Stadium of Fire broadcast will be at 2100 hours (!) Eastern Standard Time. I think that is 9:00 pm in the evening. 🙂
I agree also with the consensus that he should tone down the “shout-outs” etc. He is a great performer and doesn’t need to do that anymore. Old habits are hard to break. He’ll work it out though. With a little fine tuning, he’ll go from Exciting to YEAH BABY! 🙂
Thrilled he got to do his own stuff!! Just leaves you wanting more and more and more and more….
Can’t Wait to hear First Reports from the tour front Wednesday!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Mama Feelgood,
Thanks for the response. I think “gracious” is a double edged sword for Taylor. I would wipe that sword down with a little Ray La M. attitude.
remember
“The phone lines are down” …forever
NEVER blink first
When the curse fits wear it
Otherwise, soulsomeness satisfies no one. The people that have been waiting for his first moment to sing his song are WTF? Spell broken. The people that were not getting it or waiting for him to dance or to clap and wave flags, were not with him anyway, and can wait another 10 seconds.
remember
put the pot roast in
wait
don’t eat
I have to stop
I’m glad you brought that up, Deb. I’m actually uncomfortable with all the “How y’all feelin'” shout outs, going back to the Galleria performance. It’s as if he hasn’t quite taken in yet that he doesn’t have to find a way to grab the audience’s attention. It’s rivited on him from the moment he gets on stage.
But the shout out to the troops at that moment was especially awkward.
Did anyone else cringe when during the Deal, he did the harp riff, growled/slowed tempo -come on baby….Then…. how about it for the troops????? I know he is doing the FloraBama keep em entertained, but his song was great he didn’t need to “rein em” back in.
It is ironic to me that everyone is squealing when he plays the harp and jives on stage. It’s almost like you can’t take him in all at once, he is too much. You can enjoy him performing with others on the harp. You can enjoy him singing solo. His dancing is precious, but then it sometimes distracts from his vocals. All positive problems. Maybe it was better AI kept him limited to singing. Kept the frenzy down a bit.
pictures from Stadium of Fire show at:
http://www.thetaylorhickspage.com/
Deb, you have tremendous insight. Dana, sweet to her soul.
That’s all I wanted to say. Except hi all and steer clear of firecrackers!
I think Georgia is his love song. And a great little name for a girl.
I would love a breathless, careless, doomed from the start but worth every minute of it love song, but that’s the mood I am in.
Karen–
Thanks so much!! Yes, I feel a “connection” here too in the world wide web, thanks to you and the people here who are genuine and real.
I have lived in Los Angeles for 13 years, and though I now eat sushi and tofu, LOL, I honestly can say that Los Angeles/the industry has not changed me from the same wide-eyed glass half full girl from Louisiana who has a crazy passion. So, I’m really not too worried or scared for Taylor. If anything, I am thankful for him, because change is needed and good, and I really think he will change a lot of things for many people without changing who he is.
Sure hopes someone makes an MP3 of “The Deal”…thought it was great!
Dana, ~ Okay, this is REALLY sappy! But if I lived in CA instead of TX, I would love to know you just for you! LOL – The fact that you are associated with one of the most incredible TV shows anywhere…anytime…
…why, that would never even cross my mind if I asked you to meet me at some trendy restaurant where celebrities might be dining!
Ok, kidding aside, I always love to read your posts. They bring insight, and very often speak what I am thinking. I remember your first post back on GC – I connected even there. So, just saying, you’re appreciated, and I’m not one of the fake ones!
Karen–
I agree there is some sadness when you think about the aloneness Taylor may be feeling, especially when you read how he had to go back near his trailer/backstage to watch the fireworks at stadium of fire because he was mobbed when he came out into the audience. Reading one person say they saw him dancing by himself to the fireworks display music was a sad image for me actually.
But, what doesn’t sadden me too much is all the people like in that video who are trying to get a piece of Taylor. Because, you can tell, he has that gift/instinct for knowing how he can trust. And, I think it’s obvious by his interview with GC, his posting on GC, and the things he says he will be involved in with his own wesbite… he still wants to connect with people. He still “trusts” them. He’s not a hermit living in fear. He’s not letting some strange people groping him change how he feels about performing, his calling, or just people in general. And I truly don’t think he will become that fearful, skeptical, “bitter” person who “just wants to be left alone.” I think to a degree he is aware that the craziness will fade away as the next craze comes along, the next season of American Idol, etc. but what will remain are the fans he described to Gray: people who know, like, and what good music. So I think based on what I’ve heard and read from Taylor, I think even with the mobs and craziness, I think he’d say “I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Sure, it’s going to be harder for him to meet people he really trusts and connects with now, but that’s true of anyone who gets some sort of fame, power, or “connections.” I always wonder when I meet people in Los Angeles if they care about me, or if they care about who I know or what I do. And you learn really quickly to see the difference. And when you do find the people you really can trust and connect with, even if takes longer than you’d hoped, it just makes you appreciate them so much more. I have very few real friends in Los Angeles, but I’d take them over many fake ones anyday.
I am enjoying the comments, but, Deb, your last one made me feel a sense of sadness, as well. How much can he trust those around him – like that Tuesday night tape ~ all the”new best friends” reaching for a piece of him.
That invisable fence may protect the solitude he needs as an artist, but I also want plenty of “real” friends around him at all times. I DO want this to be FUN for him! It’s just a real shame that there are always those who reach and pull and touch and, generally, make all the rest of us look like stalkers if we even try to approach just to speak to him if we get the chance.
For me, often the most powerful love songs are the non-sappy ones that may not say all the “traditional” things about love, but yet, somehow speak to me and I relate to them more than the love ballads. Two eamples that come to mind are U2’s “With or Without You” and INXS’s “Make Time Stop/Not Enough Time.” So I think it possible to do a love song and stay true to yourself as an artist and as a “lover.”
Working in screenwriting, back in the day, we were taught, “write what you know.” I followed that for a LONG time but found I soon need to write outside of my experiences and comfort zone occassionally just to challenge myself and grow as a writer. Not sure it was any better or worse than what I wrote based on life exoerience, but I needed to do it.
I’ve said this before, and maybe it’s a cliche, so forgive me. But, for some reason, I wasn’t as intrigued by Taylor not having written a “love song” as I was by the fact that he didn’t have/write a song about unrequited love.
Sadly for me, that’s when some of my best writing came to be, hee.
the two videos have disappeared from my site. anyone else having this problem?
Ms. Ei,
Please post more. What an observant, thoughtful post! Personally, I am always amazed by his ability to sing low, play harp, then hit the falsetto in less than 30 seconds. He should always have a stool present, because it would help when he wants to breathe and not move. When you lean against them, it’s a sexy look, and they’re fun to kick over!
>>>”I just know that for his solo concerts, he should tour with a BIG band: strings, horn section, percussion, etc. There’s a lot of energy and fun in performing with that and for a musician like Taylor, he thrives on that energy as well as audience response. The bigger the band, more energy from Taylor, huge response from the audience and the circle of love will go on and on and on… share the love more”>>>
I totally agree, he can always strip down to an unplugged state when required. He seems exhilarated and inspired by all musical options that it presents to him. In the Ghetto, with that fame sessions sound… !!AND THE WORLD TURNS!! He blew the front half of that audience into the cheap seats. For a heartbeat, the world flew off it’s axis.
On a sadder note, he should have as many people around him on the stage as possible that he has chosen. He seems to have an invisible fence surrounding that stage throughout his career, that he can’t disable. In the earlier part, it was because of the droning din of drinking and carousing.
Now it’s because it’s just not safe.
“I just made the stage my home, it’s where my heart is” Taylor has said.
Then make it fun.
Beautiful, Deb!
And by ‘sappy’ I don’t really mean sappy. I mean real.
I hope he does meet his inspiration for that song because I want him to be happy of course, and because I would sure like to hear that song…
In reality, I can’t imagine that the song could come first. I just don’t know how that could happen. I know I can’t write what I don’t feel.
But maybe…they always say you have to visualize what you want to make it happen…Maybe the visualizing would be enough to write the song…
Maybe…
Lisa,
I’ve said this before, I think Taylor will swallow his harp before he will sing a sappy love song. Unless he is inspired to write it. In that case, and rightfully so, we may never hear it unless the person he wrote it for wants to share it. That is probably the case right now.
I would alway wish art to imitate his life first, but you may be on to something with the necessity to have life imitate art. When I was a dance therapist with autistic, and differently abled children, many times we had to instigate an emotion through movement first because it was less intimidating. Over time the feeling was expressed emotionally as well as physically.
The best news is that downbeat, downtrodden days are part of all of us, but do not define us. I know that exhilaration and joy is down the road, with love and security around the bend. Everybody dance!
Aliceinwonderland, Deb, Basenji…
About the love song thing, I was thinking the same thing! This is what I wrote in my blog:
Monday, June 19, 2006
Taylor Needs To Write a Really Great LOVE SONG…
So, I have been listening to Taylors original songs and I love them and they are killing me because of the heartbreak…and I love them.
How much did his heart have to break to write these songs? The ladies have let him down. He tried to hold on to his love but it just didnt pan out.
I hope that in the future we maybe get to hear some real happy, real sappy love songs about how much he loves the future Mrs. Hicks.
Come to think of it, sappy love songs are decidedly missing from his original music. I think if I could ask Taylor a question it would be: Where are the sappy love songs?
You know, there are some Native American tribes who believe that everything in this world must be spoken (or sung) into existence. They have a person who goes out and literally sings the sun up every morning!
Maybe you should sing your love life into existence, Taylor. Sing it, and make it real.
————Well, it is a better idea than hooking up with random blondes who wink at you in airplanes! 😉
Please forgive my ignorance with this question. What type of devices will record with decent video and audio that we see here in these two vids? I’m going to a few shows this year, not AI, but would like to grab a few songs on vid. I dont want to bring something noticeable like my beloved Canon digital (powershot s2 IS, can do an 8-10min vid and I love it)because I’m a baby and do not want it taken from me by venue security. I’m just curious what devices I could use? My cell has vid capability but not for long and not good quality.
I loved watching “The Deal.” My favorite off of UTR keeps changing around, but this one is my current favorite. Or maybe “Heart & Soul.” I love watching him play guitar & harp. The only other performers I can recall who play guitar & wear the harp brace around their necks are Bob Dylan & early John Lennon. Not bad company to be in!
Hello! First time poster, a long time lurker at GC and somehow, kind people there pointed to this blog so here I am. Thanks Ash! It’s great to see Taylor in all these gigs and showing what he can do to the rest of US, at least not the world yet, live. He’s really born to be on that stage. It’s a gift. There are a lot of fantastic singers out there who are truly boring on stage, and good for him that he’s not one of them and I believe, never will be even if he’s old and ‘gray’, so to speak. 🙂
I just hope that he continues with his plans of exercising more or shall we say, work out more, to help with his breathing and stamina. If he’s going on tour (which should always be a blast and it will be) and doing television shows in which he is going to perform, he needs to be in top form vocally and physically. Two hours or more a night for 2 to 3 nights a week will wipe an artist out if not prepared. Bruce Springsteen did four-hour concert/s before. If a performer is going to have an audience as enthusiastic as Bruce’s, he/she should be prepared.
I know there’s a lot of talk on a previous thread about finances, but I don’t know anything about that. I’m an artist not a businessperson (yet, I’m learning). I just know that for his solo concerts, he should tour with a BIG band: strings, horn section, percussion, etc. There’s a lot of energy and fun in performing with that and for a musician like Taylor, he thrives on that energy as well as audience response. The bigger the band, more energy from Taylor, huge response from the audience and the circle of love will go on and on and on… share the love more. 🙂
Hicnic,
I don’t think Vinman has uploaded the finale performances yet. So far there’s only Chris&Live performance
The link to that is http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=437356,
on page 2 there’s some high quality videos, but they are not Vinman’s.
Ash, I sorry, I bad girl. I should not post this here but………Just looked at Chris Daughty’s audition clip from that site… Simon said no to Chris, said he saw no charisma, so star quality. Ha!
Love those videos, thanks Ash and Tara. A little off subject but for the last few days I have been busy downloading Vinman’s high quality performance videos from GC archives. I have this link
http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=409070 which came from Denali back on April 30th on GC.
The quality is unbelievable, but missing is the finale performances. Does anyone know if Vinman has them posted anywhere? Denali, can you help???
Love, love, LOVE “The Deal”. Thanks to Ash and Tara72 for sharing.
And thanks to Taylor.
Historia, thanks for the boo boo, I would have missed that if you had not posted here.
ooopppss sorry for the double post 😉
Thanks, I totally forget about the message board. Sorry to have posted that here.
wow!!!i’m feeling the love here from the other side of the globe!!!thanks to Tara72 and Ash for the videos!
The Deal was grreeaaattt, i swear! great vocals, great guitar with harmonica..what more could we ever ask for?? oh yeah i agree with AliceinWonderland about the “this is my woman” love anthem from taylor…let’s hope for that masterpiece in his solo album (drools).
wow!!!i’m feeling the love here in the other side of the globe!!!thanks to Tara72 and Ash for the videos!
The Deal was grreeaaattt, i swear! great vocals, great guitar with harmonica..what more could we ever ask for?? oh yeah i agree with AliceinWonderland about the “this is my woman” love anthem from taylor…let’s hope for that masterpiece in his solo album (drools).
Thanks for “The Deal” video!!! I am about to post it for all my kids at Myspace… someone has to do it!
I sang once for a conference of about 1,000 people – no where near 50,000. I have also performed solos within a choir setting for around 3,000 people. It didn’t bother me at all. I do agree that smaller groups can sometimes be more difficult. My worst experience was singing as entertainment at a beauty pageant during the time period when the judges were voting. I’m used to people not paying close attention when I sing as background music for a dinner, but was not prepared for all the chatter in the pageant setting. I guess they were more concerned about predicting the winner.
Wowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowow!
The Deal was freaking awesome! I love to see him doing his own music! Can’t wait to hear him do more!!!!
Thank you, Tara72 and Ash for these videos!
There’s a thread about Ray’s comment on the boards here, with lots of very good comments if you want to look there…
Back to Stadium of Fire: is it more intimidating to sing in front of 50,000 or only 50? Seems like you could blur out 50,000 but 50 are right there looking at you intimately. Anyone ever perform in front of a very large crowd?
Deb: Amen
Historia: Gray Charles actually posted the link to this interview over on the message board under Taylor HIcks News. You might want to check out the, umm, intense debate that occurred over the last couple of days.
“Somehow” has the potential to be an absolute show-stopper if performed on the AI tour with soft lighting, a small band and a soulful sax break.”
Robin4Tay is completely right, this song needs to be revealed in an intimate setting.
AS for “an original tune that allows you to accompany yourself, since you have no band? I agree that The Deal is a logical choice.” Also spot on.
————–
But that said…
it is time for the man to have a band and no longer need to accompany himself
I know many of you may have already seen this. It is on MJ’s Blog and Jean sent it out via her links. However, if you have not seen it you might want to take a short read. This really puzzles me. I have to say I am not too thrilled at Ray’s comments. Am I overreacting? I just think I would be a bit more polite if my song was sung by Taylor. And if I was not a viewer of AI, I would at least check out his performance of it. Once again, maybe I am overreating. It wouldn’t be the first time. What do you guys think?
Ray Lamontagne Interview
Singer-songwriter, Ray Lamontagne who wrote “Trouble”, one of Taylor Hicks’s Idol tunes (and one of his best performances, in my opinion), was recently interviewed by WCLZ radio out of Portland, ME. When the interviewer asked him about Taylor, here is what he had to say:
“I haven’t heard it [Taylor’s version of “Trouble”] I have met Taylor Hicks before. He’s come to several shows early on…he was very kind.”
The interviewer says, “that must have been cool.”
Lamontagne responds, “Well, you know he was just a guy…now he is Taylor Hicks…now he’s famous. Before he wasn’t famous…but he was just a very kind fan. So that’s how I met him and I didn’t put the two together for a long time until somebody recently showed me a picture, and then I was like ‘oh I know who he is, he’s the guy who came backstage and would sing Sam Cooke songs to me…drunk.'”
The interviewer laughs and says, “This is the kind of celebrity dirt I want to get into now.” Lamontagne says, “…Is he a celebrity already? C’mon, you have to earn it…C’mon now…”
The interviewer says “I don’t watch American Idol” and Lamontagne adds, “I don’t either”. But then he quickly says, “But I’m happy for him, and I hope he sells a katrillion, zillion records.”
The interviewer interjects, “It’s probably good for you, because…100 million people heard the song…” But Lamontagne is unimpressed, “Yeah, but….you know how that works…nobody cares who wrote the song…I don’t think anyone knows who sings…I’m sure no one cares.”
I can understand an independent artist like Ray Lamontagne hating AI. It probably represents everything he dislikes about mass produced muzak. I get that. And the fact that Lamontagne is a bit dismissive of the way Taylor finally managed to “get his voice heard”–well, that’s to be expected, I suppose. But downplaying the importance of getting his song performed in front of millions of people? He’s got to be kidding. I’ll bet Taylor is responsible for introducing many AI viewers to Ray Lamontagne’s music–it’s one reason Taylor performed the song in the first place.
KT Tunstall acknowledged Katharine McPhee’s contribution to moving a few units of her album, after Katharine performed her “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” on Idol. Tunstall offered to buy Katharine a pizza if they ever crossed paths. Heh.
You can listen for yourself. Download Ray’s remarks about Taylor. Or, Download the entire interview, which features Lamontagne performing a few songs from his upcoming album. thanks dave
Now that I’ve been thinking about it – and watching the videos a few (hundred) times over, I agree with you Robin. The deal was the most logical choice for him. It was upbeat enough to keep things moving and it is a song easily transfers to an acoustic verion. Not to mention that for the occasion, somehow wouldn’t have really been fitting.
Ah man – can you imagine what it would be like to perform for that many people? And isnt this his first performance to more 50k? The television sets on ai dont count imo.
Basenji, Amys, AliceinWonderland,
Thank you! In a New York Minute, you never know, as we’re typing he may be penning a couple of masterpieces. You can only hope.
To me it is the missing piece of the soul-passion-puzzle, when a Man Loves a Woman, Come to Me, These Arms of Mine, Midnight Hour, Cry to Me……Taylor needs a love anthem, a hurts so good song. Anthony Hamilton, John Legend have them, not John Mayer, (Your Body is a Wonderland is too much information.)
If he can’t write it. Someone will have to. He did Something, YSM and YASB proud. Personally, I wish that he could enjoy the complete creative process culminating in song!.
So you’re playing before 50,000 at a July 4 celebration, and you want an upbeat original tune that allows you to accompany yourself, since you have no band? I agree that The Deal is a logical choice.
But I do think that “Somehow” has the potential to be an absolute show-stopper if performed on the AI tour with soft lighting, a small band and a soulful sax break. Especially true, if balanced with other high-energy tunes. Of course, I have no idea if we can expect any original tunes on the tour. Just dreaming.
Just got back from the weekend away, all I can say is WOW!! Thank you Tara72 and Ash., the videos are great! That man rocks, he’s awesome. Karen, loved the “box of chocolates” analogy, I just started laughing because my favorite Taylor song seems to change every day!! Love them all!!
Ladies and gentlemen, after watching yet another surprisingly good cell phone video of Mr. Hicks, I’m completely (as the Brits say) gobsmacked and all a twitter. He really did make that crowd beg for the harp. Well, it’s going to be a long summer for me hanging about the computer waiting for you all to keep these reports coming in. Have pity on a poor girl in Japan!
Is mojavedesertgirl still MIA?
Alice: agree, I want him to be madly in love. That’s about all I could wish for him after all he does for me. God, what a girl I am now…I used to be a tomboy!
AliceinWonderland,
Amen to that! T-H-U-D- would be my reaction to a “this is my woman and I’m gonna love her til the day I die” song!
Thanks Karen, enjoyed those pics! I think that’s Lee Ann watching Taylor from behind the stage backdrop in one of them, isn’t it?
Also found a few more good photos from behind the scenes in millerrocks’ photo album. I especially enjoyed the one of him practicing on the stage with the empty stadium in front. Imagine standing up there up in front of 50K people. What an unbelievable thrill for him to perform an original song to the echo of the arena!
http://myidol.americanidol.com/Photos/ViewAlbum.aspx?aid=75080&un=millerrocks
Deb said:
“Truth be told, I wish him an earth moving, “masterpiece” relationship for the pure fun of it and for the banging song to follow”
YES! While I enjoy the, “pining for lasting love” songs of Taylor’s, I want a passionate, balls-to-the-walls, “this is my woman and I’ll love her till the day I die” song or two. Cuz that’s just, y’know, sexy.
I know that some people feel that he is above capitalizing on his desirability factor. I know, I know it’s about the music man!
Hooey, in my unesteemed opinion. He it not going to sing about the demise of a relationship to 30,000 fans. I also think that he is too jazzed to revel in Somehow right now. Maybe in a more intimate setting. He’s not going to mention “it’s not a Country Twang” within 5 states of Utah.
My Friend, and Hold on To Your Love screams… more musicians all around me please. West Texas Sky is another relationship killer.
Truth be told, I wish him an earth moving, “masterpiece” relationship for the pure fun of it and for the banging song to follow.
Orca Says:
“Alice, you weren’t the only one getting teary watching Tay play and sing his own song for 50,000 – this was a special moment.”
Yes.
That must have felt incredible to stand in front of all those people and sing ‘The Deal.’ … what an incredible moment.
There are some GREAT pictures in “Taylorsgotmyvote” s photo album on the AI board – go look!
http://myidol.americanidol.com/Boards/topic.aspx?tid=512992&p=1
Photo’s under first post.
Somehow is my favorite, too. I’m thinking he picked a faster song, as opposed to a slower one to keep thing moving, and he only had a short time to be on stage. But what do I know…and I love it all!
“Somehow” is my all-time fav also. It’s so soulful and emotional. Really great for his voice. I’m thinking maybe he picked “The Deal” because he could do it with a guitar. He probably doesn’t have a soundtrack for any of his original stuff and “Somehow” and “The Fall” both would be harder to pull off with just him and a guitar. Or maybe not, what do I know.
I wonder if he’ll do “The Deal” on the AI tour?
T – H -U – D …..
Alice, you weren’t the only one getting teary watching Tay play and sing his own song for 50,000 – this was a special moment.
I kind of thought The Deal was an odd song to pick, but, folks not knowing what the song is really about could apply to the words to the troops and their families being apart. Does anyone else think this or am I just out in left field?
*raises hand* Another fan of “Somehow” here! I’m almost hoping he doesn’t re-record that one though, because the original is soooooo good there’s no need. Save that precious CD space for something new!
Thank you for the videos! I was sitting here with the biggest, silliest grin on my face for the entire thing. He does that to me every time!
Ash- that wasn’t I who put “Ash&Gray”, but thank you for all you are doing. It’s been a lifesaver. I thought that I would get over all of this by now!
He’s been living at sea level for quite a while, and Provo is about 4500 feet above that, so he definitely could have been out of breath. He still sounded great, though. Love the guitar! Thanks for these!
Wow. that was really fast! I wasnt expecting a video for at least a few days. Sound quality was suprisingly good! Thanks Ash and Tara72 for putting it up!
Hearing somehow or the fall would have been really kick ass, but I have to say – He sounded really good on the deal! I liked the acoustic performance a lot!
Ugh how I wish I could have been there!
Karen, a box of yummy chocolates–good analogy. And “Somehow” is definitely the one with the caramel and pecan filling. 🙂
Thanks, Tara72!
It’s good to get a taste of what you all got to experience.
Is it just me or did he sound out of breath a lot? Isn’t the air thinner in Provo? I sort of wish he had sung The Deal more like on UTR.
(Don’t want to get shot)
I’m with you, Robin. “Somehow” is by far my favorite, and I think it would be a real hit for Taylor given the exposure he has now.
Robin, I agree.
If I had to pick just one (I know, it’s like a box of chocolates…all yummy, but you have to choose…) it’s Somehow for me too.
I just know that will be on Taylor’s new CD, because I want it so much…
thinking positive!!!!!
You know, the legion that we call the Soul Patrol is gaining in numbers every time Taylor hits the stage.
That was cool, I’d never seen him play acoustic before. I loved the one man band. =)
Here are the same videos for download on sendspace.
Takin It To The Streets
http://www dot sendspace dot com/file/n2f8is
The Deal
http://www dot sendspace dot com/file/avjg5k
Thanks for the video, and I agree his voice sounded great. It’s good to hear him singing and playing his own music. Can’t wait for more.
What I’d really love is to hear Taylor perform “Somehow.” For me, that song evokes tremendous emotion and sounds like it sprang straight from his soul. The lyrics have a beautiful simplicity and and the tune is quite haunting. Being honest, The Deal is not my favorite Taylor original. The tune is nice enough, but I think the lyrics are a bit awkward and it seems to work a little hard for some of the rhymes. Also (dating myself now) it always makes me think of Monty Hall and Let’s Make a Deal. 🙂
Hope that doesn’t come across as too critical. I have tremendous respect for Taylor as a songwriter. That particular song would just not be my first choice for Taylor to put out there for the public right now. But, hey, what do I know?
Without Ash & Gray the highway to my soul would be marked with speed bumps and pot holes. I’m sure I haven’t clarified anything but hope you will still take it.
____________
gratuitously Ash & Gray
Oh … and Deb? You’re most welcome. Just doing what I can to spread the love. 🙂
Thank you, Tara72 and Ash for these videos!
I’m such a geek. I’m sitting here in tears after watching “The Deal,” and clapping my ass off for a tiny, fuzzy little image of Taylor on my monitor playing his gee-tar and harp and having the time of his life. And my cat is just looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. I’m thinkin’ she should be used to it after the last six months or so.
Taylor, I can’t say it enough … thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me back my soul!
Interesting how he gauged the crowd reaction and threw in some fireworks at the end of the song- so it didn’t get too coffee house and didn’t carry on too long. Just enough so they got a good taste of it, but not too long to bore any non-fans (or fans used to his AI persona) who may not be listening with the rapt attention that we are.
Thank you so much, I would have loved to have been able to attend…but Utah is a long way from Alabama!!!
Yea & thanks! For those who can’t see him in person, these snippets give us a chance live vicariously. So great to see him doing his own songs now & then, too!
That made me rediculously, and perhaps disproportionately, HAPPY.
Thank you, Tara72–it is awesome to see him any way that we can see him!
Original song, vocals, harp, guitar, moves, & pure love
Taylor Hicks – Reloaded at last!!
Shoot-blow-holster
I’m slain
________
Lots of Love to Aliceinwonderland and Tara72, Ash. & Gray
He sounds great on “The Deal”! His voice is amazing. Nice to see him accompanying himself, too. TI2TS is good — feels like I want to be closer in to really ‘see’ the performance though.
Thanks for posting the vids it was a real treat.
OMG! The Deal was so awesome. First time I’ve seen him play guitar since he won.I sure hope he does this at the AI concerts. It really shows how he is meant to play and sing HIS music! Thank you for posting this!
Thank You!
😀 She’s also posted The Deal:
I’m impressed with the sound quality, have to say.