Taylor Hicks Hits Chicago!

This week, in addition to appearing at the Auditorium Theatre in "Grease," Taylor Hicks has spent his mornings at the Chicago local TV Stations. He has performed an acoustic version of two of his original songs and given interviews, making excellent use of the exposure to promote both "Grease" and his Early Works CD. He is also nicely paving the way for his new album release, The Distance, due out on March 10th.

As I watched and listened to the Chicago TV station performances, I was awestruck once more for several reasons. First and foremost, I adore Taylor Hicks in any acoustic performance. His tour bands give his shows tons of pizzaz, but there is something magical about an artist sitting on a chair and playing his guitar softly, while he sings his original music.

This magic comes through loud and clear as Taylor Hicks graces the stages of WGN and CBS Chicago yesterday morning and this morning. His voice is pure and smooth and his passion for his own music is evident. As I listen, I am reminded once more of the depth of these songs, his age when he wrote them, and how they still are loved and listened to eagerly today. What is it about Taylor Hicks that grabs you by the heart and soul, and just won't let go? For me, it's the genuine man behind the music and the peformer singing that is the REAL DEAL. When Taylor sings his songs, you know he is proud of them and into them, and it just picks you up and carries you along in that smooth southern breeze which his voice encompasses.

If you have not had a chance to listen to or watch these performances, you can view them at the WGN and CBS Chicago websites. Here are the links:
WGN: Scroll to the right side bar under Live Performances
http://www.wgntv.com/morning_news

CBS: just type in Taylor Hicks for the search
http://cbs2chicago.com/video

Treat yourself to these and let the pure pleasure of a major artist offering his gifts surround you. It's quite an experience!