Taylor Hicks ~ The Distance ~ hits the stage at Roxy's!

The Distance hit the streets; the single “What’s Right is Right” hit No. 1 on A/C radio!

It was Taylor Hicks’ week. He told the media that The Distance was the representation of who he is as a singer and songwriter. In a whirlwind of appearances and talks, he said he was busier than he had been since he won American Idol. He took Teen Angel and Grease to Los Angeles for a star-studded opening Tuesday night at the Pantages Theatre. He spoke to media from LA to Alabama. Radio sports personality Paul Finebaum played samples of tracks from The Distance and talked with Taylor about their days in Alabama.

Another media stop was his hometown Fox affiliate, MyFox.Al: “There’s a lot of different styles on the record. …I took the approach that I wanted to write in the different genres that reflect me as an artist.” [There is] “…a little bit of country music, a little bit of soul, blues…I have all those styles and influences…it’s apparent on the record.”

The Distance is 2 ½ years of work. He brought on friends. He collaborated with renowned songwriters. Artists who have played along side mega performers like Van Morrison and Eric Clapton came together to create The Distance. It is all packaged on a shiny little disc spinning all over the world. Yes, world. “What’s Right is Right” on video is up in China. Italian fans have a website with Taylor’s music. Our Canadian friends have been on the ride from the beginning.

Street Week is just the beginning. During street week next, Roxy’s in West Hollywood will present Taylor Hicks live, Wednesday, March 18th. It is the first shadow tour performance after the drop of The Distance. It promises the moon…and sun and stars!

We can’t know the setlist…but we know it is The Distance. Talking tracks:

Seven Mile Breakdown… set down in the delta, and Mississippi hot…live on stage will bring down the house.
Maybe You Should…just Taylor’s plaintive voice and the keys…hold on to your heart.
Nineteen…when music becomes more.
The Distance… a world view to hope for and believe in…a mantra for mankind…a big sound and message that would fill up Rockefeller Center.
What’s Right is Right…like an old friend, the first sounds we heard and saw; now, it is always special.
Keeping It Real…harmonica meets pop culture.
Once Upon a Lover of Mine…Latin rhythms meet soul…new dance steps for Taylor?
New Found Freedom…gospel is “taylorized”...local choirs for backup—just an interesting thought.
Woman’s Got To Have It…has already been presented live and reports say it leaves one breathless.
Wedding Day Blues…fun, fun, fun.
I Live on a Battlefield…the voice does amazing things… this band brings it on strong and takes it home.

The Distance is Taylor Hicks as he wants us to know him. It will ignite the music stage. That is where Taylor Hicks lives! Roxy’s is where it will happen March 18th.

You won’t really know The Distance until it hits the stage.

And I’m going along on this one…