From a cold Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday night, Taylor Hicks transcended the miles and touched hearts.
The streets were still snow packed and icy. The crowd at the High Noon Saloon had braved the weather to be there for Taylor’s Shadow Tour concert after his performance as Teen Angel in “Grease.”
Miles, and even a vast ocean away, fans gathered to listen to Taylor’s music on a chatcert. From New Zealand, Canada, Washington, Arizona, Florida, New England and many places in between, the faithful stayed up late and was rewarded with a stellar performance by a relaxed and joking Taylor.
He might have phoned in the media from his hotel this week, but he never phones in his music!
It was phoned in for fans gathered from three countries. It traveled through two phones and a little computer mic to home computers and a chat room where the Soul Patrol talked of many things. As they listened, they shared their thoughts about Taylor, our brave troops and their families, and the joy his music brings to them. It felt like a good place and time for the Soul Patrol. I was happy to be there.
Besides sharing thoughts with others, I was especially touched by two songs. “Maybe You Should” is always a favorite. I heard it live in Birmingham. Last night it was just as emotional and hauntingly beautiful as it was in Birmingham.
I have never experienced the heartfelt emotion in his voice as I did with the stunning performance of “19.” The chat turned serious as people shared their connections to the military. Some in the room had been there. It was as if Taylor was singing just for them and his heartfelt comments were sincerely thanking them for the sacrifice they make. I could feel his emotion, and I was deeply touched.
Someone in the room reminded us: This is what he means when he says it is not how many records you sell. It is about touching lives. That connection was strong last night.
How could I be so emotionally connected through all these electronics?
There are two ways to enjoy a concert. Be there and be part of the event—exciting, emotional, and fun! Over the top!
Then there is listening to just the audio. Someone shared with me the audio from one of the Shadow Tour concerts. As I listened, it was all about the music and the sounds of Taylor Hicks. And that is what he is all about…the music.
Both Taylor live or an undiluted audio are incredible experiences.
Last night just seemed to be special in an almost indefinable way. There was something in his voice…
It was a Friday night well spent for many reasons, not the least of which was the music.
“I’ve got to be honest. You can take it all, but leave me with the music.”
The music—the heart and the soul of Taylor Hicks—was alive and well in Madison last night.
Although I’ve never thought that listening at home could be as good as being there, last night sure came close!
Thanks, Taylor, for another meaningful stop on this journey! Thanks for taking us to Madison. No matter the place (or the weather) you do it right every time!
We owe you so much! Add last night to the tab!
Everyone traveling from Madison, stay warm and safe!
Outside my window, the snow is falling!
The streets were still snow packed and icy. The crowd at the High Noon Saloon had braved the weather to be there for Taylor’s Shadow Tour concert after his performance as Teen Angel in “Grease.”
Miles, and even a vast ocean away, fans gathered to listen to Taylor’s music on a chatcert. From New Zealand, Canada, Washington, Arizona, Florida, New England and many places in between, the faithful stayed up late and was rewarded with a stellar performance by a relaxed and joking Taylor.
He might have phoned in the media from his hotel this week, but he never phones in his music!
It was phoned in for fans gathered from three countries. It traveled through two phones and a little computer mic to home computers and a chat room where the Soul Patrol talked of many things. As they listened, they shared their thoughts about Taylor, our brave troops and their families, and the joy his music brings to them. It felt like a good place and time for the Soul Patrol. I was happy to be there.
Besides sharing thoughts with others, I was especially touched by two songs. “Maybe You Should” is always a favorite. I heard it live in Birmingham. Last night it was just as emotional and hauntingly beautiful as it was in Birmingham.
I have never experienced the heartfelt emotion in his voice as I did with the stunning performance of “19.” The chat turned serious as people shared their connections to the military. Some in the room had been there. It was as if Taylor was singing just for them and his heartfelt comments were sincerely thanking them for the sacrifice they make. I could feel his emotion, and I was deeply touched.
Someone in the room reminded us: This is what he means when he says it is not how many records you sell. It is about touching lives. That connection was strong last night.
How could I be so emotionally connected through all these electronics?
There are two ways to enjoy a concert. Be there and be part of the event—exciting, emotional, and fun! Over the top!
Then there is listening to just the audio. Someone shared with me the audio from one of the Shadow Tour concerts. As I listened, it was all about the music and the sounds of Taylor Hicks. And that is what he is all about…the music.
Both Taylor live or an undiluted audio are incredible experiences.
Last night just seemed to be special in an almost indefinable way. There was something in his voice…
It was a Friday night well spent for many reasons, not the least of which was the music.
“I’ve got to be honest. You can take it all, but leave me with the music.”
The music—the heart and the soul of Taylor Hicks—was alive and well in Madison last night.
Although I’ve never thought that listening at home could be as good as being there, last night sure came close!
Thanks, Taylor, for another meaningful stop on this journey! Thanks for taking us to Madison. No matter the place (or the weather) you do it right every time!
We owe you so much! Add last night to the tab!
Everyone traveling from Madison, stay warm and safe!
Outside my window, the snow is falling!
Photo courtesy of Katjusa Cisar, writer and photographer for the Capital Times in Madison, WI. Ms. Cisar also writes a spectacular and interesting review of the concert and Taylor Hicks:
Part Two: The concert and some surprises! Stay tuned.
For media and recaps from Madison, visit your favorite board today!
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5 comments:
No snow here in Florida !!
The sun shines through my window as it always does when Taylor sings. Last evening was an exception. At 1:00 AM , the mournful sound of Taylor and his steadfast band, wailed through the speakers set next to my computer. While the sun did not literally shine, the sense of warmth was there as I read the chat comments and listened to the music.
The Paltalk was for Taylor Hicks fans and those not known are usually expelled from the site when they create "mischief". I was struck by this comment " nys1emt: thank you for not kicking me out". We didn't know nys1emt, but hopefully whomever it was/is will tune in to Taylor again and become "just another Taylor Fan ."
I think most of us who listened last evening were figuratively "snowed" by the music.
cath
It may have been cold in Madison, but the High Noon was 'hot' as Taylor filled the place with his voice and guitar. What a concert he gave those of us brave enough (brazen enough) to be there!!!
It's nice to hear from a brazen one who was there! The concert sounded incredible to us who were listening at home.
BTW, mys1emt was only unknown at that moment! We did "know" her!
The "Bouncer"
Great blog as always, San! We're so happy that it worked so well. Here's to the next one!
Peece
I'm rather late in getting here, but at least I made it.
Yes~it was most definately a night to remember. You could 'hear' the excitement in the conversations while we all waited for that brown-eyed handsome man to begin what we all knew was to be a good time had by all: those in person & those glued to their computers. How wonderful it was to see names appearing & the rabid conversation that took place as Taylor 'wooed' us through the evening.
There was no question as to when Taylor entered the room. The whole place became alive.
'Nineteen' was beautifully done; passionately & in a much slower fashion. I must wonder if he thinks through 'how' he will sing each song, or if it just hits him at that last moment.
For me & a few others, it seemed as if the concert was finished before it barely began. But ~ of course, isn't that the way it is with Taylor's performances? He always leaves us wanting more. I think we might be a bit spoiled!...lol
Bunches of hugs & a lot of gratitude to those who made this cellcert a big success. I'm looking forward to when we ~ as 'Taylor's Soul Patrol' ~ can once again unite & enjoy the music & the man.
Good Night♥
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