So what makes a “kick-ass” tour?
Taylor Hicks delivered on it.
“Kick-ass” music.
That doesn’t always mean loud and pounding. There was that—like “Bulletproof” that revved up the senses from the first pounding beats and a chorus—“This time baby I’ll be bulletproof” that plays in the head, and it hasn’t stopped yet.
The other end of the musical spectrum was when closed eyes and emotional vocals took you away on a romantic journey. There was “Maybe You Should” which Taylor says is for the couples in the audience and “The Fall” from his own repertoire of early song writing. The impact was stunning, especially if you had just heard “Bulletproof.”
In between there was foot stomping “Back to Louisiana,” funky rock with “Love the One You’re With,” rock and roll classic like “Not Fade Away,” and old favorites from “The Distance” and “Early Works” albums. One tweeter said she didn’t see how Taylor Hicks could do “Seven Mile Breakdown,” “The Fall,” and “Bulletproof,” …what a setlist. Eclectic doesn’t begin to describe the music on this tour.
“Kick-ass” band.
Also named “kick ass” by Taylor, this band brought immense talent to the stage. More importantly, perhaps, they brought the ability to meld into pure musical magic. “Best ever” was the constant description, and I thought I had seen the “best ever” in 2007. I can only give you a non-musician’s take: I was excited to hear every note and every song of the show. Brian Less, Jeff Lopez, Sam Gunderson, Brandon Peeples, Leif Bondarenko, and Matt Kimbrell were not just “backup.” They were always an integral part of the performance and stars in their own right.
Taylor Hicks and this band took “best ever” and made it better.
“Kick-ass” venues.
From roadhouse casual to grand piano posh, the venues gave us a tour of live music homes across America. I had no idea. There was summer place charm in New England, biker bar feel in the Midwest, and a dinner/music “room” in San Francisco. Versatility doesn’t even start. Blues club to jazz club to posh club, Taylor Hicks and the boys from Alabama played them all and took away the accolades for a “kick ass” show.
“Kick-ass” fans.
There were New Yorkers in California and Southerners in New York. Some groups of fans were just all over the place. They always get there! And there were new fans. Fans stood in line for over an hour to meet Taylor Hicks, get his CD, autograph, and picture. And Taylor met every one who wanted to meet him. He hand delivered his CD to a few more thousand fans. They will remember this one.
“Kick-Ass” Mr. Hicks.
Taylor has said that early on he learned that you have to “entertain, or go home.” He has ramped that up to…
Kick ass, or go home!
A San Diego writer reviewed the tour concert at The Anthology just today. He recalled walking through the airport a week after Taylor Hicks became Season Five American Idol and seeing his face on the cover of every magazine. After reviewing the music and “Not Fade Away” in particular, he said:
Taylor Hicks delivered on it.
“Kick-ass” music.
That doesn’t always mean loud and pounding. There was that—like “Bulletproof” that revved up the senses from the first pounding beats and a chorus—“This time baby I’ll be bulletproof” that plays in the head, and it hasn’t stopped yet.
The other end of the musical spectrum was when closed eyes and emotional vocals took you away on a romantic journey. There was “Maybe You Should” which Taylor says is for the couples in the audience and “The Fall” from his own repertoire of early song writing. The impact was stunning, especially if you had just heard “Bulletproof.”
In between there was foot stomping “Back to Louisiana,” funky rock with “Love the One You’re With,” rock and roll classic like “Not Fade Away,” and old favorites from “The Distance” and “Early Works” albums. One tweeter said she didn’t see how Taylor Hicks could do “Seven Mile Breakdown,” “The Fall,” and “Bulletproof,” …what a setlist. Eclectic doesn’t begin to describe the music on this tour.
“Kick-ass” band.
Also named “kick ass” by Taylor, this band brought immense talent to the stage. More importantly, perhaps, they brought the ability to meld into pure musical magic. “Best ever” was the constant description, and I thought I had seen the “best ever” in 2007. I can only give you a non-musician’s take: I was excited to hear every note and every song of the show. Brian Less, Jeff Lopez, Sam Gunderson, Brandon Peeples, Leif Bondarenko, and Matt Kimbrell were not just “backup.” They were always an integral part of the performance and stars in their own right.
Taylor Hicks and this band took “best ever” and made it better.
“Kick-ass” venues.
From roadhouse casual to grand piano posh, the venues gave us a tour of live music homes across America. I had no idea. There was summer place charm in New England, biker bar feel in the Midwest, and a dinner/music “room” in San Francisco. Versatility doesn’t even start. Blues club to jazz club to posh club, Taylor Hicks and the boys from Alabama played them all and took away the accolades for a “kick ass” show.
“Kick-ass” fans.
There were New Yorkers in California and Southerners in New York. Some groups of fans were just all over the place. They always get there! And there were new fans. Fans stood in line for over an hour to meet Taylor Hicks, get his CD, autograph, and picture. And Taylor met every one who wanted to meet him. He hand delivered his CD to a few more thousand fans. They will remember this one.
“Kick-Ass” Mr. Hicks.
Taylor has said that early on he learned that you have to “entertain, or go home.” He has ramped that up to…
Kick ass, or go home!
A San Diego writer reviewed the tour concert at The Anthology just today. He recalled walking through the airport a week after Taylor Hicks became Season Five American Idol and seeing his face on the cover of every magazine. After reviewing the music and “Not Fade Away” in particular, he said:
“Hicks took the lead vocal and proved he'd still be on the magazine covers if enough people could see him perform live….
“Hicks ended his 90-minute-plus performance with a surprising ’70s power-rock cover of La Roux's hit "Bulletproof" that was the highlight of the show. He sang and played a mean blues harmonica on Nick Lowe's "Battlefield" and did a roadhouse-rocking cover of "Love the One You're With" that put Stephen Stills to shame. Hicks included several original songs that all sounded great live but don't translate well to studio production. Taylor Hicks has still got the music in him, you just have to see him perform to appreciate it.”
This is why Taylor Hicks tours and why it is “kick ass!” It is who he is!
“UNTIL…..”
another “kick ass”one!
Quote from: “Idol Winner” by Alan Segal, The San Diego Reader, 8/29/10
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2010/aug/29/idol-winner/
For more about the Taylor Hicks Summer Tour 2010, visit our tour forum and media board:
Photo by San: Taylor Hicks at The Aquarius, Laughlin, NV 8.21.10
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5 comments:
I am not saying that Taylor is Captain KickAss , but when he opens his mouth on stage ; everyone is impregnated with his vocal brilliance. Ok , I have gone a little overboard with my analogy, but Taylor is , indeed, awesome, cool, fun, exciting and YES , daring.
Besides being a term for super nifty, " kick ass and take names" supposedly originated in the 60' during the Vietnam War ( meaning to beat your opponent and kill the enemy ) . In the 80's the police used the expression "kick ass" to beat the bad guys".
If you look in the dictionary in 2010 , you will find a picture of Taylor Hicks under the words, " kick-ass".
Nothing wrong with that.
cath
It was a great tour. Unfortunately it wasn't in the stars this year for me to make any of the concerts but from the photos, video and audio shared by Taylor's fans, I feel like I was there. It's wonderful to see Taylor building a lasting career. I can't wait for the next tour and will do everything in my power to make it to future concerts.
Tishlp, I think you nailed it...Taylor is building a lasting career. Whether it is a large venue or a small one, he knows that his forte is performing live. It is serving him well. He is in control and doing what he loves. He literally is making "one fan at a time." I think he made a few more than one this last month!
Love your 2010 Dictionary, Cath!
Thanks for reading and commenting...
San
Taylor still has that freaky ability to totally surprise the long-time fans (who know all about the voice, the guitar and the blues harmonica) and amaze the newcomers (who enter the club/casino with a certain disdain and perhaps haughtiness). Both groups leave the gig having discovered something unexpected about the talent that is Taylor Hicks.
Taylor continues to evolve as an entertainer par excelance!
This year "kick ass" has taken on a whole new meaning for me and many others. :D
The longtime fanson stage is mezmerizing. Taylor
Fans stood in line for over an hour to meet Taylor Hicks, get his CD, autograph, and picture. And Taylor met every one who wanted to meet him.
Now this is what I call "Keeping it Real". After a gruelling concert, any artist who takes the time to greet the fans, sign CD's and take pictures with those who request it, definitely finds a permanent place in my heart as well as earning my complete respect. Taylor has always known since AI how to win over the fans but doing this at the end of each concert, demostrates just how "kick ass with CLASS" he can be.
While I have only seen the concerts via YouTube (thank you so much to all of those who have shared media), I have been so impressed with Taylor and this band.
I read the review in the San Diego paper with a smile on my face and thought to myself "it's been a long time coming and finally someone really appreciates the talent that Taylor has especially when he is on tour".
It has been an amazing journey and, at times, when watching these recent videos I must admit that I have sat in front of my computer completely mesmerized by what I was seeing. I do not regret boarding this train and am looking forward to the future.
Taylor has indeed made me proud to be a supporter of his music! The way he weaves one song into another song is fantastic. While I have enjoyed Bulletproof, I must say that I have really loved what he has done with Seven Mile Breakdown - Valley Road. It is my favourite, I think.
There are no boundaries, Taylor. You and the boys just keep doing what you're doing. It is absolutely the best! Bring the "KICK ASS TOUR" to Canada!
Great blog, San. Your words say it all!
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