TAYLOR HICKS SETS MARTYR'S ON FIRE!

Just when you think Taylor Hicks shows can't get any better, along comes Martyr's in Chicago. To say the night was magical and energetic and fabulous is simply an understatement. The house was packed, and it was a small and very intimate venue....Bar Taylor in his element at his Personal Best!

Todd Hembroke and the Hemispheres opened for Taylor, and they were very good. Check out their myspace page here:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=45597729

They finished a bit after ten, and the crowd was growing impatient for its Soul Man to appear. The Taylor Hicks stage began to be set. Harmonicas were placed, tamborines were placed and YES...COWBELL! As the lights dimmed and we waited for the main event, the lighting placed an eerie and radiant glow on the black case with the harmonicas all lined up. It was like a little Heavenly preview of what was to come for us.

The Taylor Hicks chant began and ebbed and began again. The band appeared consisting of Josh Smith on guitar, Brian Gallagher on sax, drummer Khari Parker , Kenny Crouch keyboard player, and a new bass guitarist I had not seen before. Taylor exploded onto that stage, and the place became pandemonium. He was relaxed and happy and did a lot of kidding with the crowd and the band, especially the keyboardist who shined! Josh was beyond amazing and Brian's sax was its usual pleasure.

Two sets were done, the second one being shortened to more of an encore. I have posted a set list on his official sites and other fansites, along with my full recap on Connections. To say this show was the best ever does not begin to describe the electricity and pure JOY in that crowd. Some of the "Grease" cast were there for their first Taylor Hicks show, and I am betting they were amazed. Taylor sang a lot from his three prior albums, including some of my favorites such as: "Heart and Soul," "Soul Thing," "The Maze," and "Heaven Knows," and added some great tags. My Encore favorite was "Superstition."

Now for the debut performance of the new single..."What's Right is Right." SOULFUL, FANTASTIC, SMOOTH AS SILK, MOVING, FABULOUS! Taylor Hicks gave his heart and soul to performing this new single, which is certainly going to have airplay appeal for those who like the slow and mellow sound of a beautiful love song with some gospel and blue-eyed soul added in for good measure.

The crowd was wild. Taylor was full of energy and mischief and AMAZING TALENT. I have not been to any previous concert that can equal this one or even come close. The setting was quite wonderful. If you arrived early, you were able to obtain a coveted spot in front of the stage which was close enough to polish the snakeskin boots he wore! But there was not a bad seat or standing place in the house, and the acoustics were superb.

HERE IS MY TAKE....there were fans there who have been to a few concerts and fans who have gone to many. Either way...EVERY ONE OF US WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THIS NIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT!

HERE IS MY WISH....MAY YOU ALL EXPERIENCE A SHADOW SHOW LIKE THIS ONE!

THANK YOU SO MUCH, TAYLOR HICKS....This is a night I will remember forever.

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!