~ Like the ripples in a pond, the work of one man spreads out and touches the lives of others ~

From The Soul of One ~ To The Hearts Of Many
TAYLOR HICKS MY IDOL
Taylor Hicks "The Distance"


Friday, November 30, 2007

How To Carry On




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As requested, here is Taylor's "Run Baby Run" from his Joliet concert.
This one's for you froggie!

You'd better believe it!
Not one but 2 videos for your viewing pleasure!




video capture thanks to 1brc

It was a bitter cold night and raining to boot, but inside the Rialto Square Theater, Taylor was on fire heating up the audience!

Let's just say even the non-smokers wanted a cigarette after this concert!




video capture thanks to DianeC


Now since this is the night for filling requests, here's one from me!
Taylor this song is Taylor-Made for you!
Please, please could you add this to your next tour!

"Hey Girl"






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Heck, I'd even learn how to make grits for this one!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

A Little Medication

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As in some "Medicated Goo" from Taylor Hicks!
Just a little spoonful!
You don't need any sugar to make it go down and it's better than chicken soup!
Some Medicated Goo For The Soul!



A little tease while we wait for the release of Taylor's
'Whomp At The Warfield' DVD!
The anticipation is killing me, he was on FIRE!!!
Sure hope my TV screen will be able to handle it!

Still feeling out of sorts, his "Medicated Goo" from his Cohasset concert will WARM you up and make you feel all better!
Absolutely electrifying, he was smokin'!
(Darlin' this is for you, it's my belated birthday present!)


video capture by DianeC
Thank you!!!!



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Taylor Hicks is the best medicine for the blues!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

I Heard It Thru The Grapevine


What is going on in Soul Patrol land?
I think the Soul Train has derailed, most certainly it has become side-tracked!
I touched on this issue back in October with my post
Naked In The Jungle, and it seems SOME of the natives are still restless.
Everyone is missing Taylor on board as our conductor, our engineer ... but it was time for refueling and maintenace and we just need to remember It Is About The Music!

So maybe it's time for a chill-pill along with a bit of humor to get back on the right track :-)




And to remember ...
Every time a hand reaches out to help another ....
That is Christmas
Every time someone puts anger aside and strives for understanding ...
That is Christmas
Every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other ...
That is Christmas
May this Christmas bring us closer to the spirit of human understanding
Closer to the blessing of peace!


Backing up and switching tracks here is the latest Taylor Hicks news via the grapevine!

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Taylor Hicks was a big hit on "American Idol" and AutoZone Liberty Bowl expects he'll be a big hit with football fans next month when he performs during the halftime show.

Hey, Isn't That ... From The Washington Post
Taylor Hicks -- yes, the prematurely gray dude who won "American Idol" last year -- dining with three others at BLT Steak Saturday night.
Told the manager he was just visiting D.C. friends on his days off.

THE GRAPEVINE: LATEST NEWS from HQ
11.21 Thanksgiving Audio Message from Taylor!
Taylor wishes you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!


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I'm ready to board the 2008 Soul Train,
hope you all will be on board!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Up Close With Taylor


I have always claimed to be a Taylor Hicks supporter as opposed to being called a fan, but I am going to get fan-girly here for a moment!
If you would like to join me in my fan-girly moment just scroll down to the bottom of my blog!

I LOVE the new slideshows at photobucket, well new to me!
I have my photos stored at several photo sites so I didn't have access to all of my photos of Taylor, but I think I'll be moving more into my photobucket account soon!


Just lovin' the zoom effect on this slideshow!
If you hear any big bangs, it's just us folks here at the pond a thudding!

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Hope you enjoyed your visit to my pond,
we do have a good time here,
feel free to join in!
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Saturday, November 24, 2007

Makin' It Real


Taylor Hicks making it 'REAL' with some hot jazz for a Rainy Night In Torrington!
A smokin' hot concert with a couple of my favorites presented here!

Beginning with "Compared to What"!
As Taylor introduces the song he makes mention of the date it was recorded as being 1953 ... I think he picked that year out of a hat!
I have the album 'First Take' from 1969 when Roberta Flack first recorded it.
I must confess though that the lyrics didn't register with me until recently.
I never knew it was a protest song till I learned to start paying more attention to the messages being delivered in the different songs that Taylor sang throughout his tour.

video capture by taysharp

"Compared To What"
Love the lie and lie the love
Hangin' on, with a push and shove
Possession is the motivation that is hangin'up the God-damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!)
Tryin' to make it real — compared to what?
Slaughterhouse is killin' hogs
Twisted children killin' frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin' logs
Tired old ladies kissin' dogs
Hate the human, love that stinking mutt (I can't stand it!)
Try to make it real — compared to what?
The President, he's got his war
Folks don't know just what it's for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We're chicken-feathers, all without one gut (God damn it!)
Tryin' to make it real — compared to what? (Sock it to me, now)
Church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin' to duck the wrath of God
Preacher's fillin' us with fright
Tryin' to tell us what he thinks is right
He really got to be some kind of nut (I can't use it)
Tryin' to make it real — compared to what?
Where's that bee and where's that honey
Where's my God and where's my money
Unreal values, crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind ol' young King Tut (He did it now)
Tried to make it real — compared to what?!
written by Eugene McDaniels

Eugene McDaniels had a solid, if not spectacular, recording career in the 1960s, singing pop ditties for the Liberty label.
Disenchanted by the state of race relations in the late 1960s, most notably the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., McDaniels took a brief sojourn from the States.
During this period, he wrote "Compared to What."
The song was initially recorded and released by a young soul vocalist by the name of Roberta Flack: her version appeared as the opening track on her debut recording, First Take (1969).
Roberta was discovered singing and playing jazz in a Washington nightclub by pianist Les McCann, who recommended her talents to Atlantic Records.)
A second version of the song was recorded later that year by pianist Les McCann and saxophonist Eddie Harris for their album, Swiss Movement, recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
The McCann and Harris version became an international hit, selling over a million copies.
At a time when black folks, American youth, and anti-war protesters were literally taking it to the streets, "Compared to What" was a scathing critique of social realities in the United States, taking aim at the clergy, "poor dumb rednecks," "tired old ladies," and the Vietnam War.


I've recently become acquainted with some of the music from Boz Scaggs, thanks to Taylor!
Music just wasn't a big part of my life until Taylor made me sit up and take notice!
I mentioned that I have Roberta Flack's 1st album, but I should also add here that I have a total of 5 albums to my name..
I know, that's a pretty sorry collection, but I prefered listening to the instrumentals in my parents collection.
I would play "Take Five" and "Green Onions" and I loved "Theme From A Summer Place", and "Satin Doll"!


Getting back to Boz Scaggs, I recently came across his "What Can I Say" and it's a song that I would have loved hearing Taylor sing with the band.
Let's just say it would have the same effect as when he sings "Let's Get It On", oh yeah !
And can't you just hear Brian's saxophone wailing!



Which brings us to The Dirty "Lowdown" , another very HOT song that we haven't heard from Taylor enough!

video capture by taysharp

Well I'm ready for another Rainy Night In Torrington!!!
Thank goodness for videos and a special thank you to taysharp for her audio and video captures from Torrington ... cause it's gonna be a long cold winter!

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Thanks for stopping in to visit, take a look around and take a dip in the pond, your comments are welcome!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

In The Name Of Love

Photobucket


It is International Friendship Week
February 20th - 27th, a very fitting time to begin!

In the middle of the night you call to shed some tears.
We talk for hours on end as I help dispel your fears.

We laugh and tell some jokes, remembering days gone by,
we talk about our friendship and then you ask me why.

Why did you take my call when I know you were asleep?
I tell you it's because I have promises to keep

I promised I'd be there if you knocked upon my door,
or if you called me on the phone
cause that's what friends are for.

I value all your love, we've walked so many miles
you've stood by me in sorrow,
you've taught me how to smile.

So if you ever need me to comfort and console,
please know I'll always answer,
CAUSE THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR!

THERE IS NO DISTANCE TOO GREAT BETWEEN FRIENDS,
FOR LOVE GIVES WINGS TO THE HEART.





"Dance Myself To Sleep"




Sweet Dreams my friends!



Here is my response to 'Soul Butterflies', the following video is from an album from Blossomhead called Dream Beautiful.

A word from Blossomhead, aka Greg Reid.
"Over the past few years I've had to face more than most people probably face in their lifetime, from two major operations, cancer and the ravages of chemotherapy to very deep personal issues surrounding life, death and relationships and yet I still feel as though I am the luckiest man alive. There are not many people who get a second chance at being alive and the chance to face their death again. The first time I wasn't ready but the next I think I will be able to leave peacefully. So I guess you could say I'm a survivor who has been given a second chance to complete the things I have come here to do. One of those things is the making of this album. It has taken Seven years to complete and I think the wait has been worth while, I hope you do to. Dream Beautiful has a life of its own and I believe it will give joy to people and I could ask for no more."




~A BUTTERFLY BLESSING~
Lord, Bless me with the ability of a butterfly to endure the changes that will happen to me in my lifetime.

Help me to accept these changes with a positive and loving attitude.
Bless me with the beauty of a butterfly to allow me to reflect the colors of my soul, being and individuality, and to look for these things in others.

Bless me with the ability of a butterfly to create and instill the feeling of wonder, passion, and excitement towards all of your living creatures.

Bless me with the butterflies' ability to pollinate your flowers, so that I may cultivate your human garden with love and compassion.

Last, but not least, Lord, Bless me with the grace of ascension, so that I may ascend into your glorious heaven like a rising butterfly, when my journey here on earth, is complete.
Amen

Photobucket
Good Thoughts from MissP
Fear less, hope more;
Eat less, chew more;
Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more;
Love more, and all good things will be yours!

The best place to find a helping hand is at
the end of your own arm!
Love me when I least deserve it,
because that is when I really need it!

Live Love Laugh Dance ... Enjoy!


From Miss Karin
'Our' Mantra "Feeling Good"
by Michael Buble



Love it Karin, I could listen to this over and over!!!

Okay let's try this again, this is the video that wouldn't show up before, that was supposed to make you smile!



Ready for another good laugh?
Here they are ladies, my cowgirl boots!
Now what in the heck do you wear with somethin like these babies lol


Something to warm you up and start thinking of Spring, this is my #1 favorite song of all time!


Well since I've travelled back to my hey days of music, here is my #2 all time favorite, this is also a beautiful tribute!


Photobucket Something for our road TRIP!
This was originally "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" featuring all the Country greats, but my computer shut-down, I lost it, and can't find it again.
But I found this one, and we know the answer!!!
We know who's gonna give their heart & soul!!!!!!!



Photobucket




Hello ... Hello ... where is everybody???
Well, I know it still looks like Christmas at least here in the North.
This is a beautifully done video that I really enjoyed and wanted to share with my friends!

Don't Change The Recipe


On the red velvet cake!

Taylor Hicks' appearance on July 6th in Hagerstown, Maryland had ALL of the necessary ingredients for a blue ribbon concert!

I was lucky enough to have been there and truly appreciate having these memories captured on video to savor!

One of the highlights was Taylor sitting on his stool chatting and joking with the audience and then thanking the audience and promoters for the warmest welcome EVER!

This video just recently surfaced and I was thrilled to run across it, his Hagerstown performance of "The Fall"!


video captured by skeeter
Thank YOU!


We often talk about an artist that is able to make you really feel a song, a perfect example ... Taylor's "Happier With Him" from Hagerstown!
Taylor makes you feel it, right down to your bones!



video captured by collins316
Thank YOU!



From The Herald Mail


"Soul Thing" as well as Taylor's
"Don't Change The Recipe On The Red Velvet Cake" quote!



Another video capturing some of the special highlights of this concert is featured at Taylor's Angels.
Visit their blogspot, listed in my sidebar under favorite links
to view Taylor receiving The Key to the City of Hagerstown!
Then make sure to read how 'Taylor Scored A Victory In Maryland' from their blog post of July 25th!
But don't stop there, keep reading, find out how they have been helping in Taying It Forward One Soul At A Time

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

From The Soul Of One
To The Hearts Of Many


Taylor Hicks has long been involved in helping to make a difference in people's lives.

His involvement with Studio By The Tracks and Kid One Transport, were our first indication of the heart of this man.
Just take a look back at this page from his scrapbook titled
Soul Full Of Heart and you will remember some of the many reasons
why he has captured our hearts!
It began with the music, but it continued with the man!


Here is the latest charity that Taylor has become involved with.

Bid 2 Beat AIDS, an annual auction of rare and autographed items from stars in music, film, theater, sports, politics and television, starts December 1st to coincide with World AIDS Day.


It is the largest multi-celebrity charity auction ever on eBay.
Proceeds benefit Lifebeat, the Music Industry Fights AIDS.
In its first two years, the auction raised over $150,000
to support AIDS/HIV programs that reach countless people nationwide.

Taylor Hicks is listed among the stars who have contributed,
and if you would like to bid on the above signed CD, here is the info:
The 2007 auction goes live on eBay on December 1st
@ 12:00 noon.


Year Full of Heart and Soul
2008 Taylor Hicks Calendar
benefitting Kid One Transport
Click the calendar in the sidebar for details!

Your comments are welcome,
Bloom


Sunday, November 11, 2007

Main Street Lights Up The Night

Main Street in Downtown Rochester, Michigan
A perfect spot for a very special performance!
"Main Street"
by Taylor Hicks
From his concert in Downtown Royal Oak, Michigan
April 22, 2007

The crowd was wild that night!

video capture by eljean
video presentation by The Boogie Board
(Thank You)

I always make sure to head to Downtown Rochester during the holidays to support the local businesses and enjoy the old-fashioned holiday decorations.
We were a bit disappointed last year, when my sister and I drove into town to have an early dinner and do a little shopping and the decorations were few and far between.
You can imagine our surprise to walk out of the restaurant and see
Christmas lights gone wild!
It was simply amazing, everywhere you looked beautiful vivid colors
covering every building from top to bottom!
It was breathtaking!





The official lighting of the Big, Bright Light Show will occur during the 35th annual Lagniappe event starting at 7 p.m. Monday, November 26th.
The lights will be on display every night from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. thru December 31st.
This year’s holiday season promises to be bigger and brighter than ever with the second annual Big, Bright Light Show
set to welcome winter.
More than 1 million lights — a half-million more than last year!


'Tis beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!
Music by Taylor Hicks!

Get your own playlist at snapdrive.net!


The 56th Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade
will roll down Main Street Sunday, December 2nd,
begining at 2:00 p.m.
For the fourth year in a row, it will be televised on WXYZ-TV, Channel 7.
It is the largest Christmas parade in the State of Michigan attracting more than 75,000 visitors last year!

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Taylor lights up my Life!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Wherever I Lay My Hat



I vividly remember sitting in the parking lot of Walmart last December with my friend
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Taylor's just released CD was playing and we were sobbing and hugging!
It was finally here!!
Woo hoo and we had the bonus track!!

I immediately fell in love with Taylor's "Wherever I Lay My Hat",
and it tugs at my heart and moves me every time I listen to it.

I was quite surprised when I learned that it was originally by Marvin Gaye.
I couldn't remember ever hearing it before and then realized
it was recorded before Marvin came to Motown.

I grew up surrounded by the sounds of Motown, listening and dancing to the the songs of Glady's Knight & The Pips, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and Marvin Gaye ... just to name a few.

I love Taylor's take on WILMH, and though I like Marvin Gaye ...
can't say I care for his original version.
It's doesn't move me or make my heart go ping.

I'm probably showing my limited exposure to music here ...
but I had never heard of Paul Young either.
I guess by the 80's I had already pretty much stopped listening.
Raising 5 kids I already had enough noise in the house
:-)


"Wherever I Lay My Hat" was written by Marvin Gaye, Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, and first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1964.

Almost 20 years later
Paul Young's version of the song was a UK number one single for three weeks in July 1983.
23 more years passed
Then Taylor Hicks put his own soulful spin on it and recorded it for his self-titled CD "Taylor Hicks"

When you watch the video below you will see why it's Taylor's soulful version that I love!


video capture by Phantom
video presentation by The Boogie Board
(Thank You)







Marvin Gaye's "Wherever I Lay My Hat" (audio only)




Hope you enjoyed today's trip down memory lane


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woo hoo waiting for the release of "Whomp At The Warfield"

Comments welcome!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

It's A White Christmas At The Pond

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at the pond!
I've caught the Christmas bug and have been treating it by enjoying all of the videos and music from Taylor's appearances in 2006 at Christmas In Washington, The Early Show and Christmas From Rockefeller Center!
They are wonderful medicine and I highly recommend them!
I caught the bug when I created my 'Merry Christmas Baby' video and with the addictive personality I have ... of course thoughts and images starting popping into my mind for another Christmas video!

"White Christmas"



And now one of my all time favorite Taylor Hicks' videos!!
Here is the the CBS Early Show video from when Taylor stopped by to lift their holiday spirits with his Funky "White Christmas" performance!
You can also find this video featured in their Top News & Video Section at CBS.com!

Video capture by evancol (Thank You)


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I hope all your Christmas dreams are sweet,
Bloom

Monday, November 5, 2007

Merry Christmas Baby!






Well Halloween has just passed and Thanksgiving is fast approaching!
That means that Christmas is just around the corner and will be here before we know it!
To get you in the Christmas mood, the above gorgeous photo is from Rockefeller Center when Taylor performed last year and gave us some really rockin' whompin' Christmas music!!
And to further get you in the mood ... my "Merry Christmas Baby" video!
It was created by combining together his performances from 'Christmas In Washington' and 'Christmas From Rockefeller Center' ... with a little Christmas fun thrown in!
Without further ado I give you Taylor Hicks'
"Merry Christmas Baby"


I Love Christmas!


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Bloom

Friday, November 2, 2007

The Right Place ~ The Right One


For those of us NOT in The Right Place ... which would be heading in the direction of Philadelphia, MS and the Pearl River Resort
for Taylor's concert with LMBO .... I share your pain!

To my souls sisters lucky enough to be attending

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have a great time, I am sure it will be a fantastic concert!!

Okay, moving on to my original reason for this blog topic

When I hear Taylor sing 'The Right Place' I'm always reminded of Ray Charles' Diet Pepsi commercials ... this was one of my favorites!



I ran across Jim Vallance's website recently and thought you might enjoy reading the history of "The Right Place" and Jim's commentary on Taylor.

"The Right Place"
Recording Artist: Taylor Hicks
Writers: Jim Vallance, Bryan Adams
Date Written: March 1989 / Vancouver Canada
Albums: 'Taylor Hicks' (2006 / December 12)

I don't always follow "American Idol", but I was watching on October 10, 2005 when Taylor Hicks performed his audition in Las Vegas. He sang a Sam Cooke song, "A Change Is Gonna Come". I thought he nailed it!

When Paula said, "Can you give us 20 seconds of something else", Taylor sang a few bars of "Swannee River", the Ray Charles arrangement. Again, a great job. He had a vibe about him, an enthusiasm that was charming, genuine and infectious.

I usually agree with Simon, but on this occasion I was stunned when Simon said, "No". Thankfully, Randy and Paula came to the rescue, and Taylor went on to the next round.

I continued to follow "Season Five" as Taylor hung in, week after week. I was happy when he finally won the competition. I thought he deserved to come out on top.

In March 1989 Bryan Adams and I wrote a song for Joe Cocker, called "The Right Place". Joe asked us for "something that sounds like Ray Charles" ... and that's exactly what we wrote. But Joe decided "The Right Place" was the "wrong song", and he didn't record it.

So we sent the song to Ray Charles himself, but Ray didn't record it either (I was never able to confirm if Joe and Ray actually heard the song, or if it was rejected by their "handlers" before it reached their ears). After that, we gave up, and "The Right Place" collected dust on my shelf for nearly 20 years.

Meanwhile, back at the "American Idol" auditions ... despite Simon's scathing comments, Taylor received a resounding "Yes" from Paula and Randy. As Taylor headed for the door, grinning from ear to ear, Randy yelled after him, "Bring all the Cocker, all the Ray Charles. C'mon man!" Joe Cocker. Ray Charles. That stuck with me.

A year later, in September 2006, when I heard that Taylor was recording an album, I remembered what Randy had said, and it made me think of "The Right Place".

I knew the song wasn't a "hit" in the traditional sense, but I thought it might be a perfect vehicle for Taylor to channel his "inner Joe and Ray". I contacted my publisher, Ron Moss. Ron agreed the song was an appropriate "pitch", and he sent it to Pete Ganbarg, the independent "A&R man" who was assembling material for the Taylor Hicks project.

At first, Pete and producer Matt Serletic didn't think "The Right Place" was exactly right for Taylor. They liked the song, but they wanted us to "re-harmonize" the B-section. With that comment in mind, Bryan and I traded a few emails. But we were at a loss.

We really wanted to "deliver" for Pete and Matt, but we didn't know where to go with it, what changes to make. It looked like the song might spend another 20 years on the shelf. But then something unexpected happened.

During the next week or two the song started to "grow" on Pete and Matt, and presumably on Taylor and Arista chief Clive Davis. They decided to record the song after all, without the requested "re-harmonization". I was thrilled!

Bryan sang beautifully on our "home demo", but I was equally impressed with Taylor's performance. I was also very happy with Matt Serletic's production and arrangement, especially the use of bass, drums, guitar and gospel backing vocals (our original demo was very sparse ... just me on keyboards and Bryan's vocal).

On July 17, 2007 Taylor performed "The Right Place" on the popular morning television show, "The View". It was "back to basics", with Taylor on vocals and harmonica and Loren Gold on piano, similar to the way the song had originally been written and demo'd.

It was apparent that Taylor had developed an affinity for the song in the ten months since he'd recorded it. On "The View", his vocal performance digs even deeper than it did on the recorded studio version, and Loren provides solid support on the piano.

For anyone who ever doubted the legitimacy of his American Idol success, this performance proves, beyond a doubt, that Taylor Hicks is the "real deal".


Yes, indeed!






Video by Evancol
(Thank You)





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And thanks for stopping in to visit my little pond, your comments are welcome!
Bloom