Time In A Bottle

If I had a box for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were all answered by you

It's unbelievable that it is already the 2nd of December, where has this year gone?
I'm wondering how much time must pass before something can be considered nostalgia?
My memories of this past year with Taylor aren't bittersweet, they are sweet ... so would they still be considered nostalgia??

It has been a wonderful year for Taylor and for those of us in his travelling circus.

Oh, The Places We Have Been!

You just have to take a look at Taylor's Timeline over at the Whomp Swamp ...

or watch his 'Trip Around The Sun' video up in my sidebar ...

and all those sweet memories come flooding in!

For today's blog though, I'd like to take you just a bit further back.
Do you remember our first audio blog from Taylor at graycharles?




How about this excerpt from Taylor's interview with MTV News

"There is a sound that I've kinda thought about and it's called 'modern wamp'.
It's like swamp meets boogie meets jazz meets hip-hop.

It's cool.
I've been excited about recording it, but I think touring is going to be the funnest thing for me.
I'm such a live dude, I've been doing it for so long.
I'm going to put some horns on the road with me and have this killer soul band."

Remember this answer from Taylor's interview with Mary Colurso when she asked him to name his top five moments in his

"you know you're famous if" category?

Answer #5
"Really feeling the energy of all the people who are fans.
I've always wanted to perform for crowds of people.
The more people I perform to, the more energy they give me to give back to them.
It's easier to reciprocate that energy.
I walk into some of these theaters, and it's standing room only.
I've created an audience for myself as an entertainer.
When it happens, it's the greatest gift God can give you.
I did an outdoor event for 22,000 people at Universal Studios.
It was a tour stop.
There's a Mardi Gras parade that goes through the park and everybody plays.
They closed Universal Studios down to see me perform.
That was great."

Yes Indeed!!

And today's journey continues with a Taylorized poem by Mandy set to
'Twas The Night Before Christmas'.
She thought it would be fun to take that famous poem and rewrite it as if she were attending a great Taylor Hicks' concert!
So as you read the lines, do so with the original poem in mind.

A Concert With Taylor
by Mandy
‘Twas the night of the big concert, and music filled the house,
Everyone was listening, including the concert hall mouse!
The chairs were all filled with fans and newbies alike,
As Taylor came on stage and grabbed for his mike!
The Soul Patrol was ready to give lots of shouts,
As the band started playing so that there were no pouts!
We were dancing and waving and singing along
‘Cause we knew all the words to each and every song!
“Gonna Move” started the set and was followed by more
While Taylor’s sweat was coming out of every possible pore!
“The Right Place” and “The Deal” and “Hell of a Day”
Were terrific and energetic and perfect in every way.
We listened and danced as the concert went on
While the cell cert host kept watch on her phone!
“Heaven Knows” and “The Maze” and “Soul Thing” too
Kept us dancing and screaming for more “Medicated Goo”!
Now cameras were taping and pictures were taken
For us to post on the boards for everyone’s takin’!
Then all of a sudden security did appear
Which put us with cameras in panic and fear
Then they turned away quickly and looked no more
So we kept on filming and snapping pictures galore!
Now Brian was on keyboards and Mitch was on bass
And Zippy on the drums was making his case!
Sam on the guitar and Jeff with the sax and flute
Taylor had to play harmonica just to follow suit!
Time for “The Runaround” and “Hey Pokey Way”
‘Cause we wanted Taylor and LMBO together to stay!
“Wherever I Lay My Hat” and “Give Me Tonight”
With Taylor dancing, oh my, what a sight!
Taylor was wearing a white shirt with his jeans
New Balance sneakers that give him the means
To dance and jump and shake his great buns
In a way that would make us all glad we’re not nuns!
“Just to Feel That Way” and the spunky “My Friend”
Is enough to make our backs and knees bend!
With a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face
We couldn’t help but wonder how he kept up his pace!
Now he tags lots of songs with out missing a beat
Which keeps us all standing rather than having a seat!
Then “Badge” was followed by Rod Stewart's “Young Turks”
To complete a Taylor concert full of great song perks!
The band was real tight as Taylor gave each the spotlight
To showcase their talent while they played with all their might!
Brian’s fingers across the keyboards, how fast they could fly
While Jeff played the sax and the flute together, oh my! my!
Zippy on drums kept pace with Sam and Mitch
As Taylor sang his songs in perfect note pitch!
The main set had ended and the encore started when
We finally got to hear all “The Places I’ve Been”!
When the concert was ended Taylor yelled “see you real soon”
Then he dashed off the stage to miss our collective swoon!
Out by the buses he signed autographs and chatted
As we waited to see if we’d get our hearts patted!
Then he got on the bus but before they drove out of sight,
He yelled “SOUL PATROL” and “Thanks for a great night!”
Happy Holidays Everyone!
(Thank you Mandy for sharing, please visit Mandy's blog in my sidebar for more of her wonderful concert recaps)

Our journey back in time today closes with this beautifully put together video by paythedevil from last December.
Thank you, this is truly a treasured gift!

I must warn you though, it leaves me in tears.



If I had a box for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were all answered by you

I think I hear that whistle blowing

Thanks for taking another trip down memory lane with me today.
I hope you have enjoyed your visit here and enjoyed revisting some of The Places We've Been.
Your comments are welcome,
Bloom