Taylor Hicks~Ballys Reload

Taylor Hicks has returned to Ballys in Vegas.  The songs are pretty much the same, the stage is pretty much the same , and the energy level is....well...POUNDING.  Is it old hat?   Is it just the same ole same ole?   Not a CHANCE!

When Taylor Hicks takes the stage with his incredible band full of musical excellence, you never once think, oh I've done this and heard this before.   Instead, you are immediately drawn in by his magical presence, his shining silver hair, his intense passion, and.a voice that can raise chills and burn you alive all at the same time.

A Taylor Hicks Ballys set opens with a much loved Idol favorite of " Living For The City," and you are catapulted into a mix of rock and soul that can't be found in too many other places.  The always beautiful "Maybe You Should" is offered with raw passion and genuine heart.   One of my favorites is "Back To Louisiana," which heated up the Indigo Lounge on this evening to a fever pitch.  The harmonica was a little extra good and the charming Taylor banter with the audience was in top form.

The new musical addition was Sinatra's "That's Life," which had the audience swaying along.  By the time he and the band had gotten through "Love The One You're With," the crowd was as stoked as Taylor was.   Jamie McLean and his band were superb as always, Brian G. On the horn was pure pleasure, and the truly incredible Brian Less on keyboard was beyond description.

At first, Taylor had some mic stand issues, but in true Taylor Hicks form, he managed to joke his way to a new one and entertain us while they made the adjustment.  I have to say....once again...."Nineteen" brought me and everyone around me to tears.  I brought my family to see the show and they were speechless after hearing this moving tribute to our Troops.

The close of the show was as joyful and exciting as I've ever seen!  "Seven Mile Breakdown" had people clapping, foot stomping, singing along, and with great big smiles.  By the time the curtains were opened and "Viva Las Vegas" rang out, the audience was cheering and as energetic as Taylor himself.

For a southern boy and his buddies, missing their Alabama football super team on the field, they created their own special brand of "Roll Tide!"  And that Tide swept away any question of whether a return trip to Ballys, Las Vegas was worth the effort.   The answer is unequivocally YES!!!

For ticket info, go to Ticketmaster and get yourself a pass to THE hottest show on the strip!  It's not a repeat, folks.  It's a continuation of the most musical fun you can have in the magical, crazy city of Las Vegas.  And those of us who attended this show can vouch for that!

Taylor Hicks~The Ballys Experience!

Taylor Hicks is at Ballys. This is last Monday night's performance. It's an hour before show time. The line begins to form, the buzz begins to swirl. The excitement is palpable. "Have you seen him before?" "Oh Yea, lots of times and he's great! Have you?" "No, never but I've heard about this and I can't wait to see it!"

So it goes....The excitement continues to climb and swirl, and soon, they are letting us in! Immediately, I knew I'd landed in Taylor Hicks Twilight Zone...this was truly going to be an out of body, out of mind experience. I have a front table. As I glance around me, I see many difference expressions on many faces, but they all spell A.N.T.I.C.I.P.A.T.I.O.N. They've heard about it, they've read about it, they've seen snippets of it....and now they are about to LIVE IT!

The band walks out onto the stage and waits. The Jimmy Fallon "Friday" clip begins to play. Those of us who know what is in store, or think we know, are already shaking with energy. Those who have not seen Taylor Hicks before are waiting, not knowing what they are going to be hit by in just a few moments. And then.....the Soulman is announced by his fabulous keyboardist, Brian Less....and Taylor literally bursts onto the stage. There isn't time to prepare adequately, no time to breathe deeply or call for oxygen....the barrage has begun and IT'S GOOD!

Taylor Hicks in concert at Ballys, Vegas is an experience no one who loves live music should miss, if at all possible to see it. As he takes the stage and the mic, his pure and powerful voice full of soul captures you and enraptures you, and from the first notes and quirky Taylor moves, you are mesmerized.

Tonight is no exception! He begins with "Living For the City," an immediate snap back to his past Idol performances and win. The crowd goes crazy. From there on, it's just great stuff! Saturday night, Taylor sang "Minute by Minute," a nod to Michael McDonald. On this night, he changes that nod to "Taking It To The Streets." Everyone is dancing in their seats and again, as I look around me, the smiles are big enough to light the entire casino. I am smiling and also, tearing up, because I am back watching a young man on American Idol who has captured us like no other due to his odd and often goofy, but so endearing style. And then watching this same musical genius headline his own show in Las Vegas, and my own goofy emotions just take over.

This Taylor Hicks show delivers like all his shows do, but there is just something extra magical about tonight. The band is rocking out, especially Brian Less on keyboards and Jamie McLean on guitar. And Taylor is singing a funky, bluesy, and masterful version of "The Ghetto." When he finishes, the crowd goes crazy! Earlier in the show, he blew us away with "Back To Louisiana," but this performance of that much loved Elvis song is so amazing, it tops it all for me. And the ever poignant "Nineteen" brings its customary and moving standing ovation for Taylor Hicks and his talented band, with Brian Gallagher adding his soulful sax at the end.

We end with "Seven Mile Breakdown," which has the entire audience dancing and screeching and cheering. There is a couple from Mississippi who is familiar with the Florabama, and they are just enthralled with this song. People are dancing in the aisles, people are clapping til their hands ache and singing along, and most of all....there is F.U.N. in abundance! When Taylor leaves the stage, the audience is pulsating with high excitement for his encore. And then, he bursts back onto the stage and gives us what we all feel after seeing him there..."Viva Las Vegas!"

There is no doubt...Taylor Hicks is a FEEL GOOD show! There is also no doubt that he is a consummate professional and probably one of the best live stage musicians around. If you are in Vegas and miss this show, you have missed the coolest musical opportunity on the strip. He is there one more week and then off to Harrah's in Reno, so GET A TICKET to the most amazing and enjoyable musical ride you can find!

Just a personal note....after the show as Taylor Hicks stands among adoring fans, both present and new, to sign items and take pictures, I am filled with pride, albeit a small pride. I am not his family, management, or intimate confidant. I am just a fan of the man and his music....a very PROUD fan.

For more pictures of my Taylor Hicks Experience in Las Vegas, go here: :
Taylor Vegas
For tickets and info on Taylor Hicks in Las Vegas, go here: :
Ballys

Taylor Hicks ~ Wins Big in Vegas!

Most people head to Las Vegas with hopes and expectations of a fun filled trip and possibly a big win at the casinos. Many come away with some of those hopes fulfilled and many come away with empty pockets and a tired few days. But all come away with a unique experience from Las Vegas. There is one person who went to Vegas with a different purpose, with hopes of a different kind of win. There is one person who went to Vegas on a lark and came back a King of the stage. That person is Taylor Hicks....American Idol Winner, Broadway Star, Touring Artist, and even Restaurateur with his classy diner ORE in Birmingham, and is a major all around fantastic entertainer.

When Taylor Hicks went to Las Vegas before the fifth season of American Idol, it was a detour due to flights being cancelled or changed from the Katrina storms. It was one of the few places he could get a flight to from the tragic events of Katrina, and he likes to tell the story of how he came to audition for Idol. So, Taylor Hicks' trip to Vegas wasn't filled with dreams of hitting the big slots win or making a fortune at the tables in the casinos. His dreams extended beyond that to the big stage, where he could "get his voice heard." Boy, did he ever! His win on Idol with his unique talent and artistry and a tight fan base which never let him down and still doesn't, was the springboard to a national tour for his first CD, to various TV and radio appearances, to a starring role in Broadway's "Grease" as Teen Angel and then on to the National Tour of the play in the same role.

From there, Taylor Hicks continued his career as a touring artist, selling out his shows wherever he went, whether it was overseas, in a small bar venue, or the large casinos. It seems this was big preparation for an even bigger Las Vegas Win. And now, Taylor realizes his Jackpot has come in with a huge BANG! He is returning to the scene of the beginning of his Dream which lead him on a Journey he never imagined, but always felt he was destined for. Taylor Hicks has landed himself a residency at Ballys for the summer of 2012! This is a first for any American Idol contestant or winner. Some have appeared there in a single show, including Taylor himself, but none have secured their own headline show for a run before.

And who better than Taylor Hicks to accomplish this? He was unique from the start on Idol, whether you got his talent or not, and captured audience attention from the moment he took the stage each week until the final note of his performance. Not much has changed in that respect these days....Taylor Hicks still mesmerizes his audience as soon as he walks out with his equally amazing band, and delivers a show that has you dancing in your seats and leaving with a huge smile and often a photo with the Man himself.

What to expect from a Taylor Hicks Las Vegas show? It's anyone's guess. But you can place your money on a sure bet that you will NOT be disappointed and that you will come away feeling good and wanting more. Taylor Hicks has won big in Las Vegas! His slot machine was a giant pull on a small dream that paid off HUGELY after six years of hard work and dedication to his music. It wasn't overnight, because this artist has spent years honing his talent. But his first gamble began in Las Vegas and has paid off to lead him back here in triumph and set a role model for American Idol contestants and winners, and other hopefuls who want to follow their dreams.

I can't think of a better person to start that roulette wheel turning. After years of rehearsal in his early musical life, Taylor Hicks placed a bet during his first trip to Las Vegas that has led him to the best win of all! Make sure to share this win with him....maybe it will bring you luck too :)

TMO got a chance to ask Taylor his thoughts on his new gig. Here is what he had to say. Think he's excited at all? :):)
"I am honored and thrilled to be a part of the folklore of Vegas! This residency is going to be great!!"

For tickets and info on Taylor Hicks in Las Vegas, go here: :
Ballys

Taylor Hicks~TaylorMadeOnline Closing

TaylorMadeOnline has been around since Taylor's first note on Idol, published January 11, 2006. The past six years have been an absolute Joy to experience, helping promote Taylor Hicks, an artist who is the REAL DEAL and a consumate professional in all ways.

Taylor Hicks has gone from our living room TV winning American Idol to a Broadway Show headliner, numerous TV and radio appearances, and several whirlwind tours that will soon pick up again when his new CD drops this year.

TMO_Media has been with him every step of the way, providing as much video, audio, and photos as possible to his fans, and to Taylor, to re-live again and again. But now it's time for TaylormadeOnline to close up shop as far as new media. With the rich availability of YouTube and Vimeo, plus the new communication arenas of Twitter and Facebook, Taylor has a wealth of support and opportunities for fans new and old to see and hear him. And I have need of more time in my outside life now to pursue my other passion, helping with Animal Rescue :)

Our doors will remain open and there are some threads still open for all to enjoy, both member and nonmember. TMO will still post updates about Taylor Hicks on our Twitter page and occasionally reference older media where appropriate. But no new media will be posted.

It is a bittersweet decision. I have so enjoyed getting to know the fans and helping Taylor Hicks promote his career. And media has always been my first love. However, I am also overjoyed that Taylor is doing so well that so many media sites feature him! He is a Joy to behold on and offstage!

Please keep on supporting this great artist and song writer! I know I will :)

Thank you to everyone who has helped make TMO Media the great library that it is today both members and staff, and most of all...Taylor Hicks! TMO could have never done it without the generous contributions of fans and without the man who is the focus...a fantastic talent!

Keep on, Soul Man! You are TOPS!

Jam Cruise 9~Thanks Jeff Grady!

Jam Cruise 9 from jeff grady on Vimeo.

BIG LOVE to Jeff Grady for sharing his FABULOUS Jam Cruise 9 video with us all. Taylor Hicks fans and all the artists' fans are eternally grateful. Amazing video, fantastic cruise, music to die for!

THANK YOU, JEFF!

Taylor Hicks_Angel Turns In His Wings

"Grease" is coming to a close tomorrow night. Taylor Hicks, who has filled the Teen Angel role since the summer of 2008 starting with Broadway and ending this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, will be turning in his Angel Wings for his guitar and harmonica again.

For many fans, "Grease" with Taylor was a fabulously fun experience no matter how many times one saw it. Others are longing for Taylor to return to touring his own music, a wish which seems likely to come true this summer. You can catch Taylor's upcoming shows at various venues, which will be listed on his Taylor Hicks Ning site. Last night, he graced the stage at Wind Creek Casino, judging a singing contest and performing six songs, and from all accounts it was a smash show!

I have seen "Grease" a few times and am heading there tomorrow night for the closing show. I have mixed feelings, being used to the weekly press promos for the play and being able to see Taylor perform not only his role in the play, but his hit single "Seven Mile Breakdown" after the play finale. However, I am also a lover of Taylor's touring shows with his own music and great covers. So for me, it was and is the best of both Taylor worlds. Whatever he does, it is done with grace and style and unique talent.

So....THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, MR. HICKS, for making the theatre stage shine with your sparkling hair, sparking wings, and even more sparkling voice! I am so looking forward to following your next Journey and helping to support that along with your many other fans.

You are a true professional and a star always in our hearts :)

Taylor Hicks and Billie Jean King~Fan Meets Fan!

Taylor Hicks appeared on MyFox Philadelphia today on their Good Day segment. He did a brief interview and performed a fantastic acoustic version of his new hit single,
"Seven Mile Breakdown."

While the performance was a highlight of the appearance, clearly the highlight for Taylor Hicks was that Billie Jean King, who was also on the show, was in the audience clapping along with the song. She was obviously impressed and came forward to shake hands with Taylor after his song. He was thrilled and you could tell, he was a FAN. After the performance, they cut away and then returned to a backstage scene, where Billie Jean signed Taylor's harmonica. This was a FAN MOMENT to cherish for him and for us! He was definitely excited and we weren't sure just WHO was the bigger fan of who....lol. I have included a screencap of that moment backstage, since this part isn't yet on the Fox website archive.

To watch Taylor Hicks interview and performance on Good Day Philly, go here:
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/subindex/good_day_philadelphia

To get more screencaps from this show, including the backstage Billy Jean segment, check our member area on our media board.

So very cool to see a fan meet a fan!

"Grease" is now in Philadelphia until July 19th, so don't miss it! Oh, and it is still illegal to record any portion of the actual theatre performance.

Taylor Hicks~Mitch Jones Interview

The Taylor Hicks Community is happy to once again bring you an interview with another friend and band mate of Taylor Hicks. Mitch Jones joins us to give some insights on those early days with Taylor and also to give us some info on his terrific new band, Buffalo Black. This is an Americana/Indie band playing in the Birmingham, AL area. They have a great new CD coming out July 27th and Brian Less and Patrick Lunceford stop in to play with them.

Mitch has some interesting and fun memories of Taylor Hicks as Taylor's friend and bass player for his former band Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, and is happy to share these with fans. Here is the link to check out this great interview and while you are there, check out our other interviews with Taylor's buddies. This read is open to everyone, members and non members, but you do need to be a member to talk with Mitch there.

Enjoy, and remember to pick up a copy of Taylor Hicks The Distance and a copy of Buffalo Black's new CD on June 27th at itunes!

Link to interview:
http://z15.invisionfree.com/TaylorMade/index.php?showtopic=6282&st=0&#last

Taylor Hicks~Triple Door Excitement!

If you happened to be in Seattle this week, you would have had the chance to see a unique and energetic concert. Taylor Hicks appeared at the Triple Door and by all accounts, RAWKED the house! Mixing new music with some of his well known earlier CDs, the blue eyed soul singer gave his usual 110% performance, which has thrilled his audiences since the minute he first stepped onto the Idol stage until the present.

Songs in the Taylor Hicks set list included: "The Distance," "What's Right is Right," "I Live On A Battlefield," "Seven Mile Breakdown," and some earlier music..."Gonna Move," and "Heaven Knows/Maze." All in all, it proved to be a wonderful evening for those who were lucky enough to attend.

If you were not among those lucky folks, you can still share in the enjoyment through fans who filmed this event and shared that media. TTHC has several videos and photos to view and download, so if you were not able to make it to Taylor Hicks Triple Door concert or want to re-live the show, check out our Shadow Tour Media for The Triple Door at the TTHC Media Board.

It was a great show and many are looking forward to the next Shadow Show in Michigan at The Magic Bag. Info for this new show can be found here:
http://www.themagicbag.com/hot.htm

Taylor Hicks~Wynn Christian Interview

The Taylor Hicks Community is once again featuring an interview with one of Taylor's friends and band mates. Wynn Christian has given us a wonderful bit of insight and a look at those early days with Taylor Hicks and in the present also, with some info on the creative process for the new hit single from The Distance, "Seven Mile Breakdown."

Wynn is with the band Spoonful James, a terrific group of artists. If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing them live, you can find information on their appearances at their MySpace or Facebook pages. Wynn and Taylor worked hard preparing SMB, already a Spoonful James fan favorite, to add to The Distance. It has taken off and become the new video for Taylor Hicks.

Wynn is a great guy with lots to say! Come on over and check this new interview out. And make sure to check out Spoonful James...their music is just fantastic!

Link to our interview, which is open to all fans:
http://z15.invisionfree.com/TaylorMade/index.php?showtopic=6269&st=0

Taylor Hicks Wednesdays Are Fantastic!

Taylor Hicks Wednesdays have not disappointed fans thus far and today is NO exception to that! The new video for "Seven Mile Breakdown" done by Spence Nicholson has made its debut on popeater.com and it is HAWT blue eyed soul with some country mixed in. The wide open scenery, the excitement of the young women getting ready for an outing, the fantastic sequences of Taylor in that red Corvette, and his performance all combine to make this one HELLUVA ride! There is energy in this video....the kind he exudes on stage...and the kind that makes you want to get up and dance. GREAT JOB, SPENCE AND TAYLOR!

You can click the link above to watch this and also please visit popeater.com to watch it there as well.
Link:
http://www.popeater.com/music/article/taylor-hicks-seven-mile-breakdown-video/465406

Taylor Hicks Debuts on AOL!

Wednesdays are proving to be exciting days for Taylor Hicks fans these last few weeks. Last Wednesday, we were treated to a fabulous performance on a return visit to the American Idol Results show and this Wednesday, we get a new video!

Taylor Hicks premieres his new video for his new hit single, "Seven Mile Breakdown" on AOL music. Fans everywhere experienced such pleasure watching his first video by the very talented Jake Davis for "What's Right is Right," and have eagerly awaited a new one. Spence Nicholson has worked his magic with Taylor as well and it has come to us fast!

Be sure to check out AOL music this Wednesday and give our SoulMan some support there for this great song that is sure to produce a great video. I cannot wait to see it!

Taylor Hicks~American Idol Performance Rocked!

Last night, Taylor Hicks returned to the American Idol stage with his best foot forward. He sang a country mix of his new awesome single, "Seven Mile Breakdown," complete with harp! He got a standing ovation from the audience and the judges, even Simon Scowal...lol.

Taylor Hicks ROCKED that AI stage last night. He was perfection in every way and the AI band did him justice without overshadowing his voice. It was real blue eyed soul night on AI and our SoulMan delievered! You can watch this fantastic performance on the embedded video above. This is a great second single release for Taylor and it has also been added to country music stations. There is also a new Taylor Hicks music video on the way for SMB, done by Spence Nicholson.

If you are not getting enough Taylor Hicks lately, then you must be asleep or in a coma :) He has lit up the radio and television stations, as well as continuing to grace the "Grease" stage, in every city he visits and has done some after shows in some areas.

Did America get the Season Five vote right?
YOU BETCHA!

For media and screencaps, visit TTHC. You will need to be a member to see these.

Taylor Hicks On IdoI~It's Official!

CHECK IT OUT.....TAYLOR HICKS IS GOING TO BE ON AMERICAN IDOL ON APRIL 29TH!

Taylor will be performing on the results show of American Idol next Wednesday at 9 pm. Here is the announcement from his myspace:

"Taylor on American Idol!
It's official!!! Taylor will be performing his latest single, 'Seven Mile Breakdown,' on American Idol next Wednesday, April 29! Tune into Fox at 9/8c to see Taylor back on the stage where it all began!"

Taylor Hicks returns to the stage where he became known to adoring fans all over America and also Internationally. When he recounts his days there, he always describes how he stayed focused and how important song choice is. Well, his choice of song for this appearance is going to BLOW THEM AWAY!

Don't miss this! Set your recorders, tune in, spread the word. Taylor returns with his blue eyed soul and hot beat to the AI stage and is sure to thrill the audience and viewers everywhere.

TAYLOR HICKS~AMERICAN IDOL WEDNESDAY APRIL 29TH~I WILL BE WATCHING, WILL YOU?

Taylor Hicks~Bodyguards For The Soul

Taylor Hicks is everywhere these days! Last night, he showed up on a segment of Fox Reality Channel's new show Bodyguards. The show chronicles the professional and personal lives of the two bodyguards Carmine and Mikey who work for high profile clients in New York at the various events which they attend. Our SoulMan was a big feature of this first show, reflecting his transportation and arrival to the Broadway Theatre and his attendance at the an evening event later on.

One of the BEST and most touching moments was when Taylor requested Carmine to stop in front of the large billboard featuring Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel in "Grease," so he could get a photo to "send home to his folks." How humble and cute is that?
Of course, there was Carmine's take on this maneuver, that Taylor was surrounded by energetic fans and only one bodyguard to protect him, and that once back in the vehicle, Taylor appeared a bit taken aback by the crowds. I am not sure if this was staging for the show or Taylor really felt that way, because he has encountered this everywhere he goes since winning Idol. But this is a great piece of footage for Taylor Hicks fans and a lot of fun to watch! They will repeat the show, I believe today. TTHC also has a capture of this to watch and keep in our "Grease" member section. I loved watching this and loved when Carmine said "He is hot!" I am pretty sure he didn't mean it like some of us do...LOL...but it is true on many levels. Taylor Hicks is definitely hot property on and offstage these days!

Taylor Hicks~Best of the West!

There is a STIR on the west coast and it's not an earthquake. Taylor Hicks has arrived and is shaking up the place! Starting with San Diego, moving to LA, and now in San Francisco, Taylor has entertained countless new and present fans in his role as Teen Angel in "Grease" and has added a shadow tour show full of his unique music to each venue city, as well as introducing his new hit single at the close of each play performance.

The Belly Up Tavern in the San Diego area was a fabulous show and many lucky fans got to enjoy this, close up and personal. Taylor also performed at the legendary Roxy, which was an awesome experience! He will be at the Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco on April 14th and is scheduled to appear at The Triple Door in Seattle on May 27th.

The west coast press has been courting Taylor Hicks since he arrived. You cannot turn on a radio or TV in the area without an interview or reference to the SoulMan from Alabama, who has captured our hearts in so many ways. Now that cameras are allowed at the shadow tours, you can find media all over from the Roxy. If you want some exclusive and amazing quality videos from our members who were fortunate enough to attend, you can find them on our Taylor Hicks Community media board in our Shadow Tours section. Our members also brought back some gorgeous photos!

Be sure to check your area for "Grease" and if you are lucky, also find a shadow tour which features the new music of Taylor Hicks from his great new CD. Taylor is trying to schedule a shadow show in most of the venue cities, so there is a good chance you can find one near you. Get up and close and personal in an intimate setting, where you can experience the blue eyed soul sound of Taylor Hicks singing his early works and new songs. You won't soon forget it!

Taylor Hicks~Belly Up and West Coast Lovin It!

From all accounts, it sounds like Taylor Hicks not only took the "Grease" stage by storm, but completely floored those lucky attendees to the Belly Up show last Wednesday evening! Many fans of all ages crowded the venue to either get a first glimpse at Taylor Hicks in concert or to be there as loyal fans who were stoked to see him in their territory. They were not disappointed.

Taylor Hicks sang his blue eyed soul heart out! He sang, tagged, stomped, harped, and charmed his way into the audience and left them breathless. San Diego gave Taylor a great deal of press before this event and also regarding his "Grease" tour there. This seems to have proven itself invaluable for getting the word out about the Belly Up appearance, as evidenced by the full house and delighted fans. Reports from various groups state this was THE show to see and for those lucky enough to have attended...YEA! Here is a set list:

The Distance
Give Me Tonight
Heaven Knows/The~Maze tags Wild World/Did Ye Get Healed
Heart And Soul~tags Brown Eyed Handsome Man/Lodi
Woman's Gotta Have It
Gonna Move~tag Jet Airliner
I Live On A Battlefield
The Deal
Seven Mile Breakdown
Hide Nor Hair What's Right Is Right
Soul Thing (
ENCORE
My Sweet Lord

Since I was not able to attend, you will have to search around the various sites for firsthand reports. I notice one of my favs, "Once Upon A Lover," was not included but I am hoping for a future venue which I can attend, to include this great dance song.

Be sure to check out this wonderful blog and the gorgeous pictures! They were asked to cover the event by Taylor's people and they did a super job! Leave them a thank you, while you are there :)
http://thedeadhub.com/taylor-hicks-soul-patrol-hits-the-belly-up-tavern/

Taylor Hicks~The Distance Nails It!

AOL has removed their listening party page for Taylor Hicks The Distance, but the lyrics and melodies remain with those who have listened. For the most part, reactions have been very positive and for me, rightly so. Barnes and Noble now has samples, not full songs, where fans can listen once again and mull over their choices.

As I remember and re-listen to the snippets, I find myself still drawn to the same songs I first heard. "Maybe You Should" is the Taylor Hicks masterpiece of the CD to me, with its bluesy and gut wrenching sound and words. I can't say enough about how fantastic this song is, especially the production of it. It is quiet and resigned, yet so moving...because of that very tone. "What's Right is Right" remains a true favorite also. The song I cannot get out of my head and which keeps my feet moving is the Latin flavored song, "Once Upon A Lover of Mine." While some feel it is not the favorite on the CD, to me it screams DANCE AND PARTY! I adore Latin music and the beat, and I think Taylor does an awesome job on this particular cut. It is a departure from his usual style, yet it is done with his typical Taylor uniqueness that makes it his own. I am thinking this will be a blast to see and hear at a live show and that he will have a great time performing it. I also am drawn to "I Live On A Battlefield" and "The Distance," which is the title song. Again, the words hit me first and the melodies they are set to are a wonderful pairing.

The light hearted songs, such as "Keepin It Real," and "Wedding Day Blues," are not as addictive to me as the ones above. That being said, I do love them for their pure fun and I am looking forward to listening to these again, to get to know them better. "Woman's Gotta Have It" is without a doubt, the smash soul song of the CD. Elliott Yamin duets with Taylor Hicks and those two voices just BRING IT HOME! This is one of the songs I'd love to see a video of and also to see and hear live. All of the other songs have merit as well, and although "Nineteen" is a painful message to listen to, Taylor's version of this is just amazing.

All in all, I would say if you have not heard this new CD, get on over to Barnes and Nobel and treat yourself to a sample. And on March 10, be sure to purchase several for yourself and friends. This new Taylor Hicks blue eyed soul CD is going to cover and close The Distance in a very pleasing manner.

Taylor Hicks~Soulful Studio C

Tuscon was hot this week and it wasn't just due to the weather. Taylor Hicks is lighting up the stage as Teen Angel, but made a stop at 92.9 The Mountain to appear on their Studio C segment. And what an appearance it was!

Studio C is an intimate look at an artist with interviews and music. This is Taylor Hicks at his acoustic finest...four songs...guitar and harp...and as much blue eyed soul as you can cram into a short time. This was a relaxed Taylor, playful with his audience, tender with the kids and their questions, and dead serious about giving his absolute best to his music. He sang "Bus Back to Birmingham," and then from his new CD, he sang "Seven Mile Breakdown." He followed that with a crowd pleaser, "The Fall," and ended with one of my favorites, "Alabama Frame of Mind."

This mini concert and his candid answers to the small audience, especially the kids, was one of the most enjoyable times to have spent with Taylor Hicks. He is truly remarkable as an artist, yet humble and so genuine that his charm shines through whether speaking or performing. If you were unlucky enough to have missed this amazing performance, do not fear! They are repeating it tonight at 8:30 pm and 11:30pm and tomorrow evening again at 11 pm. This is mountain time, so plan accordingly to where you live. Next week, Taylor's performance will be archived on their website to enjoy again and again. Check out their picture gallery while you are there. They have 53 gorgeous photos of Taylor in the studio!

Link to watch live this weekend:
http://www.tucson12.tv/live.php

Link to the Studio C on demand archives:
http://www.929themountain.com/pages/studioct2.html

Taylor Hicks~The Distance Arrives on AOL!

The wait for the new Taylor Hicks CD is over...well sort of. It isn't for sale yet, but you can listen to a full preview of the entire album right here:
http://kids.aol.com/KOL/2/Music/article/taylor-hicks-the-distance

This is a great way to get a taste of what lies in store for Taylor Hicks fans on March 10th. I don't want to influence anyone with my opinions, so get on over there and have a listen for yourself! OK...I take that back. Pay SPECIAL attention to the beautifully done song called "Maybe You Should," sure to be a fan favorite. Taylor Hicks' voice shines through in all its pure Soul and Passion on this gem. This is blue eyed soul at its best! I am also quite fond of the title song.

So far, most have high praise for this new creative effort from Taylor Hicks. Many AOL Listening Parties are only up for a few days, so if you have not had the PLEASURE of checking out The Distance by Taylor Hicks, better hurry! You won't be disappointed...there is something for everyone here!