Finally!!!! The long awaited video for Taylor's new single What's Right Is Right will make its world premiere on Yahoo's Music site on February 17, 2009! How exciting is this for all of Taylor's fans who have been waiting over 2 1/2 years for a professional video for one of his songs! Ain't nuthin' like doing stuff your own way, eh Taylor? ... yes, this 'owning your own record label" is more like it! Screw you and your crew, Clive.
Jake Davis, the director of the video, has given the song/video an old school vibe, according to his blog. It was shot on January 12 on a snowy day in Chicago, IL.... photos from the shoot can be seen at Taylor's myspace page!
Filmed at The Workplay Theater in Birmingham, AL 9-26-09 with Ona Watson.
Song available on Taylor's new album, The Distance.
On sale now! Pick your copy today!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Taylor Hicks to Appear at Disney World's American Idol Experience
American Idol winners will be appearing at the opening media festivities at the new Disney World American Idol Experience, on February 12th. The exhibit opens for the public on February 14th. According to the Taylor Hicks official website, he is scheduled to be among the Idols who will be appearing. No word yet on whether he will be performing or simply making an appearance, but a good time is sure to be had by all those in attendance! If you're near Orlando FL, make plans on being there to cheer on the ONE and ONLY soulman and 5th Season Winner of American Idol!
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
American Idol Experience,
Disney,
Taylor Hicks
Monday, January 26, 2009
Taylor Hicks New Song - "What's Right Is Right" Available Now on ITunes and Amazon!
Yes fellow Taylor Hicks lovers! The day has finally come! His new single, "What's Right is Right" is now available for you to purchase at either ITunes or Amazon.com. Don't be stingy with your 99 cents - it's a good investment in Taylor's career! Remember, many radio stations determine whether or not to play a song on the strength of downloads, so you'll be helping with radio play as well! So far, I've heard great feedback about the single from people who have listened to it on Taylor's myspace page or his website!
Speaking of radio play, the single has been officially added to 8 Adult Contemporary stations in its debut week, so if you're in earshot of these stations, call and request the single. And even if you don't see your station here, call and request at your local AC or Hot AC station. Many times stations start to play music that has not been officially added, so that's something to consider!
Those stations that added "What's Right Is Right" onto their playlist today were:
WHLG-FM - Ft. Pierce, FL
WRSA-FM - Huntsville, AL
WJKK-FM - Jackson, MS
KKMY-FM - Beaumont, TX
KUMU-FM - Honolulu, HI
KWAV-FM - Salinas, CA
WLNP-FM - Wilkes Barre, PA
WJXB-FM - Knoxville, TN
Speaking of radio play, the single has been officially added to 8 Adult Contemporary stations in its debut week, so if you're in earshot of these stations, call and request the single. And even if you don't see your station here, call and request at your local AC or Hot AC station. Many times stations start to play music that has not been officially added, so that's something to consider!
Those stations that added "What's Right Is Right" onto their playlist today were:
WHLG-FM - Ft. Pierce, FL
WRSA-FM - Huntsville, AL
WJKK-FM - Jackson, MS
KKMY-FM - Beaumont, TX
KUMU-FM - Honolulu, HI
KWAV-FM - Salinas, CA
WLNP-FM - Wilkes Barre, PA
WJXB-FM - Knoxville, TN
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Download,
ITunes,
Radio,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
What's Right Is Right
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Taylor Hicks, "The Distance" - 6 Samples From Other Artists
I've tried to collect a few of the original versions of 6 of the songs that will be on Taylor's new album. I must say that this album has the makings, and potential, to be one of the greatest albums that I've ever heard (and I've heard a LOT of them over the years). The songs seem very adult in theme, all with a distinct message, a feeling, a raw emotion, a tenderness, and a determination. I'm especially touched by "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness" and "I Live On A Battlefield", both touched me deeply. I can only imagine the genius of the ones Taylor has penned himself. March 10th cannot come fast enough for me. Enjoy!
I Live On A Battlefield - Nick Lowe
Indescriminate Acts Of Kindness - Foy Vance
Woman's Got To Have It - Bobby Womack
Seven Mile Breakdown - Spoonful James w/Taylor Hicks
Nineteen - Tom Hambridge & Jeffrey Steele
Yes We Can - Maria Muldair & Bonnie Riatt
I Live On A Battlefield - Nick Lowe
Indescriminate Acts Of Kindness - Foy Vance
Woman's Got To Have It - Bobby Womack
Seven Mile Breakdown - Spoonful James w/Taylor Hicks
Nineteen - Tom Hambridge & Jeffrey Steele
Yes We Can - Maria Muldair & Bonnie Riatt
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Covers,
I Live On A Battlefield,
Indescriminate Acts of Kindness,
Nineteen,
Seven Mile Breakdown,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
Yes We Can
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Elliott Yamin Sings Backup on Taylor Hicks' New Album
Interesting news! According to USA Today blogger, Brian Mansfield, fellow American Idol Season 5 contestant, Elliott Yamin, has contributed background vocals to Bobby Womack's classic soul song "Woman's Got To Have It", a cut from Taylor Hicks' forthcoming album, The Distance, which drops on March 10, 2009! I think their voices will blend really nicely and it's one of the 14 cuts I'm most anxious to hear from the new album! It's not the first time these two have worked as a duo. The two sang together during the 2006 American Idol tour at Workplay, an Alabama hotspot, on other classic soul classics such as "Use Me" and "What's Goin' On". The entire article reads:
Taylor Hicks' new single, What's Right Is Right, will be available for download starting next Tuesday, but you can hear the song now on his website. What's Right Is Right is the first single from Taylor's new album, The Distance, will come out March 10.
The Distance also features a cover of R&B great Bobby Womack's Woman's Gotta Have It. Elliott Yamin told me the other day that he'd cut backing vocals for Taylor's version.
Taylor's backing band on the album includes guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. The Distance was produced by Simon Climie, who has also worked with Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Faith Hill.
The other songs on The Distance, which will come out on Taylor's Modern Whomp label, are Wedding Day Blues, Seven Mile Breakdown, New Found Freedom, The Distance, Nineteen, I Live on a Battlefield, Maybe You Should, Once Upon a Lover of Mine and Keepin’ It Real.
Taylor Hicks' new single, What's Right Is Right, will be available for download starting next Tuesday, but you can hear the song now on his website. What's Right Is Right is the first single from Taylor's new album, The Distance, will come out March 10.
The Distance also features a cover of R&B great Bobby Womack's Woman's Gotta Have It. Elliott Yamin told me the other day that he'd cut backing vocals for Taylor's version.
Taylor's backing band on the album includes guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. The Distance was produced by Simon Climie, who has also worked with Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Faith Hill.
The other songs on The Distance, which will come out on Taylor's Modern Whomp label, are Wedding Day Blues, Seven Mile Breakdown, New Found Freedom, The Distance, Nineteen, I Live on a Battlefield, Maybe You Should, Once Upon a Lover of Mine and Keepin’ It Real.
Labels: Taylor Hicks
A Woman's Gotta Have It,
Abe Laboriel Jr.,
American Idol,
Carlos Santana,
Doyle Bramhall II,
Elliott Yamin,
Eric Clapton,
Faith Hill,
Nathan East,
Simon Climie,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance
Taylor Hicks Resurfaces With 2nd Post American Idol Album
It's interesting that this Billboard article (and geesh, could they please get a new picture?) mention only 11 tracks on Taylor's new album "The Distance". I suspect 3 songs (Yes We Can, Hide Nor Hair, Indiscriminate Act of Kindness) are 'extras' for ITunes or exclusives for certain outlet stores. Anyway, here it is:
"...Former "American Idol" champ Taylor Hicks returns March 10 with a new album, "The Distance," the follow-up to his lone major-label release.
The album is preceded Jan. 27 by the digital single "What's Right Is Right" and will be released on Hicks' own Modern Whomp Records, with distribution from independent artist services company Artist to Market.
Hicks enlisted Eric Clapton producer Simon Climie for "The Distance," and longtime Clapton collaborators Doyle Bramhall II and Nathan East play on the album. Paul McCartney drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. mans the kit.
Hicks left J following his 2006 self-titled debut for the label, which sold 703,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Here is the track list for "The Distance":
"Wedding Day Blues,"
"Seven Mile Breakdown,"
"What's Right Is Right"
"Woman's Gotta Have It"
"New Found Freedom"
"The Distance"
"Nineteen"
"I Live on a Battlefield"
"Maybe You Should"
"Once Upon a Lover of Mine"
"Keepin' It Real"
"...Former "American Idol" champ Taylor Hicks returns March 10 with a new album, "The Distance," the follow-up to his lone major-label release.
The album is preceded Jan. 27 by the digital single "What's Right Is Right" and will be released on Hicks' own Modern Whomp Records, with distribution from independent artist services company Artist to Market.
Hicks enlisted Eric Clapton producer Simon Climie for "The Distance," and longtime Clapton collaborators Doyle Bramhall II and Nathan East play on the album. Paul McCartney drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. mans the kit.
Hicks left J following his 2006 self-titled debut for the label, which sold 703,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Here is the track list for "The Distance":
"Wedding Day Blues,"
"Seven Mile Breakdown,"
"What's Right Is Right"
"Woman's Gotta Have It"
"New Found Freedom"
"The Distance"
"Nineteen"
"I Live on a Battlefield"
"Maybe You Should"
"Once Upon a Lover of Mine"
"Keepin' It Real"
Labels: Taylor Hicks
Album,
American Idol,
Billboard,
Chris Daughtry,
David Cook,
New CD,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
What's Right Is Right
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hear Taylor Hick's New Single! Complete Track Listing Now Available!
Highly Anticipated New Studio Album to be Released March 10
Following First Single, “What’s Right Is Right,” digitally on January 27
Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Taylor Hicks will thrill longtime fans, and inspire new audiences, with the release of his anticipated new studio album, The Distance, on March 10. The album will be released on Hicks’ Modern Whomp Records label and distributed through a partnership with independent artist services company Artist To Market (A2M). Debuting January 27 digitally is the first single “What’s Right Is Right,” a mid-tempo song about love and commitment, driven by funky keyboards and sax work.
Produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill), and tapping the talents of guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., The Distance includes eleven tracks, some co-written by Hicks:
1. “Wedding Day Blue,”
2. “Seven Mile Breakdown”
3. “What’s Right is Right”
4. “Hide Nor Hair”
5. “Woman Gotta Have It”
6. “New Found Freedom”
7. “The Distance”
8. “Nineteen”
9. “I Live on a Battlefield”
10. “Yes We Can”
11. “Maybe You Should”
12. “Once Upon a Lover of Mine”
13. “Keepin It Real”
14. “Indiscriminate Act of Kindness”
Since becoming Season 5 winner of “American Idol,” Taylor Hicks has seen his self-titled debut album certified platinum, performed with Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers and Jackson Browne, toured through Asia, penned the Random House memoir Heart Full of Soul, and made his Broadway debut as Teen Angel in Grease. At the beginning of 2009 Taylor has embarked on a national US tour with Grease with stops in Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.
Order the CD here:
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Single,
Taylor Hicks,
Track Listing,
What's Right Is Right
Taylor Hicks New Album "The Distance" On Sale NOW!!!
Yes, folks, the time we've all been waiting for has finally arrived! It's been a bit over 2 years since his Gold and Platinum Certified post American Idol album, Taylor Hicks, arrived on the scene, and we now roll in the era of the newly independent, AI-free Taylor Hicks. The album entitled "The Distance" is being released on his own label, Modern Whomp Records, and is being produced by powerhouse producer, Simon Climie, who's worked with musical greats such as Eric Clapton, BB King and Michael McDonald. "The Distance" will be available on March 10, but you can now pre-order it below. The track list is as follows -"Wedding Day Blues," "Seven Mile Breakdown," "What's Right is Right," "Hide Nor Hair," "Woman Gotta Have It," "New Found Freedom," "The Distance," "Nineteen," "I Live on a Battlefield," "Yes We Can," "Maybe You Should," "Once Upon a Lover of Mine," "Keepin It Real" and "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness."
Today truly IS the dawning of a new era! Run and get your copy today!
The new single, What's Right is Right will be available for purchase on ITunes and Amazon a week from today - January 27th, 2009.
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Available,
Daughtry,
David Cook,
New CD,
Order,
Simon Climie,
Single,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
What's Right Is Right
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Illegal Bootlegging? No, You Can't Do That!
Lately, there's been a mighty big uproar amongst the die-hards about whether or not fans should have access to amateur recordings and videos from Taylor's upcoming club dates. Well, in my not-so-arrogant opinion, recording & sharing illegal bootleg audio and video is stealing and my advice to those who feel slighted by this latest business decion is to suck it up and get over it - fast! Taylor's music is his *product* whether it's on a CD or he sings it in concert - and he's entitled to get paid for it. There's no freebies and the sense of entitlement that some feel is beyond shocking to me.... yes, he let us record the '07 tour, which was VERY nice of him, but obviously he wants control of his music now and he'll roll it out as HE sees fit and not a moment before - in the form he wants it - the complete studio version. Why is that so hard for people to understand? You aren't entitled to bootleg recordings, for heaven's sake!!! Since when was it *ever* allowed in any concert setting? I've been to hundreds of concerts in my life and each and every one of them clearly stated that there was to be NO recordings and NO cameras. It's been like this forever.
Listen, I'm as anxious as the next person to hear Taylor's awesome new music, but I have NO problem waiting until Jan 27 to get the entire version of the single and NO problem not hearing inferior bootlegs or cellcerts (those give me headaches because the sound quality is soooo bad!) - it's no wonder he doesn't want those floating around as a 'representation' of his new music. God forbid!
Man o man ... everyone has GOT to stick their 2 cents into every syllable, every word, every decision and every move he makes with some major complaint or whine (and if you don't do this then I'm not talking about you). Geeze, people, let the man do his business the way HE sees fit - he's not asking for opinions or a consensus from the masses.
If you don't like the way he's doin' business, his timetables, or his music, please find another artist that you find more suitable that conducts business the way you see fit and stop cluttering up hate blogs with twisted versions of the truth, making up blatant lies and insinuate things that never happened - or make generalizations about the fan base or Taylor himself. How fucking insulting is that? There's a few nutcases out there who pose as fans who are actually the biggest haters on the planet - it's not hard to spot them. Please go post on someone else's message boards - uhm, say, Daughtry or Mcphee's, blog about them and leave Taylor and his fans to simply enjoy the fabulous new music - without juvenile harrassment - that's coming down the pipeline shortly.
The new music will be fabulous!
And that's the way it is.
Listen, I'm as anxious as the next person to hear Taylor's awesome new music, but I have NO problem waiting until Jan 27 to get the entire version of the single and NO problem not hearing inferior bootlegs or cellcerts (those give me headaches because the sound quality is soooo bad!) - it's no wonder he doesn't want those floating around as a 'representation' of his new music. God forbid!
Man o man ... everyone has GOT to stick their 2 cents into every syllable, every word, every decision and every move he makes with some major complaint or whine (and if you don't do this then I'm not talking about you). Geeze, people, let the man do his business the way HE sees fit - he's not asking for opinions or a consensus from the masses.
If you don't like the way he's doin' business, his timetables, or his music, please find another artist that you find more suitable that conducts business the way you see fit and stop cluttering up hate blogs with twisted versions of the truth, making up blatant lies and insinuate things that never happened - or make generalizations about the fan base or Taylor himself. How fucking insulting is that? There's a few nutcases out there who pose as fans who are actually the biggest haters on the planet - it's not hard to spot them. Please go post on someone else's message boards - uhm, say, Daughtry or Mcphee's, blog about them and leave Taylor and his fans to simply enjoy the fabulous new music - without juvenile harrassment - that's coming down the pipeline shortly.
The new music will be fabulous!
And that's the way it is.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
On The Set With Taylor Hicks From His Video Shoot!
"....We’re out of the snow of the windy city and in the warmth of the edit. Since a lot of you were asking for behind the scenes photos I thought I’d give you just a little taste. I’ll get in trouble if I show you too much. Taylor was a real class act and a real pleasure to work with. The video is going to be really iconic. I’ll keep you posted…..."
Jake Davis, the director of Taylor's new video for his song "What's Right Is Right" gave us a picture straight from the set in Chicago (which they filmed on January 12). Taylor looks absolutely friggin' gorgeous, I must say! Hopefully the video will be ready soon! Remember, the song is available on Tuesday, Jan 20 from ITunes. Go get yourself a copy!
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Jake Davis,
Taylor Hicks,
Video,
What's Right Is Right
Friday, January 16, 2009
Taylor Hicks Plays the "Grand Prize Game" on WGN!
Taylor Hicks was a guest of WGN's Early Morning show in Chicago this morning and relived a childhood dream of his of playing Bozo's "Grand Prize Game" with the shows hosts! He was able to get through bucket 5, but missed on the last one! Awe!!! But, being the charitable guy he always is, he donated $500 for every ball he successfully threw in to the Boys and Girls Clubs in Chicago, so they will receive $2,500 courtesy of Mr. Hicks! Good for him! He received for himself a home edition of the Grand Prize Game and a Bozo Doll which he seemed so thrilled to receive!! It was a very cute segment!
Also, Josh Smith (guitar) and Brian Gallagher (saxophone) accompanied Taylor with an acoustic studio version of "Gonna Move" from the Taylor Hicks album! They sounded fabulous!
Here are some pictures from this morning! Click to enlarge. Enjoy!
With Julianne Hough
Also, Josh Smith (guitar) and Brian Gallagher (saxophone) accompanied Taylor with an acoustic studio version of "Gonna Move" from the Taylor Hicks album! They sounded fabulous!
Here are some pictures from this morning! Click to enlarge. Enjoy!
With Julianne Hough
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Bozo,
Grand Prize Game,
Julianne Hough,
Martyrs',
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
WGN
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Taylor Hicks Sells OUT Ramshead Live! in Annapolis, MD
If you were thinking about attending Taylor's club tour this winter at Ramshead Live!, well, you're out of luck because the last ticket was sold today! WOOO! Nice goin', guys! Not bad for a guy with no music on the radio and no new album out *yet* - and he still manages to sell out the joint! Word has it that many of his ex-bandmates will be with him for these shows including Josh Smith on Guitar and Brian Less on Keyboard and they will be performing songs from his new album, The Distance, out in stores March 10, 2009! Good for him! I hope all that do have tickets have a GREAT time and report back with lots of information for us to read!!
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Ramshead live,
Sellout,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Taylor Hicks 'Grease'-ing his Way Into Acting
And the great publicity keeps on a-coming, folks! This time from the Journal News from Cincinnati, OH, the next tour stop for *Grease*! Enjoy!
Flashy role 'Taylorized' made for American Idol champ
CINCINNATI — Although he's never done any acting, "American Idol" Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks thought that a Broadway show like "Grease" would be an effective lubricant for his career.
And even though his character, Teen Angel, has only one number in the show, Hicks was still able to make an auspicious acting debut suspended in an ice cream cone 45 feet over a Broadway stage.
On Jan. 20, he reprises that feat when the national tour of "Grease," in which the American Idol plays the part of Teen Angel, the spirit that tries to convince Frenchy to finish high school.
"It was an intense way to start an acting career," Hicks said. "But she stays in school every show, so I must be doing OK."
He said he wanted to make the transition to acting slowly by taking a smallish, but flashy and important, part.
"I'd been offered bigger roles," he said, "but for me, my career is a marathon, not a sprint, and I wanted to do something that I could build on. This particular role seemed a good way to do that."
In addition to the grand entrance, Hicks said that he has been allowed to "Taylorize" the role — both costume-wise and musically, including the insertion of a harmonica solo into "Beauty School Drop-Out."
The tour also features Allie Schultz, a singer and actress who also first came to the national spotlight via a television talent contest, "Grease: You're the One That I Want," the series that prompted this production, which opened on Broadway on Aug. 19, 2007.
Though Schulz did not win the competition, she understudied the roles of Sandy, Cha-Cha and Patty on Broadway before joining the national tour in the role of Rizzo.
The tour also features Eric Schneider as "Danny" and Emily Padgett as "Sandy." Schneider made his Broadway debut in "Jersey Boys" and has also appeared in "Altar Boyz" both off-Broadway and national tour. Padgett also comes from the Broadway cast of "Grease," where she understudied Sandy. Her other credits include the national tours of "Cats" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie."
how to go
WHAT: "Grease" by Jim Jacobs and Warren Case
WHERE: Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center for the Arts,
650 Walnut, Cincinnati
WHEN: Jan. 20-Feb 7
COST: $20-$71
MORE INFO: (513) 241-7469; www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
and more from the Dayton Daily News:
When the main job becomes a sideline
Hicks performs songs from his new album
By Richard O Jones
Staff Writer
Friday, January 16, 2009
CINCINNATI — Though he may be coming from a Broadway show to a national tour, Taylor Hicks still has been hard at work focusing on the music that brought him to the national spotlight in the first place.
"I've got a new album coming out in March called 'The Distance,' " he said.
"I've spent a lot of time focusing on my songwriting and there are some really good story songs on the record."
The record is being produced by Simon Climie, who recently has worked with Eric Clapton and Michael McDonald, and the musicians include players from Clapton's band.
Climie "fits the vein I come in as an artist."
In the meantime, however, he'll be mounting the cone nightly and working on his acting chops, fitting in performances with his band when he can.
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
American Idol Winner,
Grease,
Season 5,
Taylor Hicks,
Teen Angel
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Taylor Hicks Looking For Extras to Star In His New Video!
If you are in the Chicago area, or can get there by Monday, Jan 12, Taylor is looking for extras to be in his video for his new single, What's Right Is Right. Here are the details. If you are in the video, check back with us and tell us what happened!! Good Luck!
"...We are looking for Taylor Hicks fans to be background in his video..Age range 16-40...minors accompanied by adult...Women and Men....both attired for cocktail party ... The look is downtown chic with an edge..Young, sexy, modern, classy...Men please come in a suit .. Women should come dressed for a cocktail party , also bring a street option.. Sexy street, not cheesy...Bring a couple of different looks and tons of accessories...expect to be there for 6 hours..."
Jan 12
9AM Call time
California Clipper
1002 North California Ave
Chicago IL 60622
http://www.californiaclipper.com/
"...We are looking for Taylor Hicks fans to be background in his video..Age range 16-40...minors accompanied by adult...Women and Men....both attired for cocktail party ... The look is downtown chic with an edge..Young, sexy, modern, classy...Men please come in a suit .. Women should come dressed for a cocktail party , also bring a street option.. Sexy street, not cheesy...Bring a couple of different looks and tons of accessories...expect to be there for 6 hours..."
Jan 12
9AM Call time
California Clipper
1002 North California Ave
Chicago IL 60622
http://www.californiaclipper.com/
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
California Clipper,
Extras,
Taylor Hicks,
Video,
What's Right Is Right
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Taylor Hicks To Include New Music & Hollywood in Future Plans
According to a new interview by the Times Online, speaking about his current career path, Taylor says:
"....He wouldn't change a thing, said Hicks, testing out new songs next weekend at a Lincoln Park club.
"To each his own, "he said. "Everybody has their own particular path they create for themselves. For me, I'm creating my own niche and my own career path.
"Now that he's got his feet wet in acting, that path includes music and Hollywood. His ideal film project: a serious, classy role opposite a serious, classy leading lady. Two Oscar winners top his leading-lady wish list. "From the past, Katharine Hepburn," he said. "The present, Sissy Spacek...."
Taylor as a leading man against a beautiful leading lady on the big screen? I'd swim a mighty big ocean to get to that premiere! Just tell me where and when, eh?
In another "Grease" review, Taylor can add another wonderful kudo to his every growing scrapbook. According to Epoch Times,
"...This version has added songs from the film, "Sandy," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," and "You’re The One That I Want," as well as "Grease.” It also features former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as "Teen Angel," and he adds a special touch to "Beauty School Dropout" with his harmonica. His role has very little stage time and one song/no lines (yet he is given star billing)...."
"....He wouldn't change a thing, said Hicks, testing out new songs next weekend at a Lincoln Park club.
"To each his own, "he said. "Everybody has their own particular path they create for themselves. For me, I'm creating my own niche and my own career path.
"Now that he's got his feet wet in acting, that path includes music and Hollywood. His ideal film project: a serious, classy role opposite a serious, classy leading lady. Two Oscar winners top his leading-lady wish list. "From the past, Katharine Hepburn," he said. "The present, Sissy Spacek...."
Taylor as a leading man against a beautiful leading lady on the big screen? I'd swim a mighty big ocean to get to that premiere! Just tell me where and when, eh?
In another "Grease" review, Taylor can add another wonderful kudo to his every growing scrapbook. According to Epoch Times,
"...This version has added songs from the film, "Sandy," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," and "You’re The One That I Want," as well as "Grease.” It also features former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as "Teen Angel," and he adds a special touch to "Beauty School Dropout" with his harmonica. His role has very little stage time and one song/no lines (yet he is given star billing)...."
Naturally!
Labels: Taylor Hicks
Chicago,
Epoch Times,
Grease,
Katherarine Hepburn,
Martyrs,
Sissy Spacek,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
Times Online
Variety Magazine Gives Taylor Hicks A Rave Review For His Role in *Grease*
We're having some fun now, eh kids? Taylor Hicks just received an awesome review from the industry bible - Variety Magazine!!! All the Hollywood biggies read this publication (it's been around since the beginning of time, I think!)... read and enjoy friends and foes! Our soulman is definitely in the big leagues! Enjoy!
The line, delivered deliciously by standout Kate Morgan Chadwick, has layers of significance beyond a single moment of self-conscious humor, since this "Grease," directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, was originally birthed on the NBC reality show "Grease: You're the One That I Want," in which the television audience selected the previously unknown Max Crumm and Laura Osnes to become Rialto headliners in the revival.
So the first important fact to remember about this tour is that Max and Laura are not in it.
Yes, the performers swearing in as this Danny and Sandy from Illinois, Eric Schneider and Emily Padgett, were appointed and not elected. They deliver perfectly capable performances, singing and dancing with plenty of polish. But, like much else in this show, they don't express a lot in the way of true personality.
Schneider ("Jersey Boys," "Altar Boyz") has a full set of performance gifts, but while he possesses Crumm's youthfulness, he doesn't have the natural slacker mentality that made the aud's selection fairly interesting.
And Padgett is full on the prototypical Sandy, blonde and totally believable as the good girl. Her transformation at the end into the updated let's-get-it-on bombshell, in fact, is so complete it almost seems Schneider's Danny recognizes her too quickly.
Like both Osnes and Crumm, this cast has a fundamentally squeaky clean, heartland aura, emanating innocence even when accessorized with leather jackets or big hair. And perhaps the casting was partially the inspiration for Marshall to create her colorful, crisp, comicbook inspired take on the show. It looks good, it sounds OK, but it's also both literally (in terms of the sets) and figuratively (in terms of the characterizations) two dimensional.
The ensemble boasts plenty of chops, particularly an ability to capture the melodic elements of the songs. And they do their best to amp up the comedy. But, the little love stories that drive the plot have no dramatic force whatsoever. All the scenes have the same energy, the emotions are all plastic, and the characterizations, purely generic.
This is where Hicks separates himself, creating his own little show-within-a-show, lifting us out of the manufactured quality of the production to enjoy a few moments of an over-the-top oddness that's decidedly individual. Yes, he delivers on pre-ordained expectations -- he even plays the harmonica and dances, as Simon Cowell described it, like he's a father at a party trying to embarrass his kids.
But, to his credit and to the audience's enjoyment, nobody else could be this Teen Angel, and there's no point in even trying to compare him to Frankie Avalon...."
"...While "Grease," the touring version of the recently closed Broadway revival, lacks the inspiration and emotional sincerity needed to be more than merely peppy and puerile, it does come alive from a sheer kitsch perspective when Taylor Hicks of "American Idol" fame emerges from a giant ice cream cone to sing "Beauty School Dropout." In fact, the biggest laugh of the evening comes when the flirtatious Frenchy twirls Mr. Hicks' exposed chest hair and purrs, "I voooted for you."
The line, delivered deliciously by standout Kate Morgan Chadwick, has layers of significance beyond a single moment of self-conscious humor, since this "Grease," directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, was originally birthed on the NBC reality show "Grease: You're the One That I Want," in which the television audience selected the previously unknown Max Crumm and Laura Osnes to become Rialto headliners in the revival.
So the first important fact to remember about this tour is that Max and Laura are not in it.
Yes, the performers swearing in as this Danny and Sandy from Illinois, Eric Schneider and Emily Padgett, were appointed and not elected. They deliver perfectly capable performances, singing and dancing with plenty of polish. But, like much else in this show, they don't express a lot in the way of true personality.
Schneider ("Jersey Boys," "Altar Boyz") has a full set of performance gifts, but while he possesses Crumm's youthfulness, he doesn't have the natural slacker mentality that made the aud's selection fairly interesting.
And Padgett is full on the prototypical Sandy, blonde and totally believable as the good girl. Her transformation at the end into the updated let's-get-it-on bombshell, in fact, is so complete it almost seems Schneider's Danny recognizes her too quickly.
Like both Osnes and Crumm, this cast has a fundamentally squeaky clean, heartland aura, emanating innocence even when accessorized with leather jackets or big hair. And perhaps the casting was partially the inspiration for Marshall to create her colorful, crisp, comicbook inspired take on the show. It looks good, it sounds OK, but it's also both literally (in terms of the sets) and figuratively (in terms of the characterizations) two dimensional.
The ensemble boasts plenty of chops, particularly an ability to capture the melodic elements of the songs. And they do their best to amp up the comedy. But, the little love stories that drive the plot have no dramatic force whatsoever. All the scenes have the same energy, the emotions are all plastic, and the characterizations, purely generic.
This is where Hicks separates himself, creating his own little show-within-a-show, lifting us out of the manufactured quality of the production to enjoy a few moments of an over-the-top oddness that's decidedly individual. Yes, he delivers on pre-ordained expectations -- he even plays the harmonica and dances, as Simon Cowell described it, like he's a father at a party trying to embarrass his kids.
But, to his credit and to the audience's enjoyment, nobody else could be this Teen Angel, and there's no point in even trying to compare him to Frankie Avalon...."
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Grease,
Review,
Taylor Hicks,
Teen Angel,
Variety
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tickets Flying Off The Shelf For Taylor Hicks' 'Rams Head On-Stage' Show
Just a reminder for all you people planning on going to Taylor's Rams Head On-Stage show in Annapolis, MD on Feb 7, 2009, if you haven't bought your tickets yet, you might want to buy them now because tickets are flying out the door (no surprise, eh)? There is only 19 seats left, according to their website. Yes, 303/322 seats have been sold which currently makes for a 94% sellout as we speak. Surely, the show will be a complete sellout in the very near future, so get yours while they're still available! A rare chance to catch Taylor in an intimate setting where he will most probably sing his new hit single "What's Right Is Right" along with other music from his upcoming album, "The Distance".
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Annapolis,
Ramshead Onstage,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
Tickets
Inspiration for Taylor Hicks' New Video for "What's Right Is Right"
From Jake Davis, the director of Taylor's new video for his new single, "What's Right Is Right". Oooooh, I'm getting awfully excited about this little movie for Taylor! I like the mood this guy is gettin' into - throwback images - Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Silhouettes, Trenchcoats, Nightscapes....
His Inspiration For The Video
(Click to Enlarge Picture)
Birdland, 1958, cool jazz, Ol' Blue Eyes, smoke, Miles, love, Eggleston, Blue Note, Dean, reflection, neon, Marilyn, wind, Jim Marshall, silhouettes, grey melange, night sessions... just a few things running through my head...
His Inspiration For The Video
(Click to Enlarge Picture)
Birdland, 1958, cool jazz, Ol' Blue Eyes, smoke, Miles, love, Eggleston, Blue Note, Dean, reflection, neon, Marilyn, wind, Jim Marshall, silhouettes, grey melange, night sessions... just a few things running through my head...
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Jake Davis,
Single,
Taylor Hicks,
Video,
What's Right Is Right
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Taylor Hicks Appears on WGN-TV Chicago
Taylor does one of his best live versions of his classic "The Fall" on WGN this morning. The guy just grabs me each time he sings it! Just awesome! Enjoy!
Interview & Performance of "The Fall" from his Early Works CD.
Backstage Interview
Interview & Performance of "The Fall" from his Early Works CD.
Backstage Interview
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Taylor Hicks,
The Fall,
WGN
Monday, January 5, 2009
Taylor's Preps For New Album With Massive Promotion!! Single Drops January 20, 2009!
Did we ever hit the Taylor Hicks jackpot of information today!! The start of the new work week of 2009 brings us massive information from Rocket Science, the company Taylor has hired to promote his new album, single and video! I'm not sure where to start, but here is some info to mull on! I'll be blogging about my thoughts about all this as soon as I can contain them in an organized fashion! Below are some of the media Taylor will be doing (click on the promo sheets on the left to get a complete agenda).
Album Press:
Feature in People Mag in February
Feature in Entertainment Weekly in February
Regis and Kelly - Monday, March 9
Ellen - Week of "Street"
Craig Ferguson - Week of "Street"
Rachel Ray - Week of "Street"
Morning TVs with single performance in every Grease tour market
Radio:
Ryan Seacrest - KISS-FM
Syndicated radio & morning shows
Single impacts Adult Contemporary radio on January 20, 2009
Video shoot in Chicago on January 12, 2009
Video directed by Jake Davis
Song: "What's Right Is Right"
Label: Modern Whomp/Artist2Market
director(s): Jake Davis
Production co: Kleiner, Inc.
http://www.videostatic.com/vs/kleiner/
According to Kleiner Inc. Jake Davis will be in the windy city this week and next to shoot American Idol winner Taylor Hicks' new video for "What's Right Is Right." He will be directing the classic performance video in downtown Chicago. Jake says in his blog, "I'm directing a video for some other guy that won some kind of reality show or something... Alright let me kill the internet voice before I get in trouble. For real we're in Chicago and making a really classic video for American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. Inspiration to follow. It's going to be amazing... Taylor is a really great guy and the vibe is right..."
Lyrics to Taylor's New Single
"What's Right Is Right"
"When there’s joy inside your heart
I’ll share it.
When you’ve got a dream I say
reach for the sky.
And if you ever fall
I’ll catch you.
What’s wrong with you is wrong with me
And what’s right is right."
You can listen to a 30 second snippet of Taylor's new single "What's Right Is Right" right here on amazon.com.
Album Press:
Feature in People Mag in February
Feature in Entertainment Weekly in February
TV Appearances:
Leno in FebruaryRegis and Kelly - Monday, March 9
Ellen - Week of "Street"
Craig Ferguson - Week of "Street"
Rachel Ray - Week of "Street"
Morning TVs with single performance in every Grease tour market
Radio:
Ryan Seacrest - KISS-FM
Syndicated radio & morning shows
Single impacts Adult Contemporary radio on January 20, 2009
Video shoot in Chicago on January 12, 2009
Video directed by Jake Davis
Song: "What's Right Is Right"
Label: Modern Whomp/Artist2Market
director(s): Jake Davis
Production co: Kleiner, Inc.
http://www.videostatic.com/vs/kleiner/
According to Kleiner Inc. Jake Davis will be in the windy city this week and next to shoot American Idol winner Taylor Hicks' new video for "What's Right Is Right." He will be directing the classic performance video in downtown Chicago. Jake says in his blog, "I'm directing a video for some other guy that won some kind of reality show or something... Alright let me kill the internet voice before I get in trouble. For real we're in Chicago and making a really classic video for American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. Inspiration to follow. It's going to be amazing... Taylor is a really great guy and the vibe is right..."
Lyrics to Taylor's New Single
"What's Right Is Right"
"When there’s joy inside your heart
I’ll share it.
When you’ve got a dream I say
reach for the sky.
And if you ever fall
I’ll catch you.
What’s wrong with you is wrong with me
And what’s right is right."
You can listen to a 30 second snippet of Taylor's new single "What's Right Is Right" right here on amazon.com.
Labels: Taylor Hicks
American Idol,
Appearances,
Promotion,
Radio,
Single,
Taylor Hicks,
The Distance,
TV,
Video,
What's Right Is Right
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