Things that make me happy... Taylor Hicks

Things that make me happy... Taylor Hicks (yes that Taylor Hicks, the American Idol Season 5 winner)

Season 5 was the first season of American Idol that I actually watched from beginning to end and Taylor Hicks was obviously the best performer on the show. This silver hair 28 year old with the crazy dance steps and the rich soulful voice showed that American Idol had room for a true artist and not just conventional pop stars. And I have been watching ever since (Season 5 is still my favorite season.) Eight years later, I happened to get the chance to see him perform live in small town in CT. And I think I am just became an card carrying member of his random group of fans called the "Soul Patrol."

America definitely got it right voting him the winner over Katherine McPhee (star of Fox's Smash TV show). Taylor Hicks' live show is one of the best around for fans of "Soul" musical and enjoy all of the variety it can offer.  Not only can he really sing (he has a awesome voice) but his blue-eye soulfulness comes out in ever song. He performs no less than 5 different musical styles in his shows, from contemporary R&B to Roadhouse music, to blues, and yes he does some country too. His energy on stage is infectious and the band he is currently touring with, Jamie McClean band, feeds of that energy. I found myself loving many of his songs and grabbing one of his album online afterwards... Yes its on my playlist this month.

Taylor Hicks has produce three albums after his American Idol win, self titled "Taylor Hicks", "Early Works", and "The Distance." Some compare him to Mike McDonald of the Doobie Brothers fame. Although they both have distinctive voices, and silver hair, Taylor Hicks is in his own category. He is one of several musician that has carved out a niche for classic music for today contemporary adult.  The youngsters don't know about this type of music. Not yet anyways... but they will learn eventually.

35 years old Hicks is currently touring the country, mostly in smaller venues and has an album due out this year. So watch out for it if you like the music. And the Jamie McClean band is a pretty awesome blues band that is opening for him too. He makes his home in Nashville and plays at local venues a lot and has a restaurant and music venue in Birmingham called ORE Drink and Dine where is known to perform quite a bit.

A couple live clips from his recent tour.

What's Right is Right Video

Taylor Hicks dancing Montage...

Why Can't we Live Together

Pros:
1, Hicks is a great performer. His energy and great soulful voice is a rare combination. He also has some musical talents and jumps around stage playing a bunch of instruments.
2. Great musical variety... R&B, Blues, Rock, and some Country. All are good and natural for Hicks. Not many artist can do that.
3. Engages the audience and has a quick wit.
4. Seven Mile Breakdown is a fun song... Why Can't we Live Together another goodie

Cons
1. Hicks antics may annoy some stuffy type people. He jumps around stage and has a funny dance style...
2. Hicks is all about the music, no tricks on stage. Its an all male band of real good musician.

If you want to see a great live performance with great musicians and better music check out a Taylor Hicks concert in a town near you.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Marley the Movie

Things that make me happy... Marley the Movie (2012)

"Marley", the new movie just released this month, is a powerful documentary about the musical legend Bob Marley. The director, Kevin MacDonald, gives his master stroke to tell the story of Robert Nesta Marley, reggae music legend and founding father. Featuring many of the people closest to him (Bunny Wailer, Rita Marley, Ziggy, and many others) they talk about the man and the music he created.  This documentary is not only for fans, but for people that want to learn about one of the most influential artist of the past 100 years.  The film feature concert footage, alternate versions of his classic hits, and some of his less popular stuff. You can feel the evolution of his music, political views, and activism.

The good news is that you can view this movie in theater (limited release in major cities) and on demand video now. It is playing on most cable systems and several online streaming video sources. This simultaneous release could be a sign of the future as the time between theater release and direct to home is shrinking every year.  Only warning... Keep your window open. You could get high just from watching the movie. But then its Bob... what would you expect. lol.

 Bob Marley died on May 11 1981 from cancer.  But until the very end, although his body was failing him his spirit was never broken. One Love...

Movie Trailer

Clip from the movie.

Pros

1. Great director and great documentary about the legend. Accurate portrayal of Marley.

2. Awesome concert footage. Damn. Marley was an awesome performing.

3. The music and the many ways it united and moved people.

Cons

1. Wish they had more interviews of Marley himself. 

2. Could have featured more concerts footage.

For an interesting article on Bunny Wailer... Bob Marley's mentor and original band member. Goto my previous blog

 Bunny Wailer GQ Article

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Tupac Hologram

Things that make me happy... Tupac 3D Hologram @ Coachella Valley Music Festival

This might be the future... First Tupac. Next Biggie, Aaliyah, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley?  This incredible production was created by production house Digital Domain (worked on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Titanic) and AV Concept (the projection company) for the Coachella Valley Music Festival. This fully digital 2D image was projected through a mirror to create the 3D effect of Tupac performing on stage at the festival located in Indo, California.

The Coachella Music festival is a 3 day music and arts festival that has been around for 10 plus years and featured headliners like, Radiohead, Kanye, Jay-Z, Prince, and The Cure.  This year Tupac made the biggest splash as he performed on stage with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog at this year show the weekend of April 15th. Who knows... maybe Tupac may go on tour with them at a city near you.

Pros:
1. Coolest use of breakthrough technology
2. Tupac, Snoop, and Dre performing... nuff said.

Cons:
1. None... unless you not a Tupac fan.

Makes me wonder who would like to see a hologram of perform live? One artist? One Song? Why does Bob Marley "Redemption Song" or Marvin Gaye "Mercy Me" come to mind?

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil

Things that make me happy... Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil

First of all... this is an a$$ kicking rock concert! Better than U2 360 tour. I said it.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil is one of the best shows touring this season. It is a must for any true MJ fan. The music is excellent. The dancing phenomenal. And the best part... you can feel MJ presence during the show. This show will probably be on tour forever since MJ music is timeless and this living tribute is a proper way to keep his music alive.

The show features over 25 MJ songs including hits like Man in the Mirror, ABC, and Dangerous. There are 24 acts featuring signature Cirqe du Soleil performances like dance numbers, pole dancing, acrobats, and ring acts.  But these acts are set to MJ music which is the true star of the show. Besides the music the lighting, choreography, and general showmanship is probably the best on stage today. Period!

So everyone knows that Michael was one of the best performers to ever grace the stage.  So you can imagine what would happen if you fill the stage with dancers inspired by the greatest ever.? Credit must be given to the Mime that stars in the show and the one legged dance (yes, and he really is amazing). The director and writer, Jamie King, is owed much of the credit for putting together this show. His previous shows included Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Madonna (so if you ever seen a Madonna show you know this director got skills).

The Trailer

Backstage Video...

This show was definitely money well spent.  Some of the favorite acts include Human Nature with night sky backed ariel artist. Also the beat it performance is cleverly done... featuring the "Glove' and the "socks and shoes". "Don't care about us" touches the heart and "Earth song" is one of the highlights of the night. You will get more than your money worth in entertainment and when you see Michael appear out of no where for the last time... say your proper goodbyes to the Man in the Mirror. :)

Pros
1. MJ Music is some of the best on the planet. The sound system is awesome.
2. The performers... from the sexy upright base player, to the one legged hip hop dancer to all the high aire acrobatics... The integration of the circus acts and dancing is done beautifully.
3. The overall lighting and fireworks are some of the best I have ever seen in a live show.

Cons
1. The show is being featured in large arenas... and although they do have large screens seats closer to the act might be worth it if you have the cash. But every seat is good enough cause the music and show is that good.
2. There is no way to play all of MJ hits, but with over 25 they do it justice.

Don't worry if you miss the show when it comes to your town. I bet there will be an HBO type special at some point and the live show (a must see) will make its home in Vegas in 2013 for at least 4 years.  Go ahead and plan those trip to Vegas and move over Selene Dion... your days are numbered!

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Dar Williams, Singer-Songwriter

Things that make me happy... Dar Williams, Singer-Songwriter

Dar Williams is a pop folk, singer-songwriter that is noted as one of the best by the New Yorker and to many music fans. Seeing Dar Williams is must for any true live folk music fan. She is a funny and witty entertainer and her song intros are both affectionately personal and entertaining. She is native of the NYC area and play live shows and small local spots when not on tour.

Although born Dorothy, Dar picked up her name from as a child from her family while growing up in a Suburban New York city. Her music is definitely newer version of 70s folk rock music in the spirit of Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, and Ani DiFranco. A true artist that has been know to discover songs in her dreams. Dar has been very prolific with 20+ year career with over 12 albums. With the explosion of singer song writer types of the past 10 years, Dar Williams continues to produce music and generate a strong cult following at her shows. Her next album is "In the Times of Gods' is due out in April 2012.

The Christians and Pagans (live)

As cool as I can

It's all right

The Christian and the Pagan (video)

Pros
1. Lots of cool tunes... folksy and witty (Favorite song The Christian and the Pagan
2. She is a great entertainer. gotta love a woman that can make you laugh between hippy chick songs (that's a compliment)
3. Next album about greek mythology and stuff... will be interesting to say the least!

Cons
1. If Lady Gaga has "little monsters", Dar Williams may have "little swingers"... Go see her show and tell me what you think... just saying. lol.

If you are looking for a good show and really good pop folk music check out of one of Dar Williams. Go ahead... check out something different and off the charts (literally and figuratively.)

S.F. Guru