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
