In the News 1.24.2010 ~ "Whomp at the Warfield" delivers
Taylor Hicks Supporting Haiti
Just one day after a devastating earthquate hit the nation of Haiti, a message on Taylor's MySpace urges us to take heed of the Haitian disaster and help: "Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Disaster - Relief Effort - PLEASE SUPPORT!
On Tuesday, January 12th, the Caribbean region of Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 earthquake. Over 100,000 are expected to have died in this disaster. Haiti is already known as being one of the most poverty-stricken areas in the World, and will need desperate help in their relief efforts.
"About 3 million people, one-third of Haiti's population, were affected by the quake, which tore down buildings, power lines, and utility channels. The scope of this tragedy is immense, and it's time to take immediate action. You can play a role in this relief effort by donating clothes, food, clothing, and supplies.
"Local Birmingham, AL parish, Saint Mary's-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church, is collecting monetary donations. As you can imagine, the local clinics that survived the damage in Haiti will be overwhelmed. If you are able, we encourage you to send donations to this local parish in Birmingham. No donation is too small. [Make donations] Payable to and in care of: Saint Mary's-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church(Haiti Relief in the for line), 1910 12th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205"
In the game for the long term
A blogger recently looked at the American Idol alums who would be able to sustain their careers post-Idol. Taylor Hicks was there.
"Hicks utilized his decade of experience as a professional singer-songwriter/musician/performer to sail to Idol victory. ...Post-Idol, He debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his single "Do I Make You Proud". The album "Taylor Hicks" debuted at #2 and was certified platinum...Touring proved his strength when he became the first alum to come directly off the show as a successful solo concert headlining act, a status he maintains to this day. ...Hicks went indie, formed his own music company and produced 2009's "The Distance" and the 2010 concert DVD "Whomp At The Warfield". In summer 2008, Hicks surprised many with his Broadway debut as "Teen Angel" in Grease. The part went over so well that he was subsequently offered a lucrative deal as their marquee star on the national tour. His box office draw has the charismatic Clooney look-alike fielding future Broadway, TV and film offers. Hicks emphasis on business and artistic control as well as a tireless touring mindset has him in the game for the long term." (Jayelle Hartley, salon.com/blog)
"The Right Place" MP3 from Taylor Hicks on "The View;" photo credit: Fox2,St. Louis, capture and screencap by Gypsee.
"Whomp at the Warfield," does not fail to deliver the funk," Lakendra Lewis at Musicouching wrote about the first live concert DVD by Taylor Hicks which is bringing back the "whomp" of his very successful Modern Whomp Solo Tour in 2007. Recorded at the historic Warfield Theatre in San Francisco in May, 2007, is the hi-energy hi-def performance of Taylor and a "kick ass" back up band.
The 84-minute professionally produced DVD from Image Entertainment includes an extensive interview with Taylor, 16 tracks plus some interesting "tags" tucked into the R&B, rock and blues set list. Taylor performs two extra acoustic songs during the interview that are not seen anywhere else.
The 2007 touring band would make Eric Clapton proud with Loren Gold, musical director, keyboards and vocals; Felix Pollard, drums; Brian Gallagher, saxophones, flute, percussion; Josh Smith, guitars; Al Carty, bass; Brian Less, organ and vocals; Melanie Nyema, vocals and percussion.
TTHC blog is taking a close look at the "Warfield" experience:
"I would have bought 'Whomp at the Warfield' just for 'The Fall.' For me, this is the high point of the Warfield experience.
"With intricate phrasing and lyrics and a gentle and uncommon melody, 'The Fall,' will be the career maker for Taylor Hicks, the song writer. It is a song you can listen to forever. It was performed at the Warfield with astounding tenderness, yet emotional depth. ...Taylor somewhat reveals the future of this song in his interview"...Read more of the Whomp blogs at: TTHC Blog
Follow TaylorRHicks on twitter
Jan. 12 8:44 p.m. "Cone Freaking Ranger Rides Again!"
With that, Taylor was back in rhinestones and playing Frenchy's Teen Angel in "Grease" as it opened in St. Louis for a two week run!
"Winter" days for "Grease":
January 26-31 ~~ Protors Theatre, Schenectady, NY
February 9-21 ~~ The National Theatre, Washington, DC
February 23-28 ~~ Marcus Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
"@TaylorRHicks: I have a special Holiday gift for everyone. Visit www.taylorhicks.com for the treat!" Taylor is giving away a download of his concert at WorkPlay, September 26, 2009!
www.taylorhicks.com
"Whomp at the Warfield"
Gonna Move
Give Me Tonight
Heart and Soul
Just to Feel That Way
My Friend
The Deal
Hold On to Your Love
Wherever I Lay My Hat
Soul Thing
Heaven Knows
The Maze
The Right Place
The Runaround
The Fall
Badge
Naked in the Jungle
