NESP Forum

Oh, Amy... it's all just new-age-y bullpocky, I promise! The short version is, Taylor's right.

If you say so!

I would say that Taylor is unique,and I believe that he saw an opportunity to use his uniqueness to his advantage.I remember Rod Stewart saying that you had to do everything that you could within reason to reach out and grab the crowd by the B......s. No one will remember you if you don't have the ability to keep their attention for more than a brief moment. In all honesty Taylor's voice blew me away the second I heard it,if he had done nothing else but just sing he would still have me as a fan for life. Being different is a good quality !

Jag, I thought the same thing-unique, not odd. Unique stands out in
a crowd because of something unusual. Odd has a negative connotation that I don't think fits Taylor. LOL even people that didn't
like him were passionate about it-he is able to call up strong emotion
from people because he comes across as very real.

He is that goofy funny guy that everyone liked in high school-the one
that somehow fit in different groups but was still his own person. I
loved guys like that (and still do )

I think when he talks about reaching one person at a time it's about
his attitude. His focus is directed to seeing the crowd as individuals instead of the "masses". One fan at a time. I remember times on AI marvelling that he was singing to thousands but at home in my living room it was like he was directing it straight to me. Wacky, I know, but it felt like that. He has that rare ability.

I think some art reaches entire groups of people due to it's huge
impact. I'm thinking "Imagine" or the photograph of the 9/11 flag
raising. Art that has universal appeal, or is so good it's unforgettable.

Taylor's magic lies in having the talent and the voice, but leading with
his heart and soul. We're lacking that these days from famous people.

UHadMeAtWoo Hoo................."Taylor's magic lies in having the talent and the voice,but leading with his heart and soul.We're lacking that these days from famous people." You said it perfectly, that is exactly what is lacking in todays world. I hope Taylor inspires others to do the same ! The end result would be well worth the effort ,more music with heart and soul !

Would like to add to Liz and JAG's thought, that we're also lacking that "magic" from "everyday" people. Not this group, of course, but many of the people I deal with every day are completely soulless and focused on the material, rather than the spiritual. This is one of the major conflicts I have with my family and even with myself from time to time. How do you balance the American Consumerist you've been raised to be, with the person connected to art and nature and spirit and other people that you know you are inside? Should you even try?

And this before coffee.

Mari: I think the best you can do is have soul and spirit in your own life, surround yourself with it, and lead by example, and hope that your positive energies have an impact.
It's hard to compete with the loud and flashy consumerism out there.

For example, I just don't understand the appeal of Justin Timberlake. I've heard nothing of his that he could sit in a small room with a guitar and piano and sing to a small crowd, and hear his heart break, as Taylor would say.

Mari and Margaux: Mari and I have talked about this point so often - people not knowing who you are or not allowing you to be who you are.

To bring this back around to Taylor - it was Taylor's unwaivering confidence in who he is and what he has been put here to do that changed my life. I saw in him someone who puts himself out there and says to people, here I am, take me or leave me. I am who I am, and I'm not going to change or compromise. That spirit, that being true to his own soul made me change my life and start to live as who I am, take me or leave me.

mari.......Because I work in retail I have seen the best and the worst side of human nature.I think some people just haven't found their soul yet,but the day will come that they will.I try to be extra nice to the people who seem most distraught. It is amazing what a smile and a kind word can do!

LuvTayNH..........Taylor has a confidence that has opened many doors for him.I admire this trait in someone.Too many other performers display arrogance,and for me that is a turn off !

We'll take you.