NESP Forum

Ok I just watched Gonna Move performed on 4/7/07 in Westbury
then watched same song preformed on 8/10/07 in Torrington and
am sooooo blown away on how much this group of magical musicians
have just improved beyond words.I know he can't afford to keep all
these guys on payroll while he is in his "cave" and I know Taylor is
wise and knows his stuff in the music bussness.....he has some
damn amazing musicians around him right now, and I'm a little
worried that when he gets out of hibernation he will have to start that
search and regroup,rebuild,find the groove because I'm sure these
guys, maybe not all of them but will be touring elsewhere.I'd like to
know what everyones thoughts are on this.He is so much on a high
right now. I think this music machine he has around him now he needs to write with,record with,tour with,etc,etc.He's got people who
have written,produced,sang,etc.....I my mind he has it all right beside
him already. Whats everyones thoughts???????

Watched it over at C2what web site.

The chemistry between these guys is amazing and yes they have really changed in 4 mnths. Hopefully they will be able to stick together but because they are all soooo talented who knows. Brian G said he was working on his own projects as well so as much as I wish they'd be together I just dont know.

MB

When I talked to Brian and Josh after the Concord show, they were very doubtful of any ongoing partnership with Taylor. They have to find other work to pay the bills while Taylor is in hibernation, and who can blame them. But it would be nice if they could just become the new "Taylor Hicks Band" but I don't think Taylor can afford to keep them on his permanent payroll right now.

Lisa,  
along with Margaux & Amy  -  I was at two shows near the beginning of the tour in early March [ MB & Asheville ] - then in April went to  Boston & HB - then June for Cohasset & Hyannis - then earlier this month RI, Portland & Concord - -
the spacing of these shows was just about perfect to really see the changes and the evolution has been a joy to watch - they were very good in March and just kept getting better - the August shows were just - cannot think of a superlative that quite covers it - so absof''inglutely awesome will have to do

absolutely agree that in the best of all worlds this group would stay together but it obviously isn't possible at this point in Taylor's career - especially with Taylor planning a stripped down acoustic tour next time out

some of them - and who knows with enough planning maybe all of them - could come back for a future tour - apparently other solo artists who don't maintain a permanent band bring back people they've worked with before for tours so it must be doable

but just for a little perspective - Taylor has a very good track record over his musical career for creating bands with solid musicians that work well together  and some of those people weave in and out of his performances still - -
thinking of Brian Less and Jon Cook in particular - read on boogie  they will be joining him on stage at The Wharf show in Orange Beach this weekend  [ from Jon via beachn ]

and don't forget there was much angst and wringing of hands by many people on the boards when it was learned that LiMBO would not be the tour band - -  but we adapted and think almost everyone came around and now truly appreciate the guys in this band  - - and if Taylor brings new musicians together in the future I would bet we will grow to be equally enthusiastic about them too

Lisa, you've started a great discussion. I will have a lot more to say this evening once I'm at home with some relaxing adult beverages, as I do have some old and new thoughts on the topic.

Thanks I thought it would be to....after all I'm at stay at home mom
so what else can I worry about beside Taylor. He consumes more mental process than I ever imagined.

Two beers later. ahhh.....

It does seem a shame that now this band has jelled, it's time to say goodbye. I agree with everyone about economic realities. Even the E Street Band has a life outside of Bruce, fronting late-night TV bands, and playing mobsters on HBO series. Yes, Taylor has proven that he can pick solid musicians to tour with him. But I'll miss these guys.

I just posted under General Music about a concert I went to last night. What's relevant to this discussion is that the artist was a singer/songwriter, quite proficient at acoustic guitar, but he was travelling with an electric guitarist who also supplied vocal harmonies, which made the sound so much richer than a one-man band could be.

So I'm hoping that Taylor's "acoustic tour" is not a solo tour, but includes a first-rate guitar player, whether it be Josh Smith, Jon Cook, or whomever, and perhaps some other instrumentalists.

And who knows maybe when he's ready to go next year they will all be unemployeed and ready to go!

These guys are all great!

Margaux,
I'll see your beers and raise you one

we think alike on the acoustic tour - - seems like quite a jump to go completely acoustic after people have been used to the sound of this band - -  a trio that could toss out a mix would be nice - - really like the little jazz bits Taylor has been adding to the soup for example

here's a couple of scenarios - the first being one you mentioned in Concord

Taylor working with Josh and Brian G
Josh is very versatile but his blues side is his strong suit and would really bring a lot to an acoustic tour - - not to mention the guy can really sing ! !  
Taylor's guitar work has grown a lot over the tour - Josh's influence maybe ? - so the sound would have good depth
add Brian with his sweet sax and flute and just think of the possiblities


did you have the same thought I did when you saw that Brian Less and Jon Cook were going to be setting in for the Orange Beach show ? ?
what if Taylor really reaches back to the best part of his bar band roots for his acoustic shows ? ?  to the sound that so many of us found and loved and that was really respnsible for our determination to help him

both Jon and Brian seem to help elicit great music from Taylor -  the Smith's Olde Bar set that produced Ain't No Sunshine was with Jon and is just so damn good !  ( Russion Roulette from that set is a favorite of mine too )  and there have been many moments with Brian Less captured on video that show how well they connect - an notable one would also be from Smith's Olde Bar at another time - Georgia

Jon is very strong on guitar and Brian L makes magic on the keyboards add Taylor and you have another possible recipie for some wonderful music

it's fun to come up with our "dream team" possibilities for his acoustic shows but suspect however Taylor puts it together we will be in for some excellent music !