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EARLY WORKS AUGUST 19TH!
Topic Started: Jul 6 2008, 03:03 PM (825 Views)
medolark
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My exact sentiment , Gypsee. Ü
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Gr8fulheart
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My Goodness! The NYSOM video is fabulous! I Loved the facial expressions, along with his body language! How much Fun was that to watch & listen to! ;wh
Bring It On! :thumbsup
Edited by Gr8fulheart, Jul 15 2008, 08:08 PM.
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Lubiana
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Wandering Elf Chick
That is my favorite video right now (besides the 4th of July one)
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mouser
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Lubiana
Jul 16 2008, 06:33 AM
That is my favorite video right now (besides the 4th of July one)
Also mine Lubiana !!!!!!
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duffin
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mouser
Jul 15 2008, 02:13 PM
Thanks for posting this link...............

Taylor is "all over the place" vocally and musically with this song. HIs facial expressions are priceless and tell their own story; and his body language adds to the plot................. Awesome performance
:music note Loved this performance ~ unique, innovative, fun and certainly "Taylorized!" So funny when Taylor almost "forgot" Jeff's sax solo!I just love to watch Taylor perform with Brian and Jeff ~ they are brilliant musicians ~ all of them!! :thumbsup

Thanks for posting the link ~ I really enjoyed this performance! :P
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cydter
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Great Video!!! Love this performance!
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Oldiebutgoodie
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Looking back on it now, I can see the little signals in his body language that he was saying goodbye to Alabama--which I believe is one reason the vocals are sooo awesome here--like on the line "But I know that I'm leavin"--kinda gives the impression of "Well I don't want to go--but I gotta do this and I really don't like it"-like when you've had a family reunion with friends you haven't seen in a long time and now
"It comes down to reality".

I bet that was a hard song for him to sing that night without getting too emotional--when it comes to Alabama Taylor's roots run deep and it shows in the songs he sings about Alabama or having to leave Alabama to do the career thing-and THAT ALONE makes this vid. soo special to me--along with "ALabama Frame of Mind"--see the link below--put these two together and you have Taylor's first hints about Broadway--because the next Monday he blogged in "Big News coming SP-so get ready"--then the following Friday was the Today Show announcement:

"Where I'm From"(Alabama Frame of Mind):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cvDsbJhpk4&feature=related
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medolark
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OBG - I agree that Taylor was giving a reassuring hint to all of his fans that eveything would be OK because his heart would always in AL.
"All I'm trying to say is I'm never going to stray from my AL frame of mind". He repeats this many times. He was full of jubliation over his upcoming endeavor but also letting us know in his closing song that everything was going to be all right because he wasn't going to let it change him. Taylor and his messages. It really keeps us on our toes doesn't it? Ü
Edited by medolark, Jul 16 2008, 08:57 AM.
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Lubiana
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medolark
Jul 16 2008, 08:57 AM
OBG - I agree that Taylor was giving a reassuring hint to all of his fans that eveything would be OK because his heart would always in AL.
"All I'm trying to say is I'm never going to stray from my AL frame of mind". He repeats this many times. He was full of jubliation over his upcoming endeavor but also letting us know in his closing song that everything was going to be all right because he wasn't going to let it change him. Taylor and his messages. It really keeps us on our toes doesn't it? Ü
I just find it so interesting how he does that! I wonder do other artists do the same?
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Oldiebutgoodie
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I would imagine they do--but with Taylor its more open and obvious--MOST of the time. The two Bham concerts last year were that way--he got sooo emotional singing Randy Newman's "Birmingham" that he couldn't finish--and then the next night with "My Home's In Alabama" which he got through but still teared up--then at Orange Beach--you could REALLY tell he was soo happy to be home--he tagged MHIA into "the Maze"--and THAT one is one of my all time fave vids-now this one--don't get me wrong I KNOW he's stoked about doing "Grease" and the "megastar" songwriting thing-and being on whatever show he's mentioned on his latest audio blog--but there's no place like Alabama for Taylor-and anytime anyone brings him a taste of home I feel pretty sure he likes it--and perhaps-if the airline will OK it--I just MIGHT be doing that shortly--along with all the success "Grease" has given him-and the chance to record his next CD there in NY-maybe something from home may help keep him in the "Alabama Frame of Mind"-which keeps him grounded-therefore doing a better job on stage in Grease and in all his other endeavors!!

Proud of you in Bama Taylor--Grease is the word-and Early Works is on the way--What a great Taylor summer!!
Edited by Oldiebutgoodie, Jul 17 2008, 08:41 AM.
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scoots
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Those are the sweetest sentiments, OBG! Taylor has the best fans.
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Gr8fulheart
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OK OBG~ Now you've got me all emotional. That for certain is one thing I so admire about Taylor. His sincerity & open honesty with everyone. Alabama is so etched in his heart, I don't think Anything will tear him from there. I'm appreciative that Alabama has been so gracious to share him with us! ;wh
You guys heard & saw for yourselves the video where Jennifer asked him about how he was doing & his remark about 'missing you guys so much'. Yep~all I could do was go 'AWH' & tear up. I keep praying that Taylor will always remain the genuine person he is!
"THANK YOU ALABAMA"! :clap
~~~~~~~~
OOPS ~ almost forgot! I actually got Both Early Works video clips posted onto my myspace page! I'm so proud of myself!..lol ;wh
Edited by Gr8fulheart, Jul 17 2008, 11:10 AM.
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evancol
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I've been out sick, but just found out there has been some confusion over this. Not sure if it was in this thread, but...

Early Works is being released on the MODERN WHOMP RECORDS label....
Edited by evancol, Jul 18 2008, 06:33 AM.
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cydter
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Check out www.modernwhomprecords.com!! It's been updated!
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mouser
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If you go back to Post #33 in this thread , you will see a recently written
"article" by Masterclasslady" expounding on Taylor's musical precision and technique .

This is not the first time this woman has written in glowing terms about Taylor: Just who is the Masterclasslady and why should we fans be interested in her perceptions.



MASTERCLASSLADY's Profile
http://masterclasslady.com/about/



ROSANNE (GIALLONARDO) SIMUNOVIC (MASTERCLASS LADY)
FOUNDER-CONDUCTOR
TIMMINS YOUTH SINGERS AND TIMMINS CONCERT SINGERS
www.timminsyouthsingers.com

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli.

When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler.

She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8.

In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman.

In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins.

In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright.

In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins.

Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to participate in the Canadian Premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Requiem”. In 1993, they were invited to sing at the International Choral Festival in Toronto and, as well, were asked to perform the Canadian and American national anthems at the opening of the Toronto Blue Jays/Boston Red Sox series at the Toronto Skydome. Both performances received outstanding reviews and, from this performance, celebrated conductor Howard Cable issued an invitation to Rosanne Simunovic and the Timmins Youth Singers to perform at his Christmas Concert with the Scarborough Philharmonic in Toronto in 1998.

Rosanne Simunovic’s ability to create and implement innovative programming opportunities has attracted numerous Canadian artists of exception to perform with the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers including Canadian “Phantom Of the Opera stars, Gregory Cross and Paul Massel; international classical stars, Michael Schade and Daniel Taylor; Canadian “Cats” stars Larry Herbert, Greg Bond and Lona Davis; Canadian “Les Miserables” star Michael Burgess; world-class a cappella pop sensations, The Essentials;. international Cabaret Star (and former student of Rosanne) Patricia O’Callaghan

Rosanne has produced three successful CDS with the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1994, the Timmins Youth Singers recorded “I Remember December” with Patricia O’Callaghan and Kevin Closs; in October 2000, the Timmins Concert Singers released “A Christmas Legacy”, a 1999 live recording of their Christmas concert highlighting the music of Howard Cable; in May 2001 the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers released their double disc anthology CD, “Scenes From A Dream”, featuring Gregory Cross, Paul Massel, Patricia O’Callaghan, Henry Ingram, The Essentials, Greg Bond and Larry Herbert.

Under her supervision and guidance, Rosanne Simunovic has witnessed over 40 singers achieve membership in the Ontario Youth Choir between 1978 and 2001; in addition, three have gone on to attain placement in the National Youth Choir. In addition, many of Rosanne Simunovic’s private students have gone on to establish exciting artistic careers in music performance or music education, winning additional provincial and national recognition in solo and choral achievement.

Most recently, Rosanne’s Vocal Masterclass articles for American Idol and Canadian Idol have been published on American Idol Affiliate websites, Foxes On Idol.Com, BeaverOnIdol.Com and Reality News Online.Com and Music Reviews Online. As a result of this exposure, the articles have achieved impressive media attention from international journalists and American and Canadian Idol fans and affiliates looking for new and refreshing ideas on the judging process of American and Canadian Idol contestants.

Her alter ego, Masterclass Lady, emerged through the various message boards, probably because it was easier to remember than Rosanne’s last name! Whatever the reason, it works!

------------------------------------------------------------
On the Grease Forum , it was brought to my attention by Azure that MS. SIMUNOVIC had written a wonderful piece about Taylor prior to his audition on American Idol being aired. Here is that article :


TAYLOR HICKS, AMERICAN IDOL: HOW IN THE HICKS DID THIS HAPPEN?
BY: Rosanne Simunovic May 30th, 2006

"It's been said that it takes five years for any business to become firmly established and for the consumers and executives to develop an awareness and strategy that determines the ultimate rise or demise of an enterprise. Accordingly, this year, American Idol celebrated its fifth season and the ultimate result of the 2006 season signifies that the five- year plan does indeed succeed.


This season highlighted an eclectic array of talent that attracted a record number of viewers. All the singers, in varying degrees - from the Top 24 to the Top 12 - were extremely talented and, additionally, had authentic personalities that were extremely identifiable to the viewers. However, one singer, I feel, changed the face of Idol in such a monumental way that it left me with a strong sense of confidence for the ongoing success of this show.


I remember the instant when I instinctively knew Taylor was born to win this competition. I happened to come across his picture on the Internet, highlighting a pre-idol Taylor lost in the soul of the music and bearing an eerie resemblance to a young Elvis. As they saying goes: "A pictures speaks a thousand words" and this picture screamed artistry and soulful intelligence.


A few days later, one of my students walked into my voice studio and asked: "So, who do you think is going to win American Idol this season, Rosanne?" I shrugged my shoulders and said: "Hmm - I like the looks of this Taylor Hicks guy!" She scrunched up her nose and responded: "Taylor who?" And I corrected myself by saying: "Oh, we haven't heard him yet. Just had a look at this neat pre-Idol picture of him. His audition will possibly be aired during the Las Vegas segment tonight. But, you watch! He will win the top prize this year."


As my student looked at me in disbelief, wondering how I could predict a winner without ever having heard or seen him perform, I explained that I felt that his picture just exuded star quality and, if his voice was as good as the essence of what was captured in his photograph, Taylor would win this competition. He just seemed different from the norm, yet in a very significant and noteworthy way.


Then as the competition began to unfold, I realized that Taylor indeed possessed those special non-teachable qualities that separated him from the rest of the pack. Call it ingenious talent, the x factor, the star factor - give it whatever name suits you, but it still comes down to one thing. True performers are born and not made and Taylor was born to be on a stage, to be one of the brightest stars of this new millennium.


Yet, would the Idol franchise be able to appreciate and embrace a new artist that was offering something totally new and unique to the mainstream music industry? As time went on, I was having my doubts, as both judges and producers seemed to be scripting the show toward what they felt the audience wanted in this year's Idol instead of the other way around.


However, as Taylor's loyal legion of Soul Patrol fans blossomed throughout the world, even the Idol franchise had to acknowledge that this guy was going to be more than a passing fad in the world of music. For, Taylor, is first and foremost a consummate musician. I agree that he needs to take better care of his soulful voice, yet, as an artist, few performers can touch and motivate an audience as Taylor so obviously does.


A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to hear Taylor's 7- minute version of "Georgia". It was recorded live and, as I listened, I was thinking how passionate and sincere Taylor sounded -as he emoted his wonderfully soulful version of this great Ray Charles classic. His audience was eerily quiet -obviously enraptured by his vocal performance.


But then, there came the applause -by an enthusiastic but obviously small gathering of people. I was inspired and saddened at the same time. Inspired that Taylor could sing with so much focus and sentiment, so generous with his talent and so appreciative of his small but obviously devoted audience. And saddened, that Taylor's enormous talent had not as yet been discovered or lauded by the music industry.


For me, this is what separates Taylor from the majority of musicians in the world. Taylor always sings for the love of and passion for the art, not for the attention of the masses or the thundering applause. Although he loves his audience, his music is first and foremost at the core of his being and he always makes certain that excellence and authenticity is never compromised. This is why his fan base is so extensive. These fans - the Soul Patrol - have adopted a real, true and appreciative artist in Taylor Hicks.


Therefore, even the Idol franchise had to come to terms with the fact that indeed a superstar was emerging from the shadows and he was truly an unstoppable force. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during the Top 4's trip to Graceland. Something tells me whatever transpired there was monumental for Taylor, for the following week, Taylor's friendly nemesis, Chris Daughtry, was eliminated from the competition. And, on the Top 4 results show, Taylor was asked to encore his outstanding version of Jailhouse Rock. This has never happened - ever - on American Idol.


Coincidence? Perhaps, but my gut says no. American Idol, with the assistance of the voters, made a judgment call and decided to take a risk on something different, knowing that the public embraced and supported a much needed change in their Idol winners to date. In doing so, they catapulted this little ole reality/talent show to a credible and revered status and, thanks to Taylor and his Soul Patrol, the face of Idol has been positively altered and revamped.


How in the Hicks did this happen? Well, you take a ton of phenomenal soul and blues talent, mix in equal amounts of determined fan support, make sure the stars are aligned just right, and add some prayerful devotion and, voila, you have a recipe for success. As Taylor said on Jay Leno, it was fate that secured his win. This and the dedication and sagacity of the Soul Patrol.


Mr. Hicks, you just taylorized American Idol and, in doing so, have opened the Idol doors for America's truly distinctive, yet undiscovered, artists. If I may paraphrase the great American poet Robert Frost, by taking the road less traveled, you have made all the difference."


Editor's Note: A few people emailed me wanting to know how I came across Taylor's name and, subsequently his picture, prior to his Las Vegas audition. I received this information in the American Idol 5 Spoiler section of Idolforums.Com, prior to Taylor's first audition segment in Las Vegas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The picture that MS. SIMUNOVIC refers to is the one that appears on the cover of "Early Works".







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mouser
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Not being someone with musical experience or expertise, I am always amazed and heartened to read about those who have "the ear", to explain the "Taylorized sound". I don't understand it , but I know I love the vocal tone.................and I am assuming this is something that can not be taught , but must be a God given gift. Presentation and style you can learn and change, but the VOICE is either there or it isn't. The VOICE either grabs you or it doesn't and I think we have all been grabbed !!
Edited by mouser, Jul 19 2008, 01:37 PM.
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I am always so very happy when "new" fans discover Taylor, especially those in the music business, but who may not be connected to AI or fansites for the AI artists. This is such a great aritcle!
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I want to say right here and now, that there is so much to be gained from purchasing this CD, both for fans and Taylor. These make great gifts, they allow you to enjoy your favorites once again all on one disk, and they are inexpensive for this GEM.

But the MOST important aspect of this purchase is that IT SUPPORTS TAYLOR HICKS. Not only monetarily, but it lends support, credibility, and LOVE as a testiment to who this man really is. He is the same as he was when he wrote and recorded these songs. He has stayed true to his Heart and Soul. His artistry and talent were evident then, and athough he has been through much for it, and lately most of it GOOOOOD STUFFFF, he also has gained much through it.

Sooo...a purchase or two or three of the Early Works CD helps him by showing ACCEPTANCE, SUPPORT, and LOVE of this man's amazing talent and passion, that can be heard in every word and every song, NO MATTER WHEN the time or place was or is that he created it.

ROCK ON, SOULMAN...You are YOU and for that, I Love You.
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Gr8fulheart
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How did I know I should Not visit this thread right now! You have me in tears; reading once again what I have felt from the very beginning. Taylor has nothing more to prove. He is a truly gifted artist & a phenominal human being. For you who have been around Taylor for any length of time, you Know what I'm saying. This man is genuine & his vocals speak for themselves.

Mouser~you mentioned the 'tone' of Taylor's voice. You are absolutely correct. Piercing ~ magnetic, yet sensual. He certainly had my attention the moment he grabbed the audition door handle, But when he stood there in little boyish style & opened his mouth ~ THAT WAS IT! I was Hooked!

We are on this ride right beside Taylor; maybe in different ways, But in Full support. He has so many people who Love & appreciate him; myself as one of those. I've only met Taylor once but I know where my musical loyalies will remain from here on. Funny ~ as I type this, Taylor is singing 'In The Ghetto'! Coincidence? I think Not!

There is also mention of his 'GOD-given' talent. You are so correct. Someone like Taylor only comes around maybe a couple times in a lifetime. I am so grateful I was around when he was introduced to the world.
Thank You Lord for such a blessing as Taylor! :P
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mouser
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Whenever I find myself in TaylorWorld, I always TRY to keep in mind one VERY VERY important thing.

We chose Taylor to admire ,to support and to follow throughout his career ; Taylor did NOT choose us. We are a necessary assessory that comes with the territory that Taylor did choose to enter, but we are not his choices . So whatever I do in Taylorworld is a reflection of him , whether he likes what is in the mirror or not.

The best things I can do for him is to buy his music, support his decisions and see where they take him and be a positive image ( in actions and words ) when I speak about him .


Some days are tougher than others , for all of us .LOL
Edited by mouser, Jul 20 2008, 06:41 PM.
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