This wasn’t a favorite performance of “Runaround”–the arrangement was a bit plodding. But his duet (playing harp) with Gladys Knight on “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” cooked.
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13 Responses to “Orange Bowl Halftime Show Featuring Taylor Hicks”
- 13 Trackback on Apr 30th, 2007 at 11:16 am
All I know is that if Rome was burning, I would like to be singing a smoking classic with Taylor in the coliseum. Both Taylor and Gladys showed ‘em how you do it.
You sing, you shimmy, you harp and you go to church-then straight to heaven. He’s such an old soul and lover of the audience. Taylor will display his harpistry, be the big pip daddy or double time. Whatever it takes. He does it well.
Gladys was his perfect soul mate for that show. Loved it.
I loved the duet. It looked like they packed a lot of fun into that short time. Loved the harp backing up Gladys. What could be better than that?
The video is better as far as sound, especially if you use headphones. I think it was just a combo of their sound system & our tv’s.
Either way, Taylor looked like he was having a blast. Watching a major college football game, perform @ halftime w/ Gladys Knight & get to con’t to watch the game if he wishes.
All in all, not a bad night for Taylor Hicks.
Boy the sound is quite a bit better on this than our TV - still sounds like Taylor’s mic isn’t working right but at least you can hear him especially on the high notes. When saw how screwed up the sound was when they were doing the coin toss I was afraid there might be a problem. Damn maybe I jinxed the sound system.
Wonder why he didn’t use the harp mic like he’s been doing??
Seems for their supposed big budget show they could have afforded some A game sound techs - LOL
Thought he and Ms. Knight both looked like they were having a ball. Love Taylor’s harp playing. It’s my only complaint about the album - not enough harp.
P.S. mj, congrats on the new format - it looks nice.
Taylor pulled his ear pieces out very quickly…I think he did a great job keeping the music together. The sound problem(s) could have caused a performance disaster. I believe his professionalism and years of experience with live performance helped Taylor remain calm and in control. He and Gladys Knight had a great time. I loved his harp accompiment on HIOTGV. A legend and a legend in the making on a stage together. The positively glowed.
BigTayFan - if you’re around… I was wondering if your video of the OB performance is available for download. I think your capture that you posted on GoFish has the best sound out of all of them.
You can really hear the difference in volume between Taylor’s and Gladys’ mics at the very end when they both say “Thank you so much.” You can barely hear Taylor, and Gladys sounds at least 5 times louder than him.
It’s a shame he wasn’t mic’ed properly because you could tell he was totally singing his heart out.
Sound problems or not, Taylor still did a terrific job - very energetic performance - and I absoulutely loved his harp playing during IHITTGV, especially when he was echoing Gladys. They were so cute together and seemed to be having a blast.
I’m glad they got such a great reception from the crowd even with the sound problems. I was worried after watching Kelly Clarkson have mic problems in 2005 and getting some boos, and of course Ashlee Simpson which was awful.
Happy New Year to all the MJers! And thanks for the new boards MJ. They look great.
Wow - I give Taylor credit. He had to sing a lot from his head and throat because the volume of the mic was too low. I watched and listened as he seemed tempted to yell at times, but he was cognizant of his intonation and would loosen the tightness in his muscles and breathing. Taylor typically utilizes his chest voice and because of his natural talent and experience uses his diaphragm correctly periodically. An unseasoned singer would have cracked because of interfering muscles (there was one point he felt his voice breaking and he let go of the note), but he pulled it off so nicely. I think he chose to sing a lot more in a higher register so he could increase the volume and intensity without shouting. He also kicked up the melodic embellishments and didn’t let anything noticeably shake him. I tend to watch things from an objective coaching perspective despite my love for his music and he really impressed me.
Songrose, I appreciate your professional perspective.
My Husband is not the invested fan that I am and he was impressed as well. I think the fans sometimes fret too much (self included), and considering the sound issues Taylor compensated extremely well.
Well after reading all the comments in Tuesday’s thread I thought it was going to be awful.
It was great, full of energy, gave a good show despite the mic/sound problems, he is a true performer.
No it wasn’t fantastic but it wasn’t a disgrace either. One thing’s for sure Gladys seemed to love him.
http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====252174&nbc1=1
I am proud of our man! I don’t see how Gladys sang so well with Taylor looking at her so sweetly! MAN, he is so into his music and entertaining! Love the guy! GO TAYLOR, you done good!!
This performance was the worst Taylor Hicks live performance that I have heard to date. Runaround was a mess. I was really feeling sorry for him about half way through this one.
I accidentally saw it on TV and couldn’t believe how spontaneous and alive it was.
Knocked me out.
I liked it so much I searched for a replay on the net, and got here.
something i never do
That song and GladysK were both born again that night. I liked taylor’s first song, and then liked the way Gladys kept hers smoking and worked it out through a rough spot when the timing got lost, but it was jazz to me.
it must’ve been chaotic on stage, but they focused on the performance and they ruled.
All the other previous positive comments on this blog about taylor, his harp, his antics, I totally agree. And I liked the band and the backup too.
Everyone complemented everyone else, and Gladys was a queen and he was her knight.
It was the way R & B used to be and I like it.
If they tour, I’ll go