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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2006 > September > 13 > Entry
9/13: Taylor at Smith’s Olde Bar!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is Taylor at about 2 in the morning 9/13/06 stealing from the “Ace” handbook of emoting. :) CREDIT: Rodney Ho
An unknown Taylor Hicks a year ago played Smith’s Olde Bar to a handful of his old Auburn college buddies.
I just got back from his post-“Idol” concert with his old band Little Memphis Blues Orchestra at Smith’s. This time was a bit different, now that he’s famous. More than 150 Soul Patrol fans showed up, many driving in from out of state, most who didn’t even bother going to the Arena at Gwinnett concert. They wanteed to see their Gray Charles up close and personal. And at Smith’s, it’s intimate alright. I got within 6 feet of Taylor, very close to the stage, surrounded mostly by middle-aged women armed with digital cameras, cell phone cameras and a stray video camera, too.
Taylor. who gave his band members plenty of kudos, got to be himself. And no, he didn’t make a cameo. Three hours after doing his 50th or so “Idol” concert, he proceeded to do a full-fledged concert: two full 45 minute sets until 2:30 a.m. He even brought on three of his old college friends - guitarist Wynn Christian, bassist Quinn Borland and drummer Patrick Lunceford — and gave them plenty of space to shine. And he looked good— definitely thinner than during the show. He dressed in a tan jacket, blue shirt (with the top two buttons open), jeans and alligator shoes. He whipped out his harmonica partway through and did lengthly blues riffs. While in the past, other “Idol” contestants have joined him, this time he was by himself. But for the Soul Patrol fans, that was just fine.
He covered Billy Preston’s “We Go Round in Circles,” did plenty of originals I didn’t recognize and namechecked Doraville, of all cities. He even riffed a bit of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” referencing rebel DJ Adrian Cronauer from “Good Morning Vietnam.”
And he got to end the concert with “Georgia on My Mind.” I had asked him in a press conference back in May if he planned to do it during the tour. Ultimately, for reasons I forgot to ask him, he didn’t. But it was great to see his take on the blues classic. He did it really low key, sat on a chair and just emoted, adlibbing part of it. At one point, he even referenced the Chattahoochee and sang a couple of lines from the classic Alan Jackson song. Overall, well worth the $15 —- and probably because the concert was not widely publicized, Smith’s was NOT sold out.
Here’s a shot of him gigging with his Auburn college buddy (left) Wynn Christian.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Shaun
September 13, 2006 7:39 AM | Link to this
Good Morning everyone, I am sure Jex was there….Oh, and Mystique too. I am not a Taylor fan, but I wish him well. Rodney, what about the other Idol contestants?
By greg
September 13, 2006 8:06 AM | Link to this
SHAUN…”YOUR CRAZY MAN”!
By shay
September 13, 2006 8:23 AM | Link to this
Good morning Shaun and Greg. I wish I could have seen Taylor. Ah Man, I missed it!! Mystique and Jex, we are going to have to hook up so that we can have lunch with Taylor before he get a girlfriend. I am sure I can convince him to marry one of you, or both!! Who says bigamy is a bad thing!!
By Carla
September 13, 2006 8:46 AM | Link to this
Huh?? Sounds like Taylor put on a show after the show. I would have rather paid the $15 to see him after the Idol concert than to pay the $75 for the concert. I expect Taylor’s following to get even bigger once his album comes out.
By greg
September 13, 2006 8:50 AM | Link to this
CARLA…24 was close to being out of the chase…taylor will do fine singing in bars like the rest of them!!!!
By Carla
September 13, 2006 8:52 AM | Link to this
I know greg. I didn’t see the race but I saw that he dropped to 9th. I’m just happy he made it.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 8:57 AM | Link to this
Lucky Rodney!!!! I would have enjoyed the Georgia On My Mind part. I cannot believe that the venue was not sold out. Looking forward to seeing your pictures, Rodney.
By itsme
September 13, 2006 9:11 AM | Link to this
I’m with you, Carla. $15 for a full concert without the crowds. Wow! Wish I’d been there.
By shay
September 13, 2006 9:12 AM | Link to this
Hey yall, I have a question. What age would you consider too old for a man to be a new daddy. Don’t worry about how old the woman is, only the man. I need some honest educated answers!! Nothing silly.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 9:19 AM | Link to this
Well, Shay, I can give you my opinion. I think all children deserve healthy and vital parents. Health and vitality is a relative thing, I know. There are no guarantees in life but most parents would hope to be around at least until their kids are out of school and capable of taking care of themselves. That suggests to me that 50 is about as old as a new dad should be. There was some research reported on recently that said that autism and a few other childhood diseases seem to have a link to the age of the father. The older the father, the more likely for health problems. That is certainly something to think about.
By shay
September 13, 2006 9:29 AM | Link to this
Thanks Deirdre. My husband thinks he is too old to have any more kids because he just turned 40. I on the other hand want another baby and I am just turning 30 in January. I just wanted to get some honest answers. Am I being too unreasonable to expect him to become a new daddy at age 41 if we decide to have another baby.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 9:39 AM | Link to this
Of course you’re not being unreasonable Shay! I DO think that deciding to have another child should be a mutual decision. Forgive me, I don’t remember but I think you have 1 son…am I right?
By shay
September 13, 2006 9:41 AM | Link to this
I have one son that is two but my husband has a 9 year old too that isn’t mine.
By Jex
September 13, 2006 9:49 AM | Link to this
Thanks for that wonderful update Rodney. Can’t wait to see the pics.
Good Morning Everyone! Man, I wish I wasn’t so broke. I would have definitely paid to see Taylor doin’ his true thang! I probably would have passed out when he did Georgia.
Shay, I kind of agree with Deirdre on the baby daddy age thing. I think a parent should be healthy and strong for the children in those critical stages. Which to me are between the ages of 1 to 20. I think parents should be able to run around with the kids and chase after them when needed. So if your husband is in could shape at 40, he should be fine and 50 and certainly able to stand proud when the kids graduate college at 62 or whatever. HOWEVER, if he is adamant about NOT having any more kids, please do not discount that. I’m sure you guys can compromise.
By shay
September 13, 2006 9:54 AM | Link to this
He wants another baby, he just thinks he is too old. He is even considering adopting a 5 year old girl. I would prefer to have a baby since there is nothing wrong with either one of us, but who knows. I guess this is something we will have to discuss further in the very near future.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
So your hubby is done but you aren’t. This is probably a common problem in blended families.
There are a couple of things you need to consider. At two years, most mom’s of toddlers want another baby. We’re not sure whether this is an actual physical, hormonal reaction or a psychological one, probably both. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go ahead and have one. :) But you will feel exactly the same thing 2 years after the birth of your second child…it’s pretty normal.
Your husband needs to be on board about having another child and if that takes you 6 more months of gentle persuasion, then that’s what you have to do but in the end, Shay, it’s best to go ahead when BOTH of you want it. He can remain ambivalent and still love the new baby, but if he remains against it, the chances are slimmer.
By shay
September 13, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
Deirdre, you should be a psychologist!!! You’re good. So maybe I will have changed my mind by next year. Who knows. But, I wouldn’t dare have a baby without him on board 100% anyway. I don’t do that.
By shay
September 13, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Deirdre, that is so true about wanting another baby once your baby becomes a toddler. I just feel like he is growing up too fast and will be off to college soon. I know that sounds crazy, but the more words he say, the more scared I get that my baby is “growing up”.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Shay, honey, you’re only talking about your second baby not your fifth! You are more than reasonable to want another child. Marriage is a partnership and raising children should be! Your husband may be okay with it if he sees how much you would like to have another one. Give it some time. If it doesn’t work out, then cherish the one you have (You would anyway if you had 1, 2 or 10 ). Never regret…always look to the future and embrace the present.
The growing up part is amazing, Shay! You will be proud of your child with every step he takes. You’ll also want to strangle him on more than just a few occasions.
Be sure and let us know what decision you and your husband finally make. I promise that you will be ok no matter which way it goes.
By shay
September 13, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Thanks Deirdre!!
On another topic, I took my ten year old niece to a concert this past Saturday, and let me tell you. I felt like I was 60 years old. The kids were dressed different, hair was different and they were talking with slang words I had never heard. I even saw a girl with some orange hair and I was like WTH has happened to our youth. And the songs. I didn’t know any of them!!! Where have I been the last 20 years.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
Great pictures, Rodney..thanks!!!!
My coat closet collapsed! Well, at least the shelf and hang bar did. I am currently putting it back together. I guess it is demanding to be cleaned out. :)
By Jex
September 13, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
TWO PICTURES?! That’s it? Rodney! Come on man! I know you’re holdin’ out on me! How much you want? Let’s start with $20… .
Man, I wish I could have been there!
By Carla
September 13, 2006 1:40 PM | Link to this
Taylor does look slimmer.
By greg
September 13, 2006 1:48 PM | Link to this
cocaine makes you look slimmer!!!!!
By Jex
September 13, 2006 1:53 PM | Link to this
greg, I’m gonna tell your momma on you!
By Paula
September 13, 2006 1:57 PM | Link to this
I was at Smith’s for the LiMBO/Taylor show. It was awesome, and one I will never forget the rest of my life. Taylor is “So” into his music. The place was packed. It think there were well over 200 people there.
By Jex
September 13, 2006 2:00 PM | Link to this
Paula, did he signed autographs after the show or take pictures with fans?
By greg
September 13, 2006 2:02 PM | Link to this
paula….you need to get out more!!!!
By Paula
September 13, 2006 2:22 PM | Link to this
There hasn’t been anybody worth getting out for before this. After he finished Georgia, he and Brian walked off the stage and the draperies closed. It was over and people left. They went into a back room, so I don’t know if he signed anything or not. I didn’t see anybody hounding for autographs. IMHO, this wasn’t the place for it.
By Jex
September 13, 2006 2:45 PM | Link to this
I know what you mean Paula. Ticket prices are ridiculous and IMHO, just not worth the bodacious booty-shaking, undecipherable deliveries of some of the ‘artists’ of today. I just want to hear music and see some emotion behind it. I wouldn’t mind seeing Barry Manilow. Did I blog that out loud?
Um … .Did anyone catch Dancing with the Stars? I couldn’t believe there was someone that was worse than Jerry Springer.
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:06 PM | Link to this
Yall are funny! Jex why didn’t you call me last night. We could have crashed Taylor’s performance and did some backup singing. You know a sista just bought a new black dress that I could have worn to perform in.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 3:11 PM | Link to this
BARRY MANILOW!!!! Jex, I’m so proud of you!!
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:17 PM | Link to this
Jex, I would love to go to a concert with some of the older artists. How relaxing would that be. Wouldn’t it be nice to have dinner and listen to Barry Manilow sing……. Can anyone arrange that for me?? I have about $20 bucks. Deirdre, can you make that happen for me? Better yet, just charge it to Jex’s credit card. She don’t mind.
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:17 PM | Link to this
Jex, I would love to go to a concert with some of the older artists. How relaxing would that be. Wouldn’t it be nice to have dinner and listen to Barry Manilow sing……. Can anyone arrange that for me?? I have about $20 bucks. Deirdre, can you make that happen for me? Better yet, just charge it to Jex’s credit card. She don’t mind.
By Jex
September 13, 2006 3:18 PM | Link to this
LOL! shay I didn’t even think about that! We would have turned it out. But I don’t know if that little venue had room enough for my butt.
Deirdre, my tastes are very eclectic. People look at me very strangely when I mention Barry. But I don’t care!
Her name was Jexy/She was show girl/She had a crush on Taylor Hicks/ And she showed him her best tricks…
By mystique
September 13, 2006 3:18 PM | Link to this
Hey guys!
Dang!! Well, wouldn’t that just figure. I decide against going to this place because I was SURE Taylor wouldn’t show up. So naturally he does show up. I would have loved to have been there!
Rodney*, Jex says she will only give you $20 for those pics?! And she calls herself a fan? I will give you $50 :)
Shay, after 50 a man can start saying he is too old for kids. 40 is the new 30, people just start to have kids at that age now a days.
By Jex
September 13, 2006 3:24 PM | Link to this
Rodney! $75!!
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:26 PM | Link to this
I tell you what, for $10, I will give both of you a picture of me daydreaming of Taylor and we can call it a night!! How bout’ that??
By mystique
September 13, 2006 3:27 PM | Link to this
$100.00
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:29 PM | Link to this
mystique, you know damn well you don’t have no $100. And Jex, you just got gas money from me this morning.
By Jex
September 13, 2006 3:33 PM | Link to this
LMAO!!
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why you LYAO, you know it’s the truth!!!
By mystique
September 13, 2006 3:36 PM | Link to this
LOL!
shhhhhhh
I may not actually have $100- right now, but Rodney doesn’t know that!
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:38 PM | Link to this
Rodney don’t do credit or IOUs. Cash only!!
By Jex
September 13, 2006 3:38 PM | Link to this
That’s why I’m LMAO! You didn’t have to call me out like that shay.
By Carla
September 13, 2006 3:39 PM | Link to this
LOL
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 3:39 PM | Link to this
I’d love to help, Shay and Jex…my dad knew Barry’s mom. Unfortunately, neither one of them is alive anymore or I could probably get us all an intimate little table right next to the stage!
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:42 PM | Link to this
If somebody gave me a skittle for every time I was broke in the last five years, I could have built a whole rainbow by now!!
By Jex
September 13, 2006 3:45 PM | Link to this
Deirdre, did you ever meet Barry in person? He looks really tall. I love tall men.
By shay
September 13, 2006 3:46 PM | Link to this
Deirdre, you didn’t swap numbers with anybody. And you call yourself the daughter of a man who knew Barry’s mom!!
By Dottib
September 13, 2006 3:54 PM | Link to this
I was there. There are no words except ‘Wow’. Still working on absorbing it all.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 3:56 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately, I never met Barry although his mom spent some time determined to set us up. This was while he was playing for Bette Midler…just before she got big and a couple of years before he did. Man, did I regret saying no after Mandy was released. He’s a couple of years older than me but I’m sure it would have been a ‘perfect’ match. :) I’m still not sure whether or not he’s gay. (I guess that wouldn’t have been so perfect)
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 3:59 PM | Link to this
Jex…my son is 6’2”! Is that tall enough?
By Jex
September 13, 2006 4:05 PM | Link to this
Oooh Lawd Yes Deirdre!
By Kelly
September 13, 2006 4:08 PM | Link to this
pictures from Smiths
Hope that worked. Good to see you again Rodney. Taylor was great, and Wynn Christiansen was amazing on the guitar. Maybe I’ll see you at some future Taylor shows.
By shay
September 13, 2006 4:08 PM | Link to this
Deirdre, you and Barry should have listened to his mom and at least went out on a date. We could have been looking at Mrs. Deirdre Manilow on American Idol….. but nooooo, you followed your heart and married someone else. Next time Deirdre, listen to your elders.
By Jex
September 13, 2006 4:09 PM | Link to this
You had a chance to date Barry Manilow? Dang it! Man, I tell you hind sight is 50-50. Or somethin’ like that.
I had a friend who dated Steve Harvey back in 1990, right before he blew up. We went on a double date with another comedian who was really diggin’ me. Of course he didn’t amount to anything. But that’s just my luck.
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 4:10 PM | Link to this
Damned me and my stubbornness! :)
By shay
September 13, 2006 4:12 PM | Link to this
Dang Kelly, I think you forgot to take Taylor’s picture. Just kidding!!
Are all those different pics or are some of them duplicates?
By Jex
September 13, 2006 4:16 PM | Link to this
I love you Kelly. You are my new best friend. Would you like a cheese log for Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza/Winter Holidays?
By shay
September 13, 2006 4:19 PM | Link to this
The girl drove all the way there, took her camera out of her bag, paid $15 to get in, beat up five people to get a close up shot, and almost stomped her big toe just to get some pics to nicely post on here for us and all you can offer her is a dag on cheese log. I am just embarrassed that we let you even blog on here sometimes!!
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 4:19 PM | Link to this
Great job with the pictures Kelly. Thanks!!
By Carla
September 13, 2006 4:20 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the pics Kelly!
By shay
September 13, 2006 4:24 PM | Link to this
BREAKING NEWS:
It has been reported that a crack head in Alpharetta has filed for divorce from her pot head husband, breaking the heart of a 13 year old who don’t respect either one of them!
By Jex
September 13, 2006 4:27 PM | Link to this
Who dat?
By shay
September 13, 2006 4:28 PM | Link to this
Bobby and Whitney
By Deirdre
September 13, 2006 4:29 PM | Link to this
Nice job, Shay. Maybe Rodney can get you a job at the AJC!
By shay
September 13, 2006 4:32 PM | Link to this
What do you say Rodney, can I work for the AJC? I Will Work For Food
I have always wanted to be a writer for Soap Opera Digest. Can anybody out there in blog land hook me up with a job? I am really good and I have a very creative imagination.
By pamela
September 13, 2006 8:01 PM | Link to this
I was at the concert and at the bar. Taylor did an absolute awesome job! He is just as handsome in person as on TV. We waited in the back alley around his SUV limo for an hour after the bar seen. It was just me and my friend and then all these other women came up…Anyway, he never came out and about an hour later, the SUV left without the soul man and his blonde date! He got left the bar some other way….who knows? Someone said it was his girlfriend that he’s been dating for about 2 months! She looked very immature and acted that way too! She won’t last long! He’s too focused on his career right now to have a little immature girly girl wanting his attention. Over all, it was very good and well worth the money…however, I was disappointed in the back alley! (sounds like the title to a song) :)
By MaryJean
September 13, 2006 8:02 PM | Link to this
For those who commented on the LMBO and Taylor Hicks last night, September 12th performance -
Smith’s had a very long line for LMBO / Taylor - IF it was not sold out, it very nearly was. I do believe the horrible weather, traffic jam and water pipe breakage which took out Buckhead and made travel impossible, may have had something to do with it.
Also, I beg to differ on the age makeup of the fans there. I saw ALL ages in attendance, women and men alike. IF his fan base were any larger then the 60 MILLION or so who voted for him on American Idol’s final, I can’t imagine what his fan base will be like after the release of his CD!
Nevertheless, I was one of the lucky one’s to have experienced Taylor Hicks in person and LMBO! I also attended my second AI concert of the year in Duluth, but ONLY to see Taylor perform.
My experience of seeing and hearing Taylor in an intimate setting, was, well, stunning. Taylor is far more handsome then imagined, he has mega talent, can sing anything and completely astounded me with his vocals, harp and guitar. What a purely magical night! I won’t ever forget the experience!
Taylor is the REAL THING. I see only a great future for him and look forward to hearing him in a solo concert and his book release. For those who did not have the pleasure in seeing TAYLOR and his band, do so at any cost, you won’t ever regret it.
By pamela
September 13, 2006 8:07 PM | Link to this
One more thing, don’t mess with a bunch of middleaged drinking women…they were very nasty to some of the other women who were trying to get a look at the wonderful mr. taylor hicks! You would have thought they were married to him or something. They acted like they were personally connected to him. Some, almost started fights. It was kind of funny!
By Kelly
September 14, 2006 6:52 AM | Link to this
Don’t know who asked the question, but no, none of the pictures I posted were duplicates. I got to go to Work Play in Bham and see LMBO and Taylor and my camera ran out of batteries so I didn’t get many pictures. Think I over compistated on this one : )
To the comment about the age of the crowd and the attitude of the older fans: One, the crowd in front tended to skew older. The overall mix of the crowd I would say was 30 and over. I felt fairly young at 27.
As to the middleaged drinking women I have to agree with Pamela. Some of them were down right scary. Most of them were from a fan site that pride themselves with being all about the music, but didn’t want anyone getting within 2 feet of Taylor or LMBO. They were abrasive and quick to anger if you happened to move an inch too close to them. However I can vouch that the majority of the crowd were well grounded people who were there to hear some good music.
By American Mother
September 14, 2006 7:35 AM | Link to this
would loved to have seen him!
and as I tried to read the RELATED posts, I had to wander through the baby talk!!! Yall know there IS a Mom Blog??????’
Keeping it Real - Peace, AM
By shay
September 14, 2006 8:13 AM | Link to this
AM, I thought after the banana pudding talk we were all down 4 1 another. U trippin’!! And why blog on a mommy blog just because we are talkin’ mommy talk. Should you only blog on a nerve wreckin’ blog just because…..nevmind!
By Carla
September 14, 2006 8:50 AM | Link to this
Ruben’s doing an interview on V103.
By shay
September 14, 2006 8:53 AM | Link to this
I am listening. This new song reminds me of “I’m Sorry 2004”. They sound the same to me. I am listening to B’s new album right now. I will tell you how I like it once i finish the whole album. Usually, her songs have to grow on me.
By Deirdre
September 14, 2006 8:55 AM | Link to this
Come on, AM, you know how we like to chat about all kinds of things here. You did the right thing though…just skip over the unrelated stuff. We ALL would have liked to have seen Taylor the other night!
By Deirdre
September 14, 2006 8:57 AM | Link to this
Well, girls and guys, I’m off to the airport to pick up my best friend for a weekend of R and R after spending the entire summer on nursing duty. The 85 year old is improving and I’m planning on raising a little hell. Have a good day and I’ll talk to you later!
By shay
September 14, 2006 8:59 AM | Link to this
Have fun!
By mystique
September 14, 2006 9:02 AM | Link to this
Good Morning all! Blonde date? Taylor was getting in the limo with a blonde date. I am outraged ~¿@
I heard about Whitney and Bobby. Who didn’t see that one coming?
By shay
September 14, 2006 9:15 AM | Link to this
Divorce is never a rejoiceful moment so I know Whitney is having a really hard time right now trying to cope. I wish her the best and hope that she can come out on top. She is definitely a survivor!
By mystique
September 14, 2006 9:22 AM | Link to this
I am sure it is a hard time for her. But I think that she might be able to clean up her act and get back on the right track without him.
By Jex
September 14, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
Good Morning Everyone! Have a Great Time, Deirdre! You deserve it.
mystique, you know we don’t have anything to worry about. That little blonde chick was for publicity only, I’m sure. Maybe she won a contest or something.
And as far as Bobby and Whitney, like you said, who didn’t see that one coming?
By mystique
September 14, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this
Hi Jex! I will try not to sweat it about his little date. Probably was just for publicity, to throw everyone off.
Kelly, thanks for the pictures. I finally took a look at them a little while ago and they were great!! You are so lucky to have gotten that close to him.
I am still kicking myself that I didn’t go!!
By TomJoad
September 14, 2006 5:04 PM | Link to this
I believe the name of the Billy Preston song is “Will it go round in circles?”