Author Archives: Chris Taylor

About Chris Taylor

I'm a singer/songwriter on themes of life, love, family and faith, as well as a professional emcee and background keyboard player. Chris Taylor Tunes showcases my songwriting, emcee, and live performance skills for business and personal celebrations and events. The Hughes/Taylor Company is my main squeeze, featuring audio production and specializing in voice overs, sound engineering, and creative media development.

Covering A Classic

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This was the first Elton John song I ever learned. I can still remember being in the basement of my dad’s church where there was an upright piano. On the piano itself, an Elton John songbook. I opened the book to “Your Song,” and quickly learned it.

This version was fun to record in my own studio. I get help from Norm Bowler, whose the president of the independent label I’m with, Grumpy Old Bear from Seattle, WA. I sent him my recorded tracks and he mixed it together. I hope you enjoy “Your Song.”

With my high school cover band – “Bobby Bullet and the Revolvers.” I was a revolver.

Tribute to my sister

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October 24th would have been my sister Martha’s 58th birthday. She died at the tender age of 3 1/2 from a Wilms tumor. Which today, she would have most likely survived.

She has always been a big part of our family history, even though I was too young to remember her. Over the years I’ve written a few songs in her memory and as tributes to her short life. This is my most recent song written earlier this year.

Fun Evening at Artichoke Music

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A wonderful evening at Artichoke Music in SE Portland. I was honored to share the stage with such a talented group of musicians. From a banjo playing, singer/songwriter from California, to a husband and wife duo, to two guys from eastern Oregon, the evening was filled with music, stories and the warmth and charm that is Artichoke. Looking forward to more time with my Artichokian friends.

Performing This Friday Evening Oct 11

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I’ll be doing a 30 minute set of original songs this Friday evening Oct. 11 at Artichoke Music in SE Portland, from 7:30-8pm. If you’re looking for a wonderful, relaxed evening of local music in a cozy environment, Artichoke is the place. Doors open at 7pm and there’s a $5 donation suggested.

Artichoke recently upgraded their sound system, so I’m looking forward to performing songs using the new system, on both guitar and keyboard this Friday evening. Would love to see some familiar faces in the crowd. Plus, stick around, you never know what you’ll hear at these coffeehouses.

My Neighborhood (the video)

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As I often do during good weather, I will sit on my front porch, often with my guitar in hand, looking into the soul of my neighborhood. Because music draws people in, I have found myself engaged with many different people over the years as I strummed.

“My Neighborhood,” explores the confluence of community within the ordinary lives of extraordinary people within their own neighborhoods. You might see yourself, literally and figuratively, with this new video, which was filmed, edited and produced by my daughter, Aubrey.

What I like about this song is the surprise ending, lyrically.

And now, I give you the video, “My Neighborhood.”

Download “My Neighborhood,” here.

New Song – Stone Of Grief

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Overcoming trauma and suffering is no easy task. For some, it can take a lifetime. But when you choose to walk down a road less traveled, and then reach out for some help, you are at your most vulnerable. Many won’t understand the road you are on. Though intentions may be sincere, the hurt caused by ignorance can run deep.

This song is about such a journey. It might be your own, or someone you know. May you find hope among the thistles and jagged edges, as you seek your own healing and wholeness. May others come beside you, to lift your own- “Stone of Grief.”

Download Stone of Grief, here.

In-House Concerts: Booking Now

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I love performing at in-house concerts. I love the intimacy, the interaction, the laid-back, relaxed nature of it all. It is a perfect receipt for a truly memorable evening for both performer and audience.

“With about 30 dear friends and guests gathered in our living room, Chris gave us two of the most wonderful hours of his music, his humor, and his incredible talent. We savored every minute.” Kathy Peterson, Coeur d’Alene, ID.

I’m booking house concerts for this fall, and would love to celebrate an evening of music and stories in your home. You can contact me here.

“Deep Blue” – Live at Portland Music Company’s Open Mic

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June 19th was a wonderful night at Portland Music Company’s NE Portland location, where I, along with 7 other musicians, played 15 minute sets of mainly original songs. Here’s my “live” version of a song I wrote earlier this year called Deep Blue.

Fun Open Mic

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Played at an open mic last night at Portland Music Company’s NE Portland location. I was one of 8 performers who played to a packed house the entire night. Brought home a little swag from the evenings raffle, new guitar strings. All performances were captured by a camcorder and plenty of pics taken. All performers will get some “ink” on PMC’s facebook page. Rather cool, eh!

Saturday In The Park

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Back on May 11, I found myself playing guitar for, “A Reason to Run” at Marine Park in Vancouver, WA. This was sponsored through my church and turned out to be a beautiful sunny morning for the run. Across the way from where I was playing, was another set of musicians playing guitars and singing. At one point, they added a percussionist on the cajon that gave them a serious groove. Being inspired, I took my melodica (mouth organ) and joined them for a wonderful jam session. Certainly the high point of the event from my perspective.

Playing for fun runs, in living rooms, at local cafe’s, block and garden parties or the local grocery store, live music adds the right kind of atmosphere.