Got a private function this Wednesday evening at the EcoTrust Building with HomeBrew. Doing our vintage party music that includes Van Morrison, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Sam & Dave, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and others.
Love jammin’ with this posse.
I’ve added a number of new followers to my web site recently, and I wanted to welcome you and thank you for being interested in what I do musically.
Back in August of 2012, I released, “In Those Days.” Eight original songs that reflect a wide aspect of my musical tastes, genre and storytelling. Described as songs of love, life, family and faith.
I also enjoy creating instrumental songs such as “Goodbye.” A contemplative solo keyboard piece that has been in my musical tool kit for over 30 years. And new songs like, “Sabbath.” Incorporating an intense, emotional connection with the listener.
“Stone of Grief,” tackles the often misunderstood subject of grief and healing from trauma. Many have good intentions, but often times they ignorantly cause harm to the person facing the challenges of recovery. This is a deeply personal song for me.
But, I also have a playful side. “I Love My H-2-O,” is a testimonial of my love of drinking water.
Thanks for checking in and take a look around.
Just landed a last minute private gig for this Saturday evening. Going to play for a 40th wedding anniversary at Cathedral Tasting room in Dundee, Oregon. The happy couple has already requested a Bobby Vinton tune that was their first dance 40 years ago. Gonna bring my best crooner voice for that one.
Playlist will include some 50s and 60s, and of course my usual set of Elton John, Billy Joel, Beatles, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and others, along with a few originals to keep things fresh.
We’re back at it again this weekend for Estacada’s 50th high school reunion. Besides our regular playlist of classic R&B, rock and swing, we’ve added a set of songs from 1965 to stir up senior year memories.
Back in late June, I was on the coast in Manzanita, performing mainly originals and some cover tunes at The Hoffman Center. Intimate and responsive crowd. Sold some CDs, too. I was joined on stage for Elton John’s, “Love Song,” by long time friend, Sher Ireland.
Been jamming all summer with the band, HomeBrew, at mostly private events like, auctions, to weddings, graduations and an upcoming 50 year high school reunion.
So yeah…things are groovin’!!
HomeBrew has a gig this Sunday afternoon in Salem at the Salem Art Fair and Festival.
We’ll be on the main stage July 19, from 1:30-2:30pm. If you’re in the Salem area drop on by and enjoy the wonderful festival. This art fair has been going on for over 60 years. Some 35,000 people attend this yearly gathering.
Enjoy a classic Oregon summer experience and the classic R&B sounds of HomeBrew this Sunday afternoon.
This is where it started this weekend. Out in rural Hillsboro, Oregon for a combined graduation party and summer BBQ. Crowd wouldn’t let us leave when we were done, so we had a three song impromptu set that started with Brown Eyed Girl, which lead into LaBamba which we mashed up with Twist and Shout. Kudos to our drummer and singer, Dave Panzer, for handling the main vocals. The “Graduate” turned out to be a great drummer. He showed off his talent and then jammed with us on Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” It was awesome.
This Sunday, HomeBrew, the smaller version of our band, were part of a wedding ceremony in NW Portland.
Here we are chilling during the ceremony.
When the band took its first break, I did about a 20 minute set of cover tunes.
This weekend I perform with the band, HomeBrew. This 11 piece classic R&B party dance band will be entertaining at a couple of private functions. Today, it’s a college graduation and BBQ summer party out in Hillsboro, Oregon. Playlist for this event includes: Al Green, Van Morrison, Chicago, Stevie Wonder, Brian Setzer, Muddy Waters, Steely Dan, KC & the Sunshine band and others.
Sunday, a wedding reception in NW Portland, where we’ll have a “striped down” (colloquially speaking) version of HB. This playlist includes: Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, The Beatles, James Taylor and of course – others.
Looking forward to jamming with my HB peeps!!
I have often mentioned how moved I am by this human experience we are all a part of. As a pretty high feeling individual (at least that’s what Meyers-Briggs tells me), I am most deeply moved by those moments when life is at its hardest.
I have found that simply validating a persons hurt, pain and loss, is far more comforting, because the person going through the difficulty feels heard. Sometimes, that’s all we really need. Being heard. Listened too, without judgement or clever bumper-sticker slogans.
Hummingbird at Dusk – Photograph by Aubrey Frimoth
The song “Shattered,” is about validating the hardship. Recognizing the reality of what has happened and offering to listen and just be there.
This Friday evening, April 17, I’ll be at Cellar 55 in Vancouver, WA., from 7-9pm. Playing tunes from Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Jackson Browne, Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac and many others. I may throw in an original or two as well.
End your long work week and begin your weekend at Cellar 55.
Chris Taylor Tunes 