If you live in Vancouver and enjoy wine and some local live music, I’ll be at Cellar 55 this coming Friday evening Aug. 8, from 6:30-8:30pm. I’ll be doing cover tunes of the cool musical cats I grew up enjoying including, Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Tom Petty. Along with the Doobie Brothers, Otis Redding, The Beatles, Chicago and many others.
I would love to see some familiar faces this coming Friday evening at Cellars 55.
Looking forward to this Thursday evening’s rehearsal with the band HomeBrew as we prepare for Saturday evening’s gig; a 50th wedding anniversary out at Pumpkin Ridge. First gig for me as the solo keyboard player for the band, as I fill in for their regular keyboardist who is playing bass for another band that same night.
2 hours of classic R&B dance favorites from Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Muddy Waters, Al Green, Chicago, Van Morrison and others.
This coming Sunday morning I’ll be playing with what has become known as the ACRO band for Westminster Presbyterian Church’s 9am chapel service. Acoustic guitars, piano, flute and vocals. Very simple but melodic contemporary hymns. Stuff I’ve never heard before but am coming to enjoy more and more.
Gonna be a fun week.
It’s the 4th Wednesday of the month, which means the Jade Lounge band I’m in will be prepping the stage, or in this case the sofa, for some very special guests. A group called The Better Halves will play an hour long set at 8pm.
You just never know what might happen when a group of music enthusiasts combine their talents to see what happens.
It all starts at 7pm. Stop on by the Jade Lounge 2342 SE Ankeny St Portland, OR 97214.
Beautiful day to be playing music for the folks at Cotton Cloud Natural Bedding in NE Portland. Super nice folks and easy on the eyes store layout. Played for all kinds of patrons of all ages. A fun two hours spent on this Saturday. Cover songs from Billy Joel, Elton John, Beatles, Elvis, Van Morrison, Jimmy Buffet along with some originals from my album, “In Those Days,” done acoustically. However, any time I performed with the ukelele, that got the best crowd reaction.
Great crowd, nice evening with the garage door open letting in all the summer warmth into the restaurant. Folks seemed to enjoy some the classic oldies I did with my own twist to them along with some of my originals. Really connected with those listening. Great vibe in that place. Hope to come back again, soon.
This Saturday evening, June 7, from 7-10pm I’ll be performing at Torta-Landia in SE Portland. This will be my second time around with them. Quaint little casual Mexican place and a wonderful intimate atmosphere to perform. My set will include originals, my own take on some cover tunes and instrumentals. I hope to see you there. Here’s their Facebook page.
Reginald Kenneth Dwight was his birth name. He is now known at Sir Elton Hercules John, and we’ll be paying tribute to his music this Wednesday evening at the Jade Lounge beginning at 7pm.
Come enjoy the intimacy of the Jade along with some special guests who will be pounding out their own renditions of Elton’s music.
Would love to see you there.
Transitions. I think I’ll name my next album, Transitions.
I’ve been transitioning in my personal growth and as a husband. Recognizing the mistakes I’ve made in my marriage, but instead of beating myself up for them (as I would have in the past) changing myself for the better instead.
My family is transitioning, as my two young-adult children are beginning to explore the world and discover their callings.
I’ve transitioned out of my church of nearly 40 years. A very difficult transition, but one I had been mulling for several years as I’ve sought how to reflect ethical authenticity and compassionate love.
I’m transitioning as a musician. I’ve learned that I’m seen as a singer/songwriter. Never knew what to call myself before that, but I like that moniker.
All those transitions, and many others, have influenced my guitar/piano-based songs, with more organic arrangements, simple melody lines, and lyrical depth that help tell my changing story.
I still celebrate being in love: So many of my newer songs reflect my 26 years with my wife Barb. I tackle songs that deal with loss and grief and how we’re all touched by these emotions – not hiding from them, but embracing and working through them.
I’m reconnecting with some of my instrumental roots, too. Performing songs I wrote nearly 30 years ago that still stand the test of time, along with newer songs that reflect thoughtful, playful vibes.
I continue to live, breathe, and write as a Portland Oregon resident, which gives me a gentle and nurturing platform for exploring transitions.
Here’s to opening new places, new journeys, new hope through transitions.
Chris Taylor
Wednesday evening at the Jade Lounge in SE Portland was a complete success. Here is a picture of the band: Left to right: Doug McCleary, Cynthia O’Brien, moi and John Hasenjaeger. We were given the band name, “Legion of Ambiguity.” We kinda like it.
The plan is to return next month on March 26. I’ll keep you posted.
I am so looking forward to my first performance at the Jade Lounge in SE Portland this Wednesday evening as part of the Songbird Showcase open mic, hosted by Cynthia O’Brien. Cynthia, along with the talented Doug McCleary, percussionist John Hasenjaeger and myself, are putting a fun set together of cover tunes from Bruce Cockburn, Vigilantes of Love, and others. Plus, we’ve worked up one of my originals, which is always cool.
Things get underway Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7pm. Take a mid-week break and join us at the Jade Lounge.
Chris Taylor Tunes 
