Tag Archives: Live Piano

Live Mid Week Music

This week in music finds me preparing for two gigs.  Tuesday evening, HomeBrew, will be performing at Velo Cult Bike Shop, 1969 NE 42nd Ave, in Portland’s historic Hollywood District. We play from 7-8:15pm and are the first of two bands.  It’s a benefit for Oregon Special Olympics and there is a $10 suggested donation.  Showing up early is highly encouraged.

C. Taylor_9705

Wednesday evening, what used to be my monthly Jade Lounge gig has gotten even more intimate.  Meeting in a home with Jade Lounge band members and friends for an evening of sharing songs we all know, along with hearing some originals.   Should be a wonderful evening of music and laughter.

 

 

This Week In Music (T.W.I.M.)

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.

HomeBrew Rehearsal

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 that time of the month – Jade Lounge here we come

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.

The_Better_Halves__300_dpi_for_website

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.

 

Music while shopping for natural bedding

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.
photo 3


Playing Live in NE Portland This Saturday

This Saturday, July 19, I’ll be  playing in front of Cotton Cloud and Natural Bedding on NE 7th and Broadway, under their large awning.  I’ll be there from 11a-1p.  This is all part of the NE Broadway Summer Super Sale.

cropped-img_4708.jpg

 

 

 

Just booked Friday Aug. 8, at Cellar 55, from 6:30-8:30pm.  Located 1812 Washington St. Vancouver, WA 98660.   I’ll be playing classics from Elton John, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Elvis Presley and others.

C. Taylor_9719

June 7 performance at Torta-Landia in SE Portland

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.

DSC_2040

Song: Sabbath-Live

Beautiful afternoon to record music “live” from my driveway.  Playing two keyboards simultaneously can prove to be somewhat of a challenge depending on the material. Thankfully, this original tune moves at such a pace where I can handle it.  Enjoy the simple “live” presentation of,  “Sabbath.”

DSC_0045

Transitions

Transitions.  I think I’ll name my next album, Transitions.

C. Taylor_9705

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.

C. Taylor_9719I’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

C. Taylor_9852

 

 

 

 

Jade Lounge this Wednesday Evening

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_Playing Melodica

Performing This Friday Evening Oct 11

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.

C. Taylor_9705