Tag Archives: music

New Recording – You’re So Much Fun

The band I’m in, HomeBrew, recorded an original song of mine back in Nov of 2018.  We released it on Christmas Day.  You can go to my Bandcamp page, and listen to the song.  If you like it, you can download it as well.  Thanks for you continuing support.

 

New Song – Shattered

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.

IMG_1162

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.

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

 

 

 

 

That Was Fun!!

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.

Legion of AmbiguityThe plan is to return next month on March 26.  I’ll keep you posted.

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

Let The Music Play

Over the past few months I’ve been involved in some really fun musical moments.  I regularly play at Artichoke Music in SE Portland, on  Thursday evenings.  One week it’s Songwriters Roundup, where all kinds of songwriters offer up one original song and have a very attentive audience.  Every other week it’s Acoustic Village.  This is usually a themed night of music. Recently, we’ve done tributes to Elvis Presley, Pete Seeger and John Denver.  We did an evening of, “Songs of Hope, Protest and Change.”  Great stuff.  Plus, the audience at Artichoke loves to join in making the evenings extra special as a performer and audience member.

C. Taylor_9699

Along with my regular responsibilities with my church’s contemporary worship band, I’ve been part of an acoustic band playing for a chapel service at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday evenings.  Some new friends and musical allies makes for wonderful music and fellowship.

C. Taylor_9885

In the wings, a possible on-going gig at a popular sandwich shop and a return to Whole Foods in NE Portland with my H-Duo partner, Jeff Haagenson.