Laura Marie and Chris Taylor the 2012 AG Award for Inspirational Folk Music

Laura Marie for her interpretation of “The Cherry Tree Carol” and Chris Taylor for his rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High” deserve recognition for bringing these Christmas Carols to life. Laura Marie and Chris Taylor will both receive the 2012 AG Award for Inspirational Folk Music

The Great Music Lives On In These Artists

The recent deaths of Barry Gibbs of the Bee Gees and Donna Summer has people wandering about the future of true rock and pop music. Many have been complaining with justification about the death of rock and pop music and its replacement with generic bland music that is mediocre.

The trend appears to point in the direction with the music conglomerates cramming such music and their artists down the throats of consumers. It appears that the conglomerates in Hollywood and New York are winning the battle or are they?

If generic bland mediocre artists with their so called music and sponsors from the conglomerates are winning is because the people allow this to happen. The people who love music are masters of their own domain and do not have to take perpetual stupidity from the conglomerates and their make shift artists.

After all, generic bland mediocre artists and their music is a violation of human rights. It is torture to the ear as well as the eye. For starters, rock, pop, jazz , Latin fusion and country music is alive and kicking on many areas of the United States of America as well as the world.

Texas and Oklahoma

The Lone Star State of Texas and the Sooner State of Oklahoma are one of the state’s leading the revival of great music. Oklahoma has one of the greatest artists in the form of Shawna Russell who released a self titled album.

Ms. Russell is leading the way to true music with hits such as “Sounds Like A Party” blasting through the streets of Main Street America. Ms. Russell is a down to earth singer with a thorough recognition of Country and Rock Music.

Christen Sawyer is another rocker who has a grip on the music with her song “Crazy”. Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are the new generation of rock music with an edge that could give Taylor Swift a run for her money. The reason is [personal opinion aside] that Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are better than Ms. Swift.

Karen Chisholm is another artist whose music transcends boundaries of all types. She recorded “A Perfect World” and made a film (and video) based on the music. Ms. Chisholm also recorded “Random Year” which is a reflection based on the realities of life. Ms. Chisholm is proof that rock music is alive and kicking.

Who can forget other artists such as Jessica Shepherd, Deann Rene, John Arthur Martinez, and Mark Allan Atwood? What about Chip Murrey and Texas Underground as well as Vanessa Peters?

Jessica Shepherd does a great job in combining Rock, Country, and Gospel with songs such as “Pray For Peace and Love” and “Get A Ride With God” in the Rockin Gospel Project.

 

Deann Rene has some of the greatest rock music in the 21^st Century. John Arthur Martinez has some great hits from his album “Utopia” as well as a song called “Cajita De Milagros” which is number one on those who loves great music.

Mark Allan Atwood as well as Chip Murrey and Texas Underground have music that can stun even the mediocre artists. Mr. Atwood’s album “How Country” is an example of such power that provides an alternative to the mediocrity of today’s music.

Chip Murrey and Texas Underground delivers a powerful Texas Progressive Rock to those who need it. The concerts given by Chip Murrey and Texas Underground are so popular because of the musical edge. If there is any doubt, their hit album “Pay Dirt” will convince you.

Vanessa Peters is an artist whose fame has reached the world from Texas. Her album titled “Thin Thread” is an example of how fresh and pure music can be. Ms. Peters even recorded a Christmas album with the title: “The Christmas We Hoped For”.

The song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” from the Christmas album is one of the most powerful songs in the album. The message in the song rings loud and clear. It means that no material good can replace true love whether it is a significant other or a family member. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that the song touched my heart in a profound way.

What about Nicolette Good, Laura Marie, Vanessa Lively, and Chris Taylor? Nicolette Good convinces people with her music and delivers a powerful message of hope with her song “All My Crying”.

Laura Marie with her song “Good Enough” challenges a pair to accept each other for what they are is a great antidote to the banality of mainstream music. Laura Marie also delivers a rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” with depth, emotion, and style that leaves people imagining the scene of the Holy Family. Laura Marie’s rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” also touches the heart and soul in a personal manner.

The same can be said about the rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Chris Taylor. It is these songs that sooth the heart and soul. Vanessa Lively with her rendition of “Alleluia” and “Los Hermanos” is an alternative to the banality of mainstream conglomerate music for its down to earth freshness.

Who cannot forget about Brenda Kay and her music? Her rendition of Red Dirt music is an example for future generation of singers and musicians. We cannot forget Katherine Dawn and her music.

Katherine Dawn has nearly three decades of musical experience under her belt. Ms. Dawn’s rendition of “San Marcos River” is a classic that could compete with greats such as Linda Ronstadt.

I remember hearing Katherine Dawn’s music while living in Venezuela. It was during a visit to a friend’s house and the cassette player was on.

The friend was from Oklahoma but she spent time between Oklahoma and Texas. She told me that the singer was Katherine Dawn. I tried to find the music but lost contact with it until recently.

I now hear Katherine Dawn’s music regularly on the internet and enjoy it. The same applies to the music of Debbie Forrest which has been instrumental in getting people closer to God.

Grupo Fantasma with their mixture of Santana, Fania, and Cumbia are also great. Their latest album called “El Existential” is an album that is great and exciting from the beginning to the end.

The group appeared in Austin City Limits and NPR to wide acclaim. One of Grupo Fantasma’s songs “Mentira” is made in the true Latin Jazz and Cumbia fashion. Another reason why the music is alive.

The Midwest Meets Nashville

Jim Callahan recently recorded an album titled “The Poet” which is becoming popular. The album is an example of folk music mixed with rock and country which gives people an image of simple living.

It is an album that deserves to be on the shelves of music lovers and proof that the music is still alive. Jim Callahan who is originally from Ohio even did his version of “The Night Before Christmas” which was lively and better than the original version.

Jessica Rae is another example of how the Midwest meets Nashville. The Chicago, Illinois native is lively and down to earth in her concerts as well as her music.

I had the honor of meeting Ms. Rae during the 2011 Key West Singer Songwriter Festival. She is a decent and caring human being who is concerned for the welfare of the USA as well as its music.

Jim Callahan and Jessica Rae are also proof that the music is still alive and kicking.

Latin America Meets Tennessee

Johnny Vasquez is a Guatemalan singer who currently lives in Tennessee. The pop and romantic ballads that he interprets harkens to a day when music was sincere.

What can be said about his music comes from his album “Lo Mejor De Mi”. The album is one of the greatest in today’s world with its lyrics and melodies.

Johnny Vasquez sings a romantic tune in a way that today’s singers and musicians do not. He does it with the heart and soul of a true romantic.

Johnny Vasquez is another reason why the music regardless of the language is still alive and kicking.

North Carolina

Amanda Pollard is one of the few artists who managed to capture the essence of true R&B as well as Soul music. It is for this reason that she is also called The American Diva of the 21^st Century.

Ms. Pollard was born in Michigan which was the home of the Motown sound. She moved to North Carolina where she advanced in the music scene. Ms. Pollard has received praise for her style of singing with different vocals such as “Loss For Words”.

Amanda Pollard is the latest in the long line of divas from Ella Fitzgerald, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce. Amanda Pollard is also an expert in presenting great entertaining shows with her dancers while performing.

The music that is interpreted by Ms. Pollard is stunning and refreshing to the point that continents such as Asia and Latin America are taking notice. Amanda Pollard is another example of how the music is still alive.

California

While the conglomerates are with the bland generic brand of music, The Fashion Slaves are heating the airwaves and streets in this state and the world. The Fashion Slaves with Emily Jayne recorded “Psychotic Reaction” and a revolution in music was born.

The Fashion Slaves are another example of fresh rock music that is out of this world. The group can be compared to The Pretenders and Blondie. Emily Jayne is the logical successor to Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde in the rock music today.

It is hoped that one day they can perform in Florida since they are a blast.

Florida

Nil Lara is a Cuban-American singer songwriter who has combined the music of Cuba, Venezuela [where he lived], and South Florida to form his own style. Mr. Lara has come a long way from his birthplace in New Jersey.

His best songs are “Vida Mas Simple” and “My First Child” which reflect a yearning for a simpler time. The concerts of Nil Lara are also great to attend with the artist making the public feel great.

Heather Leigh is a great example of how rock and country music can mix with the word of God. She was once nominated for an Emmy for her song “Paradise Lost” which dealt with the BP Oil Spill on the Coast of Mexico.

Ms. Leigh also has a jazz band and is an example of resilience in front of adversity.

Conclusion

The music has not died; it is still present if people were to reject the mediocre music around them. One way is to listen to the old hits but another way is to listen to the above mentioned artists whose name have been highlighted bold.

The reasons the names of the artists are highlighted bold is so that the public can Google their names and buy the albums as well as go to the concerts. The above mentioned artists are also on You Tube.

Chris Taylor : AG Award for Best Christmas Carol Interpretation [Male].

Chris Taylor has managed to capture the essence of Christmas in his version of “Angels We Have Heard On High”. It is for this reason that we have decided by majority vote to award Chris Taylor with the AG Award for Best Christmas Carol Interpretation [Male].

Chris Taylor: A Singer Songwriter Genius With A Great Heart

I have had the honor of interviewing many artists during my career with The Alvarez-Galloso News Hour.  The two artists [of the few] that have stood out with regards to my admiration for them are Laura Marie and Chris Taylor.

The music and personality of these two singer songwriters is the reason. When Chris Taylor sings his version of “Angels We Have Heard On High”, I get [using a title from a song recorded by The Eagles] “a peaceful easy feeling” in a spiritual and personal sense.

The same feeling occurs when I hear Laura Marie sing “A Cherry Tree Carol”.  The interpretations of songs by Laura Marie and Chris Taylor evokes a call to make Christmas an everday happening by loving each other. I will not deny receiving the same feeling when seeing a You Tube of both of them singing at the Luminaire.

I have decided to invite Chris Taylor to be interviewed for two reasons:

1. The Chris Taylor version of “Angels We Have Heard On High” is a refeshing contemporary version that compliments the classical version. If 45 RPM’s or EP’s [Vinyls] were around, both versions can be recorded for Side A or Side B.

2. Chris Taylor and Laura Marie [in my humble opinion] are not just singer songwriters. They belong to a class of singer songwriters that are musical geniuses.

1. What inspired you to be a singer-songwriter?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a creative mind and just liked exploring things. I loved the idea of writing thoughts and feelings and setting them to music. But it wasn’t until I heard U2′s Unforgettable Fire album that it motivated me like a wake up call from somewhere inside of me. That was the turning point… I think it was 1984.

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> 2. Who were your musical idols and what did you learn from their musical styles in order to form the style that would be Chris Taylor?

 
I’ve never really decided on a style! I keep going from acoustic to electric to drum loops to live band to solo – whatever mood and vibe is in my head… that’s what I want to do. Growing up I loved The Cars, then U2, then Joseph Arthur, The Waterboys and Hothouse Flowers… I love so much. James and their singer Tim Booth… amazing.

 

> 3. When did you first start collaborating with Laura Marie?
As soon as I could after I met her! She comes from a different mind set to music and songwriting than I do – but we connect pretty well and it makes for interesting collaborations. Although she appreciates many different styles, she leans toward a more “folk”  sound… whereas I come from outer space and have lots of wild ideas and interpretations.

 

> 4. Have you collaborated with other artists?
Sure. When I was younger… I never really had that opportunity. Insecurity kept me from seeking it out. But as I grew more confident in my own approach and style… and in meeting more songwriters locally here in San Antonio… I’ve written with Ruben V., Lady Jane Grey, Misty Jones to name a few. My biggest co-writing opportunity was with the amazing Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics. That was just a cool, cool thing. And have social media to thank for that. He is big on Twitter – and that is where he found me.
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> 5. What inspired you to record your own version of “Angels We Have Heard On High”?
It was 1994 or something like that… a local radio station here in San Antonio (99.5 KISS) was having local musicians come in and do their versions of Christmas Songs. I got an invite to the station and before I knew it I was in the car with my guitar heading down to rock a Christmas tune…. when it dawned on me… I didn’t really KNOW ANY Christmas songs! So I had to improv (which I do quite a bit) and try and recall the lyrics and melody to a song we sang in church as a teenager. “Angels” was the first song that popped into my head! So I knew I wouldn’t be able to play it in all it’s traditional glory… so I rewrote the sacred melody to fit my vibe while beating my hands on the steering wheel like a sloppy drummer…. when I got to the station I was in the waiting room and wrote chords to what I had been singing on the drive…. 15 minutes later – I’m singing it to San Antonio! Since then… I’ve grown to appreciate the lyric and the power behind it all.
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> 6. Have you performed outside of Texas? There is one venue that could interest you in the future. http://www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com/
I used to travel all the time. I’ve been all over America, to Canada and my music has even got me as far as Germany.  These days… without a promotional machine behind me… it’s harder to get out of town. Plus I have a full time music job that keeps me grounded to San Antonio / Austin scene. But that’s a good thing… for now.

 

> 7. What sets Chris Taylor’s music apart from the mainstream music of New York, Hollywood, or Nashville?

That is a great question. I would say…. Nothing! Hahaha… Or maybe the only difference is… I’m not even trying to do anything other than what brings me joy at the moment of recording or playing live. Not trying to create a strategy for sales or even find a market. i’ve relaxed quite a bit on that front. I’m just making music that brings me joy. That is a great place to be.
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> 8. What is your advice for those who want a music career?
I wouldn’t know where to start… I’d tell them to NOT think of it as a career. Think of it as a gift that can blossom into something else if it’s meant to do so. Or it can be an escape from the stress of the world… or it can be someone else’s escape… never let the pursuit of money or fame guide your music – or else it would be hollow. Create what brings you joy and if money and fame come along with that… now – THAT is amazing!

 

> 9. Do you have any message for the public?
Hahaha! No… but let me think here… OK… Love each other. We are all broken but we were all designed to bring light into this world. Some of us get to shine light through our artwork… others shine it through a smile, a lifestyle, hard work… parenthood… be creative. Live creatively and full of love…. it will change your life.

 

Thank you Chris for accepting my invitation and for your words to the people. My best wishes to you now and always.

Chris Taylor and Laura Marie at Luminaria

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK7p-2xPBxw&feature=channel_video_title

Luminaria is a Festival of Art and Light In San Antonio, Texas. The song “Daylight” was majestically interpreted by Chris Taylor and Laura Marie. I would like to thank Chris Taylor and Laura Marie for their majestic interpretation.