Byron Keith Taylor: News and Forum

Hey gang! Sorry about the disappearance for a while but I had to take care of a few things. The new CD project is well underway, I am meeting with the graphic artist for the new cover and you will DEFINITELY hear some new songs! There will also be new essays as well...stay tuned!:)BKT

Well, I have been back for about a week now and it is the same Big Apple I left three months ago but with slightly more problems like a new terrorist threat, increased Metro fare, and new buildings here and there. I am looking forward to seeing how the music scene has been going here because things happen more rapidly here than in most major cities of the world. I will keep you posted about the new CD project! BKT

Well, my time here in Ireland is coming to a close and I have never had more fun or learned so much! The semester is over and all I have to do is hand in my essays and continue production on my latest CD project. In retrospect, my purpose for coming to the Esmerald Isle has become even clearer. It has inspired me to write more songs along the lines of what I call "Music Fiction" which is, in essence, songs that are like short stories instead of just raw emotions. By no means am I claiming to be the founder of this movement, because others like Bob Dylan, Harry Chapin, Gordon Lightfoot, Don McLean, and others have been telling stories through their songs since time immemorial and I do not, by any means, endeavor to put myself in their esteemed company. Originally I was going to write, as aforementioned, about Music and Literature, but then I decided that this would be the best way to do it. I enjoy reading about myths, legends, and stories and I enjoy the idea about writing songs that express my interests as well as my heart. My idea of "Music Fiction", if you will, entails giving an audience a story that can be mentally viewed almost like a movie or the way one makes one's own internal movie when reading a novel. Of course, songs are much shorter than literary works but their importance should not be diminished. Music Fiction should inspire thought, feelings, and opinions just like a novel should. Naturally, escapist fun is not a problem and is oftentimes, a breath of fresh air from literary headiness and pomposity, but I want to write more songs that I have written before like "The Knight and the Queen" and "The Raven Trail" along with my love compositions. As an artist, I constantly push myself to go beyond what I think I am capable of doing because the worst trap that a Singer-Songwriter can fall in is complacency. BKT

I am so excited that work on the the "Lord of the Rings" prequel, "The Hobbit" is underway! I have been a longtime Tolkien fan and I will always be thankful to an old girlfriend of mine who introduced me to two things: the music of the Doors and Tolkien! The appreciation for his masterful works of fantasy fiction is at a fever pitch and I think it is well-deserved. I must also recommend, through my endless quest for more material to watch on youtube, two fantastic fan made films: "The Hunt for Gollum" and "Born of Hope" which tells the story straight from the appendices of the book LOTR of Aragorn's father and mother's struggle to keep their world from becoming extinct from Sauron's growing power. Also, "Hunt for Gollum" is from the appendices as well so these are Professor Tolkien's own extensions of the classic story of the One Ring. Both films are excellent for different reasons and they prove that one does NOT need an over-inflated Hollywood budget with big stars to make a high quality movie; they were made on shoestring budgets but the beauty is that one could not really tell even with close scrutiny. "The Hunt for Gollum", directed by Chris Bouchard is very Peter Jackson-like in the direction and feel of the movie whereas "Born of Hope" directed by the talented and lovely Kate Madison, who also produced and co-starred in the movie, has a different mood but well worth watching because it acts as a natural extension to the world of Middle Earth.So for all of those revelling in the Tolkien revival like I am, go to youtube and check out these gems! You won't regret it. BKT

You know, ever since I came to Ireland, I have felt stronger and stronger as not only an instrumentalist but as a vocalist as well. I do enjoy hearing peple tell me that that enjoy how I sing, admittedly. However, I must credit my vocal style not only to the influence of the great Stevie Wonder but also someone whom you may or may not know, the lead vocalist of the sadly defunct group, Mr. Mister: Richard Page.When the "Welcome to the Real World" album came out, it had three smash hit songs: " Kyrie Eleison", "Is it Love" and of course, the wonderfully ubiquitous "Broken Wings". It still is one of my all time favorite Pop albums because, in my opinion, EVERY song is a KILLER! I could not get over the beautiful artistry of that record: the arrangements, expert musicianship,the excellent songwriting, production, and the vocals. It was at a time when I feel that my voice was changing and I sang alot and trained my voice listening to that record. Mr. Page's reverence for MELODY influenced me to have the same. My mom, who wasn't a musician, gave me the most important lesson of all as a singer: "It ain't singing if you CAN'T understand the words". My mother was an exceptional woman for many reasons and I miss her every day. In fact, this blog, as well as my career, is dedicated to her because she had seen me grow as a singer PERSONALLY. She never told me to stop playing that record! She just smiled. I lost her 4 years ago to cancer and wherever I may go in life, her memory always stays with me. Mr. Page is the OTHER big vocal influence besides Mr. Wonder. His phrasing, careful breathing, and enunciation of words have helped me to become a better singer and if I ever get to meet him, I want to thank him for showing me how to be a good singer. Naturally, nothing beats proper vocal instruction but since I could not afford it, he was the next best thing as far as learning. BKT
P.S. The preproduction for the new project is underway and I PROMISE that this will be the most vocally-centered and acoustic guitar-oriented CD ever from me!:)

Hi folks! I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Easter! This special holiday is, of course, in remebrance of the Resurrection of our Lord and I want to just take the time to also thank Him for the many blessings that He has given me.BKT

Hello everyone! I know that I promised to deliver a blog om Music as Literature but so many interesting things have been happening to me in Dublin; one of my favorite spots in this terrific city is called "The Bleeding Horse". Some of the finest singer-songwriters and musicians call this pub home. I even met a great songwriter who worked with John Denver. Also, another great spot is at the Bankers Inn were the "Dave and Friends" open mic takes place every Tuesday. There is a great deal of amazing talent here and I look forward to working with some of these artists on my next project which willl definitely be called "The Raven Trail". I premiered it on the radio show which went very nicely. They will have a CD ready for me by next weekend and then I will have a link that one can click on to hear my interview. I had so much fun talking about my adventures here in Dublin, American politics, my love of the opposite sex, and of course, my songs. John and Gary, my two interviewers could have not been more gratious and funny and I thank them for a great time in my first real radio interview. I promise that you will be able to hear it once it gets into my hands! Take care!BKT

I have been informed that, indeed, it will be a live show so if you live in the Dublin area, I will be featured sometime between 5 and 6:30pm on the Regatta Show.Check it out!:)BKT

Helly everyone! I hope your St. Paddy's Day festivities were safe, enjoyable, and full of good alcohol!:) I had loads of fun here in Dublin since it was my first time celebrating the holiday here. The Irish are such lovely people. So , tomorrow I am off to do a radio interview at Dublin South FM on 93.9fm. It exclusively airs in Dublin and I will be performing some of my songs and discussing them. I don't know if it is live or not, but I will upload the interview on my website as soon as I receive a copy of the interview. I am honored to be a guest there and I am really looking forward to it. Have a great day!:) BKT

In life, I find that the more one lives it, year after year, one truly finds out more about oneself. Coming to a foreign yet beautiful land, I am thinking about my music more than ever before when I was in the States and that I HAVE to do this next CD even though it will only be a few songs. Oftentimes, people ask me who are my influences. For those who know me, I have said many times that James Taylor and Stevie Wonder are great heroes of mine.; yet, if I truly look at my musical makeup, aside from the Classical influences like Wagner, Profofiev, Mussorgsky, and Beethoven, my musical style has been shaped by a basic pattern( but not confined by it): Stevie Wonder influenced me in terms of not only his great artistry but his vocal style; Paul McCartney influenced me to the degree of being a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer; James Taylor influenced my acoustic guitar style;the late great (and GROSSLY underappreciated) Dan Fogelberg without a doubt, influenced my songwriting style along with the magnificent Gordon Lightfoot; Billy Joel was also a HUGE influence on my piano playing which, I am sure, you can hear in my song "The Knight and The Queen". Looking back, I can safely say that these are my idols and always will be and the music world has greatly benefited from their towring examples.BKT

I want to take this time out to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day and to NEVER forget the important role that mothers play in this world. They are the true beacons of wisdom and frtitude in our lives and this cannot be denied. I was raised solely by my mother without a father after he died prematurely when I was 6 years old. She was the strongest, most influential person in my life and I think about her every day. I lost her to cancer four years ago and I try to live my life as a testimony to her spirit and confidence that she had in me while she was alive. I still feel her incredible spirit with me wherever I go and I only hope that I make her proud with what I am trying to do with my life.BKT

Hey everybody! I just came from playing a set of my songs in a pub called"The Bleeding Horse";it was one of the most rewarding performance experiences of my life! Being the adventurous soul that I am, I looked into the open mic situation in Dublin after a fellow musician told me about this place just to get back into performing mode. Normally in an open mic, a performer would only be allowed to play 2 songs, but the crowd was so wonderful, they asked me to play 5! There would have been a sixth one, but the place had to close. This is one of those kind of experiences to remember! I feel truly blessed to have been received so well. As for the recording, I had to delay it for a week because I am still just getting over a really bad cold I had but I am 98% back to normal. I want to be PERFECT for this EP I am planning to record! So take care and I promise to deliver that blog on Music as Literature I promised you!BKT:)

Hey! Now that I have decided what to record, I will be in the studio starting next weekend in a whole new country, working with different engineers, working on a new project! As mentioned before, it will definitely be an EP and it will most likely be called "The Raven Trail". I will keep you posted..so busy! Cheers!BKT

Hello folks! I am currently working on a new blog for you that will be called "Music As Literature" so keep your eyes peeled:) BKT.

Sometimes, as an artist, I wonder just how far my music has gone as far as being heard. Well, I made a pleasantly recent discovery that the internet radio station, Celticaradio.com, has consistently put me on their playlist with a song I submitted "Just One Kiss". In fact, it was featured in the Continental Breakfast edition last month with other independent artists. I must thank celtica radio.com for believing in my music and keeping me on their playlist; now I am truly psyched about recording the new music! BKT

Hey gang! I have reached Ireland and I must say that it is quite a wonderful experience! The staff here in my university is grand and I am finally settling in. Now I can concentrate on writing essays, fiction, and of course, music. Sorry it took so long to write my latest entry; I have been rather busy.Please feel free to pick up a copy of my CD, Dreamwalk if you have a chance. Currently, I am still doing preproduction work on my latest project which will be an EP of new material. Also, check in again soon because I will write new blogs on film, music, and literature as well as complete my series on "writing for Orchestra". Take care! BKT:)

Hey gang! well, it's a done deal; I am heading overseas during the first week in February to finish my Master's degree and work on my new CD. I am so sorry I have not made a new entry in a while. You can only imagine how busy I must be now!This is, without question, the most exciting period of my life and I cannot wait to record some new music, learn new things, and meet new people! I promise to be more consistent with my future updates! BKT

Now that I have recovered from all of the holiday festivities (lol), I want to wish you all a prosperous new year! I have so much planned for 2010, it's not even funny! Preproduction for the new project is going smoothly and my studies are moving ahead quite well. The "Raven Trail" EP may be my most interesting CD to date but I don't want you to forget about "Dreamwalk" because I haven't!:) More to come, so stick around! BKT

Hey gang! If you haven't done so yet, feel free to get a copy of my past project, "Dreamwalk", that is available on this site! Take care! KT

Hello everybody! I am finally able to have time enough to make a new entry here. I want to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and as usual I will have more to come and more to share with you for the coming year! BKT

Hey gang! I know that I haven't posted anything in a while but I have been very busy making preparations for a new project as well as embarking upon the next leg of my journey towards a Master's degree that I plan to get next year before I pursue my doctorate. Anyway, some inner voice told me to go and rent the 2006 movie version of the classic Tristan and isolde story starring James Franco. Admittedly, I went to the theatre with bated breath anticipating a spectacle that would have made Wagner proud and initially I was disappointed. How dare they leave out the potion exchange between the two lovers on the ship that is headed towards King Mark's land???? (as a sidenote, someone said in the Special Features section of the DVD that the potion was taken out because it created love between them when Tristan and Isolde drank it in a cup unwittingly, but this reading is clearly wrong: the potion only brought out feelings that were already there!) What about the Liebestod where Isolde mentions love as a transcendental force that can even conquer death? Well, at least they DID hint at the idea in the movie:). Now let's fast forward four years in the present time: I watched it last night and got teary-eared at the end ( I have no qualms being a man and saying that! lol) Then, I was compelled to watch the Special Features section and then I got it: if the filmmakers were attempting to Wagnerize the feature film that would have to be palatable to the general audience, it would have been an abominable mistake!Why? Well, for starters, Film and Opera renditions are different renditions of Art which require different approaches to the material at hand. Second, I truly appreciate the care of attention and detail the project had in addition to the wonderful performances of James Franco (Tristan), Rufus Sewell (King Mark) and the lovely Sophia Myles (what a hottie!). Long ago, I watched a movie version of the legend that is not well known starring Nicholas Clay as Tristan (who played Lancelot in one of my all-time favorite films, "Excalibur"), Kate Mulgrew as Isolde (Captain Janeway in the Star Trek TV series "Voyager" among other things in which she has appeared) and----get this---the late great actor Richard Burton as King Mark! If any of you have any ideas how I could procure a copy of this version on DVD, I would be eternally grateful:) So why has the legend of Tristan and Isolde, two star-crossed lovers, that are pre-Romeo and Juliet Elizabethan era, so endearing, so immortal in our hearts, minds, and souls? Well, I can only speak for myself by saying that they are indicative of the idea of human love as an inextinguishable flame that burns eternally if it is ignited by two people who are right for each other. No matter the circumstances, no matter the obligations of honor and duty, love is a true force that permeates and ultimately dominates destiny if allowed, regrdless of either blissful or tragic results. Love is the conflagration of souls that constantly burn for each other. Unfortunately for tristan and Isolde, the flame consumed their existence, but when they were alive, the flame kept them alive in a barren world of desolation and tradition. I hinted in my own way about this kind of love, this Liebestod (pronounced LEE-beh-Shtode) or translated from German as Love/Death in my song "The Knight and the Queen" but fortunately, my protoganists did not die from mortal wounds, sorrow, or jumping into flames in order to be cleansed of an ancient curse like two other doomed Wagnerian lovers, Siegfried and Brunnhilde. My characters in the song have a flame that burns and is sustained throughout their lives. What is the beauty of Tristan and Isolde? In my opinion, it is simply the willingness and openness to subject oneself to what true love can give you. "When you reached out to me, it was not hard to see that true romance was not just a dream for the Knight and the Queen"...BKT
P.S. How could I forget Anne Dudley's excellent score?:)

Hey gang! Now that I am back talking about music, I want to give you a little more insight into what I ahve planned for my next project. It will definitely be called "The Raven Trail" and I will try to incorporate elements that go back to my folk and country roots. My family is originally from the lovely Tarheel state of North Carolina, so naturally I love the indigenous parts of it like beautiful nature, great barbecue AND country/folk music. But here's the rub: since I plan to finish my Master's degree in Dublin, Ireland starting early next year, I want to show the relationship between indigenous American music and Irish music. I have always felt that the two compliment each other because they both share wonderful virtues. First, I want to use more more solo violin for certain songs and also I may even play mandolin in this record! It will be much more organic than the last project, of which I am proud, and include even such instruments as the Irish instrument, the bodhran which is a hand held, small drum played with a mallet. Historically, it has been used as a battle drum for past wars. When I hear Celtic music, oftentimes I think that it has similarities to Jazz because of the free style nature of the music and its organic makeup reminds me of Folk and Country. I will try and use these features in the new CD and I have finished writing a few of the new songs and I am quite happy with them. Amidst current romantic heartbreak, plans for my future, and constant writing, the floodgates of my creativity have been reopened. Simply, I try to write and record the best material I can and I hope that you will like my new musical offering once it is completed. I plan to start recording next month and will finish it up in the Emerald Isle. I look forward to sharing future thoughts and experiences with you about this process. In the meantime, feel free to pick up my current release, "Dreamwalk"!:) BKT

This is a curious instrument because it is neither French nor a Horn. From WHENCE did the name came? Who knows? One thing is for certain, though; it is one of the loveliest sounding instruments in the orchestra because it can be mellow, yet biting in its timbre. Writing this entry reminds me of my days in Music and Art High school: my first girlfriend was a French horn player. She was my official coach for entrance into the wonderful world of kissing. Haven't you heard that brass players are excellent kissers because of the embouchere they have to use to play their instruments?:) Remember in my last entries that an embouchere (pronounced EM-Boo-SHER) is the method of positioning one's lips in order to produce a sound. Anyway, a French Horn is tuned either in Bb or F. It is also the second highest instrument in the brass family; naturally, the trumpet is the highest. I like scoring it in a number of ways. For quick, playful passages I like a few eight notes, sixteenth notes and variations. What automatically comes to mind is Richard Strauss' "Till EulenSpiegel". There is a famous French Horn passage that is considered to be a classic and is a major theme of the piece. Also, Mozart wrote the Five Horn Concertos which are definitive explorations of the instrument. How about that French Horn solo in the Beatles' "For No One" ? The French Horn has a great, expressive power in slow passages as well. Here are a few recommendationw for further listening:
(a) Poulenc's "Elegie"
(b) Richard Strauss' "Horn Concerti"
(c) Brahms' "Horn Trio"
Go to your nearest library, take out these musical treasures and enjoy! A note for Star Wars fans: did you know that ewan MacGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) plays this instrument?:) BKT
A second note: Dennis Brain, the principal Horn player for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the time of the legendary conductor, Herbert Von Karajan, was scheduled to appear at a Beatles recording session but was unfortunately killed in a car accident. He is also known for popularizing the instrument in the twentieth century and came from a family tradition of Horn players! BKT

A few weeks ago, I caught Guillermo del Toro's second installment of the Hellboy series and I must say that I really that it was a beautifully made film. for those who enjoyed it as I did, I thought that Iw ould add a few things in this blog that would want to make you give it another look. First, the villain ogf the film was called Prince Nuada. Now I remember my Celtic undergraduate studies in college and when I first heard his name mentioned I smiled: Nuada, in Irish Myth, was the first king of the Tuatha De Danann ( the early race of gods and goddesses that fought against the Fir Bolg, their enemy tribe) and played an important role in Celtic lore as a fierce warrior and eventual king. Now when he lost his hand during battle, a clever physician, Dianchecht, with a magical cure, fashioned him with a new, silver hand and thus, he was forever known as Nuada Silverhand. One of my favorite authors, Michael Moorcock, was obviously inspired by this story with his Corum series (which I am currently re-reading; I grew up reading these stories!) Moorcock's hero was called Corum of the Silver Hand in the sequel trilogy he wrote for this great character based upon his multiverse that is populated by different aspects of a hero that spans the ages called the "Eternal Champion". Anyway, I thought that it was very astute of Mr. Del Toro to use Celtic images to add weight to his screenplay. Oh, and by the way, since Peter Jackson is not directing the film version of the Lord of the rings "prequel" that Prof. Tolkien wrote (even before LOTR), "The Hobbit" (at last!) I think that he is the PERFECT choice to helm the project! His sense of filmaking is astonishing! Foe anyone who has not sieen "Pan's Labyrinth", do yourself a favor and rent it! It is quite a film! Ok, let me get back "Hellboy 2". Nuada's father in the film, King Balor, is also taken from Celtic mythology. He was King Balor of the One Eye of the race of Giants. I might be wrong but he may have evn had one eye in the film! (don't quote me on that one, though; I have to see it again). Mr. Del Toro also directed the first hellboy film which was also a triumph in storytelling and art direction. My recommendation would be to rent BOTH films in Blu-Ray format for the best results. Enjoy! BKT

I can virtually play almost twenty different musical instruments but there is one that I always go back to and is usually my first choice to pick up when I start writing a song: the guitar. It is a very handy instrument and one cannot certainly pick up a piano and go outside to play!:) However, a guitar does not have this handicap (nothing is wrong at all with a piano, of course; one literally has the orchestra at one's fingertips and it was my very first instrument!). I thought it would be interesting to share with you how accessible the instrument actually is and can instantly become your new friend. When I was a kid, I thought of every instrument I acquired as a new friend. Oftentimes, the mistake of quickly alienating a student to the guitar or any instrument is made. I do not want to make that mistake here, so welcome to a new world!:) I am imagining now how I would teach the instrument. First, here are some questions:

(1) Where are the frets located on a guitar?(a)
(a) near the tuning pegs
(b) near the saddle
(c) near the soundhole
(d) near the pick guard
(e) on the neck

(2) From where did it come?

(a) England
(b) Afghanistan
(c) Africa
(d) The United States
(e) Spain

(3) How many strings are on a basic guitar?

(a) 8
(b) 6
(c) 5
(d) 4
(e)12

(4) Where is the bridge located on the guitar?:)

(5) Who is NOT a guitar player?
(a) Jimmy Page
(b) Jean-Luc Ponty
(c) Brian May
(d) Paul McCartney
(e) Angus Young

(6) Which song is NOT necessarily a guitar-centered one?

(a) Stairway To Heaven
(b) Dust in the Wind
(c) Classical Gas
(4) She's Got a Way
(5) She's Got A Ticket To Ride

Ok, ok, the last question may have been a no-brainer, but you got my point!:) Now here are some answers:
#1: (e) ; #2: (e) (although there is evidence that it really is (c); #3: this was a trick question because there are six-string and twelve string guitars, so the answers are (b) and (e); #4: The bridge is located near the saddle where the strings end at almost the bottom of the instrument; #5: (b) and (e): Jean Luc- ponty is a famous jazz-rock violinist and Angus Young is the lead singer of the classic rock group, ACDC; #6: (4) Ok, the Billy Joel song was a given:). Well, now that you tried my little pop quiz, check out the video I chose:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2DfAY5K_tc