Byron Keith Taylor: News and Forum

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of the true greats in popular music, Michael Jackson. He was truly a gifted singer, dancer and entertainer. I would like to talk about another gift he truly possessed: GREAT SONGWRITING. We must remember that he wrote such gems as "Beat It", "Billie Jean", "Bad", "Black or White", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", and the list goes on. Often, he would record his ideas on a tape recorder and use that as a reference point. I want to thank him for being so inspirational to millions of people all over the world and breaking down barriers. It's crazy to think that an artist of such high caliber had trouble getting on the cover of Rolling Stone and getting "Billie Jean" played on MTV (Thanks must also go to Walter Yetnikoff, who was the head of CBS/Sony Records at the time who stood up for Michael). Anyway, the world is not quite the same after Mr. Jackson's passing, and I will always do my best to follow his example of being the best I can be as an artist. Michael, you will greatly missed. BKT

Stay tuned because I will have a very interesting, or at least I hope so, essay about my feelings about the "Sacred Feminine" subject that was so prominent in "The Da Vinci Code" in the next entry and no, I have not seen "Angels & Demons yet:) BKT

Right now, between preparing to go to Ireland in a few weeks, getting ready to record, and studying for my Master's, life is pretty interesting! On my spare time, I am watching some pretty cool new stuff! Did you know that Paramount started re-releasing the classic Star Trek episodes but with digital enhacements to commemorate the 40 year anniversary? I freaked out when I saw new planets, a totally revised Enterprise and more updated special effects on an episode I caught recently on TV! Anyway, I have more to tell you in new entries to come including more on the new project, my trip, new essays on music, film, and literature, and of course the continuation of my "Writing for Orchestra" series! Please stay tuned and, oh yes, BUY a CD!:) BKT

Please feel free to buy a copy of my current CD, Dreamwalk, if you like the songs you have heard here!:)BKT

Hey gang! I just wanted to give you a little more insight into my next project. it won't be as dynamic or aurally operatic as my last effort, "Dreamwalk", but instead it will be more downscaled with emphasis on my vocals and acoustic instruments, especially guitar. There will be more more story songs including the new one I wrote "The Raven Trail" which is a fictional account of a character I created inspired by two books I thoroughly enjoyed: "Black Indians" and "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee". As usual, I will keep you posted about the latest news! BKT:)

I want to give a shout-out to all of our Armed Forces and the daily sacrifice that they make to insure security for not only our nation but the world as well. They deserve our respect and praise. For those who around the world that are not familiar with this important American holiday, it is to commemorate our soldiers and veterans who have risked and given their lives protecting our country. I am not a supporter of war, but I am a supporter of the troops:) BKT

Hello! I am planning to complete an EP of about 4 new songs to compliment my "Dreamwalk" CD, which is still currently available so if you have not picked up a copy yet, please do so! I need the support:). take care and I will tell you more about the new project in the next entry!:) BKT

I am so thrilled that the new Star trek movie is doing so well! I feel that this movie, which I saw with my brother yesterday at an IMAX theater, TRULY represents what the franchise is all about: action, intrigue, a hint of sex, humor, and drama that sometimes goes to an operatic level. I LOVE the new cast! They obviously put a lot of time into studying the classic Trek cast even down to their mannerisms! (Notably, Karl Urban, of "Lord Of the Rings" fame, has the late great Deforest Kelley's Leonard "Bones" Mccoy character down to a tee!) Anyway, I have loved Star Trek ever since I was a boy and Captain Kirk has always been my favorite. Unlike Picard, he is the rogue adventurer, the symbol of rebellion against the stiff, and oftentimes, didactic Federation. Picard was more of a diplomat, but Kirk CLEARLY is a warrior personified which would explain Lt. Worf's exclamation in a time-travel DS9 episode where he and the crew go back to the classic "Trouble With Tribbles" episode": "It would be an honor to meet him". Even Klingons admit that Kirk reminds them of their warrior spirit! Also, I think that Trek at its best represents hope for a future where different races can put aside their differences, working towards a common goal of peace and understanding. We could learn a lot from that model of behavior. As a musician, I see that music brings people together also; that is why I am proud to be a musician.BKT

It looks like I have to make another statement about the guestbook: it is intended as a healthy blog/forum for discussion about music, film, books, and other subjects talked about in this website and NOT for solicitation of any kind. I will NOT tolerate drug or sex websites publicized on MY site! Feel free to try and do it but you are wasting your time because I will only DELETE it. Once again, ANYONE in the world is more than welcome to write to me or comment on my music or any topic I discuss here but please RESTRAIN from posting non-related material here. This is my site and I have the right to choose what is here! Thank you for your attention. BKT

When I was a kid, I remember sitting through a grade school assembly session where the kids were subjected to an animated movie about the different instruments of the orchestra and I admit that my favorite part was the "Trombone Song". The singer wailed Trom-BONE..Tro-o-omBONE!" and I still remember it! It is still a rather intriguing instrument to me. It is long and and cylindrical while producing these exquisite sounds. It was called a sackbut before the 18th century. Mozart and even his father Leopold loved to use the instrument. Mendelssohn founded the Musikhochschule where the trombone took on a new life. Christian Friedrich Sattler re-designed the trombone which spread widely throughout Europe and is the basis for what the instrument looks and sounds like today. Beethoven's use of trombones brought the instrument into 19th century recognition and admiration. I love using trombones in coherence with trumpets because I always felt that they were brothers in the family of the orchestra. Trombones, of course, have a more somber tone and can be used in counterpoint or in lower unison with the trumpets easily. They go together quite well. Also, the trombone is not a transposing instrument like the trumpet. They use either the bass or tenor clefs in a score. Of course, it is widely used in Jazz as well, but pop artist Thomas Dolby used it brilliantly in "Hyperactive" which shows the instrument's widespread appeal and diversity. Hope you enjoyed this week's blog; sorry for the long wait!:) BKT

Hey gang! It was my birthday this past Sunday so I had a chance to really relax and think about things. You know, being an artist is tough and one must really love what one does in order to stick with it. I intend to do some recording possibly in Ireland this year and will continue to promote my CD, Dreamwalk. There are other things I am working on and will keep you posted. Take care and I promise that the next post will be a continuation of my "writing for orchestra" series!:)BKT

Once again, thank you for your patience. My current CD, Dreamwalk, is available for purchase through this site as well as on Amazon and iTunes so don't hesitate to pick up a copy! BKT:)

remember when I wrote months ago about how much I enjoyed the latest Indiana Jones adventure because it touched upon real-life things like the Nasca lines in Peru? well, the latest issue of "Archaeology" revealed some interesting new discoveries about them thanks to German archaeologist Markus Reindel and Peruvian archaeologist Johnny Isla. According to their research using the latest 21st century technology and careful empirical analysis, they have suggested that the lines were that the Nascans and their predecessors, the Paracas may have drawn geoglyphs for rain ceremonies. Fascinating! Imagine these ancient people performing a ritual while treading on these lines to summon rain to water their lands! Since I am an avid Indy fan, It has led me to read about the latest discoveries and research projects in archaeology today. A singer-songwriter should always have interests outside of music!:) Oh and check out www.archaeology.org which is the official site for the mag! Till next time and I will tell you about my future plan to do some new recording in the Emerald Isle! BKT

I just want to wish everyone a happy celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and I wish you and your families peace and prosperity this year! BKT

Hey gang! Sorry I have been out of the loop for a while but I can happily say that I just got a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science! While I continue to pursue my music career, I am also studying for my Master's as well. Education is important to me and as an artist, I always search for more things to write about. I will keep you posted on what's going on with me music-wise. Keep coming back! BKT:)
Also, look for new installments to my Writing for Orchestra series, the BKT Movie and Book Club, and more!

Hello! Just a reminder that my CD, Dreamwalk, is back in stock and available for purchase now as I promised! Please feel free to buy a copy here or if you want, you can also purchase digital singles from the album as well. I need your support! Thanks again! BKT

Good news, guys: the Dreamwalk will once again be available to purchase by the end of this week! I just had some new ones made so please do not hesitate to buy a copy when it is available by this Friday at the latest!!!:) BKT

Hey gang! I took a few weeks off from music just to clear my head, write some new material (and I did) and formulate a gameplan for 2009. As I mentioned a few months ago, a campaign is underway for my CD, Dreamwalk, and now I am trying to get the finishing touches done before it starts including getting more CDs made! So please be patient with me; I promise to deliver! take care and God bless!:) BKT

Hi gang! Next week there are a number of things I plan to do including the acquisition of new CD copies!!!! Finally, I will be able to get them. Thank you for patience. Also, the writing of new material continues and I will demo a few songs next week. Also, I would like for you to check out a new link on myspace: www.myspace.com/sonyasky . Sonya Sky is an international dance singer who also happens to be a dear friend of mine for whom I wrote two songs: "Forgive Yourself" and "Catch-22". Recently she had a performance that I was not able to attend but I know she did very well. Sonya and I wrote "Catch-22" together and let me tell you that the experience taught me that I can write all types of styles once I put my mind to it. Check out her myspace page and the four songs on it. Ok, see you next time! BKT

Hello! If you had trouble getting the website site before, I apologize. Some work needed to be done. Anyway, here I am again and I have a few things lined up for this year. Celtica Radio Ltd. has agreed to play some of my music on their radio broadcasts ; I'll keep you up to date about this new opportunity for me. Also, I am finally graduating with a BA in Social Science next month. I am quite thrilled about it! Then I will start my Master's Degree program in English immediately. As a writer as well as a singer, I want to be able to express myself the very best I can and another degree certainly won't hurt me while I pursue a career in music!:) The surprise I was planning has to be postponed until I find the proper medium to expose it. Moreover, I apologize for currently not having a copy of my CD, Dreamwalk, available but that will change soon. In the meantime, the digital singles of each song can still be purchased through stores like Amazon and Apple iTunes at a very reasonable price, so don't hesitate to buy one! I promise that the CD will once again be available. These hard economic times are hitting everyone and grassroots artists like myself are certainly no exception! Well, I must be off! Till next time! BKT:)

Sorry it took so long to write another blog, guys; I have been busy and I am still working on that surprise for you! So we have officially inaugurated our first African-American president and it is a beautiful day! I look forward to preogressive changes that will affect our way of life around the globe and for artists, let's all move forward and get our careers going!:) BKT

Hey gang! I hope you had a wonderful time bringing in the new year! I know I did! Anyway, there is a lot to come this year so keep coming back and that surprise I was telling you about is on its way!BKT:)

To you and your family, I would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!:) BKT

It starts in January so watch out!:) BKT

I have a surprise for you guys before the end of the year so keep coming back:) BKT