Who?
Taylor
Where?
San Francisco, California
What?
"This was the best set I have heard in a long time. You are one amazing musician!"
How did he react?
"Thank you very much!"
How did I feel?
So I have told you I was never much of a crazy fan. No posters up on my wall, no magazines kept in a drawer because there were pictures of Aaron or Britney or Justin in there. Just my beloved Bach and I. Okay, l have to admit: There may have been one. Or two. I did have a heavy phase with Harry Potter which included me secretly turning into Dumbledore's niece- a character I made up-, chopsticks used as wands and crazy running through the apartment, shouting "expelliarmus!". I was part of that world for years.
The second one was Dido. Obviously my baroque musician mom did not approve of that, in fact she would enter my room and shout: "If you don't turn off this fabric softener music straight away I promise I will go off!" As soon as she'd left my room I turned white flag straight back on, sang a second voice and imagined I was Dido's duet partner on her world tour. I don't think I have ever told anyone that.
Either way- even though I did go to a Dido concert and stared at her in awe for 70 minutes- I have never gone up to anybody and asked them for an autograph, sharing my praise with them, shivering on the inside. Until I met Taylor McFerrin.
Initially I hadn't gone to his gig for him but for Animal Collective whose supporting act he played as. I left after three songs of the Collective- I just didn't feel them- but I was amazed by every single note Taylor had played before. And by the vibe he spread. And by his countless talents...
Of course the first person I associated with McFerrin was his father, Bobby McFerrin, but once I heard Taylor play I realized he is a grown up artist of his own. I knew the moment he started: This guy was special. He seemed completely wholehearted. Starting of with a row of slow chords he immediately brought me down and softened me- doing pretty much the opposite of what I had expected from a DJ. I found myself listening to an intimate and subtle sound that moved me in a deep place. This place is one I can only allow my closest friends entrance to. On few occasions artists manage to enter, too, when they are in that exact space within themselves while playing. I know Taylor was because otherwise I would not have been touched where I was. His first five chords made me fall for his music. I was amazingly grateful to be taken to that core of mine out of the blue and rest in intimacy for a few precious moments.
Taylor
Where?
San Francisco, California
What?
"This was the best set I have heard in a long time. You are one amazing musician!"
How did he react?
"Thank you very much!"
How did I feel?
So I have told you I was never much of a crazy fan. No posters up on my wall, no magazines kept in a drawer because there were pictures of Aaron or Britney or Justin in there. Just my beloved Bach and I. Okay, l have to admit: There may have been one. Or two. I did have a heavy phase with Harry Potter which included me secretly turning into Dumbledore's niece- a character I made up-, chopsticks used as wands and crazy running through the apartment, shouting "expelliarmus!". I was part of that world for years.
The second one was Dido. Obviously my baroque musician mom did not approve of that, in fact she would enter my room and shout: "If you don't turn off this fabric softener music straight away I promise I will go off!" As soon as she'd left my room I turned white flag straight back on, sang a second voice and imagined I was Dido's duet partner on her world tour. I don't think I have ever told anyone that.
Either way- even though I did go to a Dido concert and stared at her in awe for 70 minutes- I have never gone up to anybody and asked them for an autograph, sharing my praise with them, shivering on the inside. Until I met Taylor McFerrin.
Initially I hadn't gone to his gig for him but for Animal Collective whose supporting act he played as. I left after three songs of the Collective- I just didn't feel them- but I was amazed by every single note Taylor had played before. And by the vibe he spread. And by his countless talents...
Of course the first person I associated with McFerrin was his father, Bobby McFerrin, but once I heard Taylor play I realized he is a grown up artist of his own. I knew the moment he started: This guy was special. He seemed completely wholehearted. Starting of with a row of slow chords he immediately brought me down and softened me- doing pretty much the opposite of what I had expected from a DJ. I found myself listening to an intimate and subtle sound that moved me in a deep place. This place is one I can only allow my closest friends entrance to. On few occasions artists manage to enter, too, when they are in that exact space within themselves while playing. I know Taylor was because otherwise I would not have been touched where I was. His first five chords made me fall for his music. I was amazingly grateful to be taken to that core of mine out of the blue and rest in intimacy for a few precious moments.
Later his sound rose. Lively rhythms moved my feet, sweet melodies made me smile and surprising chord progressions mesmerized me. Taylor DJed, played the rhodes, sang, looped his voice and had his sister sing with him- she is another family talent. The way she masters her voice left me with an open mouth. Her technique was one of the most outstanding ones I have heard in years. She danced her way up and down the stage while her face's glow showed how much she enjoyed every note she fired away. So did Taylor. As long as he was playing his body moved with the music naturally and his eyes were those of a young boy who is absorbed in his favorite game. He was all in, body, mind, soul. Once the music stopped he looked up, and suddenly turned into a man who was out of place. In the most humble voice he told the crowd: "Thank you.". Then he turned back to his rhodes- and got immersed in music again. Rarely have I experienced such a modest and honest person behind life act.
Afterwards I saw him outside selling his album. That's when I knew I had to tell him how I felt about his music. It was weird and beautiful- walking up to that person who had just moved me in the most intimate space and talking to him for the first time- but he reacted just like he had seemed on stage: Calm, humble, friendly. And, of course, said nothing more than: "Thank you very much! I appreciate it." That's when I decided use the compliment for the blog. I told him about it and he was down for a picture. Taylor, thank you for being the first star i ever walked up to with shaky legs long after my teenage years, all because your music touched and impressed me so much I got insecure around you! Thank you for that experience! But most of all thank you for being your wonderful, modest self and for sharing your great sound.
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