Regarding...
I'm not familiar with those songs. Do you all think they're good choices for Taylor?
I'm not going to comment on GUITAR MAN because I'm unfamiliar with the song. The only song with that title that I know of was the one sang by the group BREAD ( composed by their lead singer, David Gates) in the 1970's. But by then, Elvis was dead.
As for YOU GAVE ME A MOUNTAIN...
Just in case the "rumor" is correct, I found this to listen to:
http://hometown.aol.com/black4hawk/Page16.html Give it a listen and tell me what you think ( that means anyone ).
For those who forgot...or don't know what the song is.
YOU GAVE ME A MOUNTAIN is a lamentation and gospel/blues. It is a very difficult song to sing and requires a lot of raw emotion. Also, the notes are qite high and highlights range and power to sustain notes.
For those who read the Bible, think about the BOOK OF JOB.
Taylor, I guess chose this to show that he isn't always or just about being FUNKY and dancing. He wants to show his serious side too.
Mere vocal technique ( like what Kat Mcphee usually does ) isn't going to cut it. YOU NEED TO CONNECT to the audience.
If you don't have passion, the song will be meaningless. If you do on the other hand, It'll bring tears ....
It will be a COMPLETE change from PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC and will definitley NOT be Balmy Taylor ( to use Simon's British term).
Here are the lyrics to the song...
Born in the heat of the desert
My mother died giving me life
Deprived of the love of a father
Blamed for the loss of his wife
You know lord I’ve been in a prison
For something that I never done
It’s been one hill after another
I’ve climbed them all one by one
But this time, lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn’t just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this time
My woman got tired of heartaches
Tired of the grief and the strife
So tired of working for nothing
Just tired of being my wife
She took my one ray of sunshine
She took my pride and my joy
She took my reason for living
She took my small baby boy
But this time, lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn’t just a hill any longer