For reasons unexplained, when Taylor Hicks finally released his long-delayed concert DVD Whomp at the Warfield there was very little promotion on his part. Hicks had long promised that his 2007 concert at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre would eventually be released, talking about it frequently in interviews. In early 2010, Image Entertainment released the disc, enhanced for 16x9 TVs and sporting a muscular Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. After that Hicks seemed content to never bring it up again. As a result, Whomp at the Warfield inevitably vanished quickly into obscurity. That's a shame because the 84 minute concert stands as possibly the best document of Hicks' extraordinary talent currently available.
Now that Hicks has retired his Teen Angel pompadour, completing at long last his national tour with Grease, he has returned to what he does best: fronting a skilled touring band. The timing couldn't be better to check out what he's capable of onstage. Back in 2007, Hicks was riding high following a number one single and an RIAA-certified platinum album. The Warfield show captured an electrifying eight-piece band tearing through a set list that included Hicks' originals as well as covers - sometimes woven together in the same performance. It's a tour through the varied influences that shaped Hicks' style, including rock, R&B, funk, and classic soul.
Throughout the show, Hicks proves himself a very generous bandleader. Everyone gets a chance to shine, especially the intensely grooving rhythm section of Felix Pollard (drums) and Al Carty (bass). Numerous impressive solos are contributed by saxophonist Brian Gallagher and guitarist Josh Smith. The Taylor Hicks concert experience is a showcase for expert musicianship, with many songs taking off in unexpected directions. Van Morrison's "Naked In the Jungle" gives way to Sly and the Family Stone's "Dance To the Music." Hicks' own "Heart and Soul" blends with a couple verses from Chuck Berry's "Brown Eyed Handsome Man." The band follows Hicks wherever he decides to take them.
The harmonica that became Hicks' calling card early in his career makes several appearances, never outstaying its welcome. He also demonstrates solid rhythm guitar skills. Soaring above it all are the impassioned vocals that earned Hicks his stardom. Pouring energy and conviction into every song, he consistently manages to legitimize the comparisons to more seasoned artists that have been made since he first rose to prominence. The temptation to devolve into fanboyish overstatement is ever-present when appraising an artist who I believe has received undue criticism. Hicks really doesn't fit into any easily marketable niche. His studio work comes across sometimes as stiff and overly mannered. But onstage he becomes electric; every move he makes is an extension of his musicality.
Article comments
1 - juliegr
Great blog review. You covered so many excellent points: the harmonica, the voice, the energy, the tight hand-picked band, the music itself, Taylor's ability to take a song to a high point then climb even higher at the conclusion and the BEAUTY of The Right Place.
I, too, wish more publicity had been given to this fantastic live performance DVD put if more reviews like your's are printed, people will turn to discover what Taylor is all about.
Thanks for the great review.
2 - caroleinfl
Thanks for saying what I have been feeling. Whomp At The Warfield is a fantistic show.
I have the dvd. I wish every fan would get this wonderful treasure.
3 - dnjmorton aka judy
What a wonderful review of Whomp at the Warfield. You captured the essence of Taylor - the music that is in his soul. I hope everyone can see Taylor LIVE on his current tour. You will be begging for MORE from this very talented young man.
4 - IGotTheMusicInMe
Everything you say about this DVD is true. It's a standout among performance videos. The sound is exceptional. The set list extraordinarily exciting and interesting. The musicianship and vocals of Hicks - outstanding. He's the real deal.
5 - KimLoree
If you agree with this review...please share it with a friend. Everyone should get a chance to see Taylor Hicks in action. He just gets lost in the music and takes you with him.
6 - Sarah
To see Whomp at the Warfield is to get a glimpse as to the true Taylor and his live performances.
He puts his "all" into every show.
He never disappoints!! Too bad Idol never promoted him the way they promoted some of the less talented contestants they had on...just because Taylor knows the "ropes" of the business and wouldn't let Idol control him and his music. Taylor will still be around performing even when the Idol show is long forgotten.
7 - Gr8fulheart
WHOA ~ do you ever 'Get Him'! You have captured the full picture of Taylor Hicks right here & now. It is satisfying to see people opening their eyes to who this artist is & what he delivers through 'His' music.
'Whomp At The Warfield' is pure magic. Lets hope that others will get their hands on this masterpiece & share it with others.
Thanx so much, for this honest & accurate review. I am grateful?
8 - Daphne Lee
Chad, the controversial writer to a fault? i wonder why he want to start of his article with negativity? is it his ploy to grab attention?
well, it only got me to resent..helluva lot!
Soul Patrollette, always & forever
for HANDSOME MR TAYLOR HICKS, Daphne
9 - Daphne Lee
From Grease, 'he has returned to what he does best: fronting a skilled touring band.
& Whomp At the Warfield 'Live' stands as 'best document of Hicks' extraordinary talent
- TAYLOR, from across the miles here in Singapore, i know you are by far the best Winner of the show, and you are the American Idol who immediately got a biography written, got invited to star in broadway show/s and the only Winner to have travelled 'The Distance' to guest star in the only one Asian Idol that attempted to bring the world closer, and you will always be The One!
So many spin-offs to like Ray Charles, all the Taylors and Taylor-parts written all over into t.v. serials..
TAYLOR HICKS has made so much impact, it is more than anyone could have imagine...
last but not least, even the tiniest tod in the most remote place on earth is going...
Whoooooo hooooo a la TAYLOR HICKS
Ur e Best!
HICKS's chick, Soul Patroller, Daphne
@Singapore
10 - Ann
Wonderful read. Finally some one else is feeling and seeing what a lot of us see in Mr. Hicks complete talent. I've been to a few of his concerts and have his Warfield DVD and a few music CDs. They are really some hard working musicians. It is so nice to read something positive for a change. Thank you, kindest wishes to you and yours, Ann
11 - GEEG
WOW....THIS IS A FANTASTIC DVD. THANKS FOR THE RECOMMENDATION
12 - san_tthc
Thanks for giving Taylor Hicks and Whomp at the Warfield their due and for verbalizing so well the essence of Taylor and his music. Some of us have known all along the magic that he creates when he takes the stage. It makes you go again and again to see Mr. Hicks. You "get" what he is all about--the MUSIC!
13 - Flower
Thanks Chad for the best and most spot on review of Taylor and his music. While the DVD is great, nothing compares with seeing Taylor live on stage. He is doing what he was born to do -- entertaining and bringing joy to his audience, his musicians...and himself. Taylor on stage is MAGIC and all about the MUSIC!
14 - Marian
Fantastic review, honest and true. Taylor's talents are captured in your review perfectly!
15 - Kathleen
Thank you so much - FINALLY someone realizes the true talent of Taylor Hicks! He is the unsung hero of American Idol winners. Hicks is the most unique winner, and the most original. Sure Kelly Clarkson has a great voice, Ruben Studdard is good but where is he now, Fantasia was fantastic and also deserves more recognition, Carrie Underwood is the most over-rated winner with her typical country-girl twang, Jordin Sparks is OK but nothing special, David Cook is good - I've seen him in concert, and he really rocks but is typical, Kris Allen is also very good but is overshadowed by the preening and over-rated Adam Lambert, and I didn't watch this season cuz Paula was gone and I wasn't impressed with the top 12 at all.
No AI winner holds a candle to Taylor Hicks and I'm glad he is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Even Simon Cowell finally came around and gave Hicks a standing ovation in '09 when he was promoting "The Distance". Cowell is now one of his biggest fans.
16 - Terry
Saw him at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC......awesome showmanship!