The Soul Patrol: Toby & Taylor

That's right, the Soul Patrol is in town. Not really sure if Philadelphia needs any more soul, but I guess we can decide that tonight. I'll be honest, I am not really a fan of Taylor Hicks. I didn't vote for him nor do I agree with America that he should have won American Idol's Season 5. He's a good performer and singer, just not an "idol" to me. His part of the show should be entertaining with well-performed music even though his newly released album is contrived, boring, and a bit adult-contemporary. It's entitled Taylor Hicks. Original, don't you think? Tonight is really about his opening act, Toby Lightman. This is truly an artist who actually still has some soul in her.

Toby Lightman, a native to Cherry Hill, NJ released her sophomore album, Bird on a Wire, last summer. It's a mix of pop, funk and soul. Her press release states, "USA TODAY named her one of six 'female troubadours worth keeping your eyes, and ears on,' and People Magazine also gave her a glowing review stating, 'On her 2004 debut disc Little Things, Toby Lightman demonstrated that she was no small talent. This rewarding follow-up continues to shine a light on the singer-songwriter's knack for making rich, soulful pop.'"

It's nice to hear some local talent that is making it big. She has toured with many well-known bands, like OAR, Rob Thomas, Jewel, Gavin DeGraw, Train and Prince. This time it's with Taylor Hicks. I fear she might outshine the "real" talent tonight. You be the judge: who has the most soul, Toby or Taylor?

Live Nation presents Toby Lightman and Taylor Hicks
Tower Theater (69th St., Upper Darby)
Wed, April 11 2007, 8:00PM
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Photo courtesy of Andrew Zaeh