The Brilliance of Terry Scott Taylor

We trekked downtown last night with a few friends for a unique Tuesday treat. Terry Scott Taylor was in town for one night, and he was performing in Deep Ellum. For those who don’t know Terry, he founded the CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) band, Daniel Amos. He was also a member of the Swirling Eddies and the Lost Dogs — all bands from my youth. Their music brings back lots of great memories.

Terry also happens to be an amazing song writer and composer. Many of his songs are limericks, and others “include allusions to and reworkings of material ranging from Elizabethan poets to modern authors.” Some are funny; others are moving — all are enjoyable.

Last night was billed as an “intimate evening with Terry Scott Taylor.” The venue was small, but a good crowd packed in to hear his music. Terry was joined by his son, Andrew, and Steve Hindalong (Lost Dogs’ member, founding member of The Choir, creator and producer of the ‘City on a Hill’ series, and co-writer of ‘God of Wonders’). Armed with a guitar, bass, and small drum set, the three entertained the audience with a collection of songs from years past and from Terry’s more recent solo collection.

Terry offered humorous commentary and insights between songs. He closed with a poignant song called “You Lay Down” which chronicles the final hours of Jess’ life. Here’s an excerpt:

In a garden of thorns
my Rose of Sharon
bleeds till she’s the color
of the moonlight
and though the angels wrap her
in their feathered arms
they cannot conceal her from
the darkest night

And you didn’t say a word
when they accused you
You did not fight back when the whole world used you

When hate was crowned King
your love never diminished
You stood meek as a lamb there
without blemish
and we laughed when you cried out,
“It is finished”

So you lay down
you lay down
and I’ll step upon your back
up high enough
above the fence
to see all the way to glory land

Powerful, huh?

After the concert, Terry stayed around for an open Q&A session, fielding questions from the audience and offering insight into his journey as an artist and song writer. It was a neat ending to a fabulous night of music.