Emma and I went to a concert four years ago. It was short with no real production value beyond young, energetic, genuine singer-songwriter playing multiple guitars with a smallish band who truly seems to enjoy playing with her.
My favorite moments were when she was presented a Buck Owens guitar and she became speechless with joy. Buck is a big thing in Bakersfield. He is one of those iconic, all across the world known legends who chose to live here, create business here and continues to have an influence here.
I am guessing there were somewhere between three and four thousand people in the house. It was a short concert: less than an hour in length. I enjoyed myself wholeheartedly.
I said to Emma back then, “She is about the most genuine famous person I have ever seen in my life.”
What I meant was she is like Merriam-Webster defintes genuine:“Truly what something is said to be; authentic: "genuine leather". She is sincere, first and foremost.
Emma and I saw the same young woman’s concert last night at Staples Center in Los Angeles. I wondered how she had changed as a performer.
Let me say this: her concert was the most lavish production I have seen in a concert, ever.
It tripled in length, it had numerous costume changes and ridiculously difficult technical elements she ran through without even appearing to break a sweat.
Gone was her sort of unusual, unpolished leg movements as she played her guitar and sang. Gone was her row of guitars on the stage, replaced by a man bringing her new instruments throughout the night.
Remaining was her time roving through the audience, which had also quadrupled in size. Remaining was her awe over the audience response.
She is the real deal.
I am grateful Emma chooses to continue to enjoy her, without apology.
Taylor Swift: we will always be your fan. Keep writing the music, keep performing, keep being a role model who isn’t sexed up, drugged up, going into rehab or jail… keep that wonder alive. Oh, I pray you do.
Follow me on Twitter: @JulieJordanScot
Did you enjoyed this essay? Receive emails directly to your inbox for Free from Julie Jordan Scott via the Daily Passion Activator. One inspirational essay and poem (almost) every week day. Subscribe here now -
© 2011
Julie Jordan Scott
Recent Comments