Update on Tami Gosnell

I just received this email from Tami Gosnell today and thought I'd go ahead and post it. I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

Hello everyone!

I finally got a chance to sit down and fill you all in on what's been happening! At the beginning of May, I went to Cannon Beach, Oregon to do some songwriting, catch up on some business with my manager, and play a show at the Warren House Pub. I actually got some press out of this impromptu gig.

American Idol Contestant Surprises North Oregon Coast
Gosnell plays Warren House in Cannon Beach

(Cannon Beach) -- The tiny town of Cannon Beach got a bit of a surprise Wednesday with an appearance by a former contestant on Fox's "American Idol" show.

Tami Gosnell played a practically impromptu set at the Warren House Pub that night, to a mellow but somewhat full house, filling the show with powerful acoustic versions of her original material and a rousing, rather intense set of covers from a variety of eras. She also cut loose a bit for BeachConnection.net cameras and added some amusing material near the end of the show.

Gosnell appeared briefly on this last season's "American Idol." Her audition and subsequent quick dismissal from the show made a major impact on the press at the time, garnering much attention by the media as the big pick during the show's preliminary airings of accepted auditions. Gosnell was shown getting praised by even the ill-tempered Simon Cowell, getting the green light to join the top 40 contestants in Hollywood. She was among the first 16 to be nixed from that group, footage which the show also aired. On top of her gutsy audition, it showed her walking out and telling people nearby that she'd made it into the first cut. It later showed her walking out and telling cameras she was cut from the first Hollywood group.

Gosnell is currently under the wing of music industry promoter/producer Scott Stimpson, who lives part time in Cannon Beach. Stimpson is co-owner of two music companies: one which manages up and coming acts like Gosnell; another that has in the past booked major national acts, such as Guns 'N' Roses and Hootie and the Blowfish.

Stimpson brought Gosnell out to the area to perform coffee house-style, just before she had to head back to her hometown of Denver, Colorado.

"She had quite an impact on the audience when her segments first aired," said Stimpson. "She had the most hits of all the female singers at the time. The Associated Press ran a story saying she was basically the most interesting at that point."

That AP story did some siazable things for Gosnell's career, she said. The show itself was major publicity, but the subsequent media buzz was even bigger.

"We're now in touch with a lot of publicists who want to work with her," Stimpson said. "We're heading to Memphis to record some songs soon, and there's a record company in L.A. that's interested in her.

There's a great team that's developing here. She's been talking to the press constantly since the show."

Stimpson said Gosnell's buzz included numerous comparisons to Janis Joplin, including comments she was the closest "American Idol" would ever come to having someone like Joplin on the show.

Gosnell's voice has much of the same bluesy, commanding style that was indicative of Joplin, but her material has a surreal sense about it: almost as if Mazzy Star or Tori Amos had joined forces with the deceased icon. Her songwriting is intelligent, even complex in moments. Her own material far outshines whatever she can possibly do to reiterate the songs of others', no matter how passionate the performance. It's not hard to wonder if she was artistically injuring herself by associating with the "American Idol" franchise, widely regarded among music critics as a problematic, aesthetic cancer in the U.S. music industry.

Gosnell goofed around briefly with various patrons. After an extended break, where the show appeared to have ended, she started in again with some interesting covers from bands like Pink Floyd. Gosnell and the audience got particularly wild near the end of the evening, according to various reports from residents. This included one man taking his shirt off during the show and amusing everyone--- The Beach Connection

On May 13th, I arrived in Nashville for some songwriting sessions with some great writers there, including Amanda Williams (amandawilliamsmusic.net). It was very productive, fun, and inspiring. Then I played some songs at Blue Bar on the 14th and Fuel on the 15th. Then we hopped into a great studio and recorded one of the songs we wrote called 'The One That Got Away'. Thanks to Amanda, I had a blast in Nashville and I will be making regular trips to and from there for more writing, playing, and recording.

The last weekend of May I attended the Durango Songwriters Expo in Santa Barbara, CA. I made so many great contacts, got to hob-nob with some major players in the business including a private sing-along with Tony Scalzo of Fastball. I also got to show some of my talent on stage at the late night open mic, and I must say the response was great. The weekend was so inspiring I wrote some new songs- once again reminding me that my music knows no genre it just simply is!!

June was a month of gathering even more inspiration as I spent almost 2 weeks on the road beginning in Northern California. I played an opener for the Jerry Garcia Band there in Guerneville, had a few days off to look for a place to live. On the 19th, I saw the best show of my life. Roger Waters of Pink Floyd played the Oakland Coliseum. They did the whole Dark Side of the Moon album and also songs from The Wall, Ummagumma, and Animals. Tears streamed down my face as they fused music, politics, pure raw emotion, and multimedia in a way that no one can. Then it was off to Moab, Utah to play a show with my cohorts Baked Iguana at Frankie D's. I had a great time there, the club was great, and Moab is so beautiful, I had to stay an extra day!!

Thank you all for reading my update, and thanks for spreading the word about me. I am recieving over 1,000 hits a day now and have a map showing where visitors come from on the home page. We're wordwide baby!!

Peace out!
Tami Gosnell

Without Tami, it's the same old thing on American Idol

Tami Gosnell may not have made the finals on American Idol, but she's still rockin' and rollin' (see performance dates below).

We lost interest in this season's AI after Tami got cut. It was hard to differentiate between most of the remaining contestants; each seemed pretty much like the others. No one really captured my attention, so I deleted my season pass on Tivo. I'll catch the show once in awhile throughout the season, which will be enough to keep up. This season's theme seems to be, "I want to be different, just like everyone else."

Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, I was directed to this article on CNN.com which echoes my feelings about the show.

What's missing on this "Idol," Slezak said, is "a real mix of different types."

"A lot of the guys are working a sort of Justin Timberlake-y, Usher-y vibe, and a lot of the women are sort of working an old-school Gladys Knight, Aretha kind of vibe," he said. "I was surprised by the fact that there aren't really any legitimate rock singers, that there doesn't seem to be anyone who's a country singer."

Remember Tami Gosnell, the pedicab driver from Colorado? Now there was a star. When she sang "Whipping Post" during her audition, it was like that scene in "The Queen" when Helen Mirren's Queen Elizabeth is nearly rendered speechless by the sight of a magnificent, elusive stag. Such moments happen rarely, when we least expect them.

So invigorating was Gosnell's bluesy, natural performance that it required another viewing, courtesy of DVR. She had a certain something -- a quality that can vaguely be described as "IT."

She was also inexplicably cut after this year's Hollywood rounds. In a sea of "blah," Gosnell certainly stood out.

Isn't that worth voting for?

Don't get me wrong. There are some good singers this season, but they all sound like someone else; nothing really unique. Since we, the viewers, were never told why Tami got cut, I can only assume that it's because she didn't fit, not because she wasn't good enough. If that's the case, Tami's better off. Fitting in this season seems to mean homogenous and boring. We can only hope for some big improvements during the season.

A recent email I received from Tami has the following upcoming shows on her calendar:
Saturday, March 10th, 2007
Trilogy Wine Bar, Boulder CO
BreastFest 2007! - 9 pm
Price: Sliding Scale Donations $5-$20

Friday, March 16th, 2007
Delaney's and The Celtic Tavern, Denver CO
Baked St. Patties Celebration! - 4 pm

Saturday, March 17th, 2007
Delaney's and The Celtic Tavern, Denver CO
Baked St. Patties Celebration! - 12 pm

Friday, March 23rd, 2007
The Pioneer Inn, Nederland CO
10 pm

Friday, April 13th, 2007
Dillingers, Lafayette CO
9 pm

Friday, April 27th, 2007
1st Street Pub & Grill, Nederland CO
Mountain Jammin! - 10 pm

Denver Post: The pedals and the mettle

The pedals and the mettle

By The Denver Post Staff Denver Post

Article Last Updated:02/14/2007 09:11:25 PM MST

Even if she doesn't advance in "American Idol" competition, Tami Gosnell gets style points for riding the concept of the pedicab into the pop culture mainstream. Here are few more key points to ponder about the human-powered urban conveyance: Pedicab. Pedalers at Denver-based Mile-High Pedicabs insist - emphatically - that no matter what you think you heard on TV, it's "pedicab" not "petty cab" or "peti cab." You can also call the three-wheeled, 21-speed vehicles "bike taxis." Pricing. As a rule of thumb, drivers charge about $2 per city block. But Mile-High manager Greg Duran says most drivers offer a ride for free and hope for a big tip. Which explains why Gosnell, one of the strongest riders in Duran's fleet of 70 drivers, was out in the freezing cold Christmas Eve shuttling Broncos fans between the stadium and their parking lots. Ka-ching! Riders. Pedicab riders are typically freelancers, leasing their bikes from the cab barn, although there are a few indie operators, who own their own bike rickshaws. Duran says his crew includes Ph.D. candidates, engineers, musicians, college students and freelance journalists and photographers. "They're all people who want the freedom to do their other interests," he says. "They're filling in until they can make it." Where. It's harder to find a pedicab during the winter, but watch for them weekends in LoDo and the 16th Street Mall, around the Pepsi Center when there's an event, and along the Broadway club zone. Will we see Gosnell out next weekend? No one's saying.

Denver Post: Tami's word is no "Idol" promise

Tami's word is no "Idol" promise

By The Denver Post Staff Denver Post

Article Last Updated:02/14/2007 09:12:29 PM MST

Singer Tami Gosnell made a promise to haul "American Idol" judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson across Denver in her pedicab. We think she's good for it. After all, she refused to breathe a word about whether she's one of 24 contestants who made the second cut on this season's "Idol," just because she promised she wouldn't. Gosnell, 29, who lives in Lafayette, tried out for "American Idol" in Memphis, Tenn. All three judges - including incorrigible Simon - loved her so she was sent to Hollywood with 169 others. By now you probably already know whether or not she advanced. But Style printed Wednesday morning, before the results were announced, and like we said, she refused to tell. But here are a few things she did tell. - Colleen O'Connor Why Memphis? My little brother was trying out, and my mom was driving him there. I don't think I would have gone if my little brother and mom didn't go. "Whipping Post," by the Allman Brothers Band, was an interesting audition choice. It ... shows off my voice and my style at the same time. I get compared to Janis (Joplin) a lot, and I didn't want to come out and do a Janis song and get totally pigeonholed. What are your dreams for the future? I just want to play music as long as I can. I've always wanted to get to a larger audience. Also I'm really into self-sustainability. I want to get ... some land. I want to build a completely sustainable home with solar, water catch and wind. Build it yourself? I've been a plumber since 1997 ... I've built (the plumbing) in a lot of houses in Beaver Creek and Vail. What's your philosophy of dealing with success? I don't know. I've not put it into much use yet. Just always stay humble. Being humble is the best attribute throughout life, especially when you're a performer. What's your philosophy of failure? No matter what happens, I'm already successful. My idea of success is being happy. I've traveled and played music with so many different people in Colorado, big acts and small acts that no on ever heard of. I have fun and love life. That's success, in my mind. Does the pedicab thing help you on the music scene? If I'm not playing, I do pedicab, and it's really good money on weekends. The bar rush is really fun, a lot of people who really want to have a lot of fun. It's great tips, and a great workout. I think I lost 2 pounds during one shift when I rode eight hours. That's a lot of calories, man.

Disappointment on American Idol

I guess the spoiler sites were right this time. Pedicab driver Tami Gosnell didn't make it to the final 24 on American Idol -- and not because she wasn't good enough, but more because she didn't fit the stereotype. That's my opinion anyway, and I'm happy to own it.

For whatever reason, the judges selected a group of women like all those who came before. We don't really know why since they didn't show Tami's performances in Hollywood. But we can assume that she didn't fit the cookie-cutter mold that AI seems to like. I kept trying to picture her in one of those cheesy car commercials or sappy group numbers, and I just couldn't see it. Tami's just too good, too original for that.

Someone wrote that she just wasn't "vanilla" enough. I'd have to agree. Tami's more like a banana split with lots of fruit, nuts and whipped cream. (Mmmmm... I'm making myself hungry!)

I wonder if the likes of Sheryl Crow, Carole King, Alanis Morissette, India.Arie or Corinne Bailey Rae would have made it through. Tami, I think you're in pretty good company.

I have to say how impressed I am by her grace and style through all of this. Among all the wonderful things written online, there were some pretty nasty comments too. Tami never seemed to let it get to her, at least not that I saw or heard. She kept smiling and singing, even when she already knew the outcome but had to keep the rest of us in the dark. That took real strength and courage.

From what I read on the web, there are a lot of people who were really impressed by Tami and are bummed that she didn't move on. I'm sure the exposure will be good for her, and we appreciate her support and promotion of pedicabbing.

No matter what happens now, Greg and I are so proud to know Tami. She has real talent - talent that can't be manufactured. Just check out the tunes available on her web site or her MySpace profile. Better yet, just buy her CD.

Tami, we luv ya and we're proud of ya!

Tami's MySpace Profile
Tami's Web Site
Buy the CD

Okay. You've had enough time off. Now get back on your pedicab and ride girl!

Comments from an Idol Pedicabbie

I picked a few comments about pedicabbing from Tami Gosnell's web site. I hope she doesn't mind. Funny thing is that I remember when she started riding for us just over a year ago. When she first started riding, she just wanted to make money to finish her CD (which is fantastic, btw). She recruited her cousin Tom shortly after she started and they rode matching cabs many days, nights and events together. Sometimes they even dressed alike and looked more like twins than cousins. They've both been fantastic drivers. We heard from Tom that, like many starving artists, pedicabbing got her through some tough times. Anyway, here are some of her thoughts:

December 16, 2005

I have joined with Mile High Pedicab. If you live in or around Denver, you may have seen bike riding taxis hanging out downtown. Well, I have training tonight, and will hopefully be toting people to and fro- for tips and $2.00 a block. So if you want to come down and laugh at me, or if you want to get a ride, come find me! I will be the midget on a bike with people in tow!!

January 8, 2006

As for the pedicab job, it is a dream come true!! I have never really worked with the public in a setting like this, and I totally love it. I am moving constantly, making good cash, and did I mention I set my own schedule? Well, I set my own schedule! It is good personality practice, and good for my waistline. Watch out Kate Olsen!

Tami Gosnell was back in Denver Friday night

Tami Gosnell performed with Baked Iguana at Delaney's in downtown Denver Friday night. A photo journalist came by to shoot some footage and interview Tami. You can catch a brief video of Tami on the Fox 31 web site. We had a few minutes with him talking about pedicabs but it didn't make it into this clip.

We had a great time listening to Tami and hanging with her friends and fans. Her bluesy voice reminds me of Carol King, Janis Joplin, Melissa Ethridge - all women I love. The place filled up as the evening went on. When one of our drivers, Aaron, came by, we watched his cab outside so he could run in and say hi. He told us that passengers have been commenting on Tami, saying they saw her on Wednesday's AI.

Main Street Pedicabs and Mile High Pedicabs have gotten calls from pedicab folks all over the world about Tami. Even my aunt in California called to say she saw a pedicab driver from Denver on American Idol and wanted to know if she was one of ours.

After reading the numerous AI blogs and posts, I just have to say one thing... DO NOT BELIEVE THE SPOILER SITES that say Tami's not making it to the final 24!! They've been wrong before.

This has all been great fun, and we love the extra publicity, but really, we hope for the best for our gal Tami. She's so talented and a genuinely great person. Go Tami GO!

Official Fox American Idol Press Release

If you want the official word from Fox and American Idol regarding plans for this season (including schedule), read the press release.

Video: Tami Gosnell's audition on American Idol

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Video sent by greateggs

Short sample of Tami Gosnell

Here's a short, rough sample of the "New Town Fairy" video of Tami Gosnell from Method Pictures.

Idol update - Tami's AWESOME!

WOW! I hadn't heard Tami Gosnell sing before (although Greg had), and I was really really impressed when they showed her audition on American Idol tonight. For such a tiny person (just over 5 feet tall) she sure has a powerful voice. It gave me chills.

The really great thing is that she was who she is. The Tami I know - confident but humble, always smiling and laughing, hard working pedicabbie, gets along with everyone and stays out of the fray, and never afraid of a challenge - is who I saw on the tube tonight.

And when she says she can pedal all three judges uphill together, she means it and she can do it! But make no mistake, pedicabbing takes more than great quads - personality, finess, people skills, persistence, no fear of "no" - and Tami has them all.

Tami, we are so proud of you and so excited for you!

Driver for Mile High Pedicabs on American Idol.

And after reading the blogs I just want to mention that it's "pedicab" or "pedi cab" (meaning foot powered) or "bike taxi" or "cycle rickshaw" - not "petty cab" or "peti cab." Although drivers can be petty, Tami certainly isn't!

Driver for Mile High Pedicabs on American Idol

We saw her last night - just a glimpse - at the end of the auditions show for American Idol in Memphis, TN (This morning I looked through 521 photos to find this one- #514)!

Yes, it's true - Tami Gosnell, one of our pedicab drivers, made it to Hollywood on this season's American Idol! We don't know much more than that, since everything is pretty hush-hush. But she seemed to be spending an awful lot of time caring for her sick grandmother. We knew she was auditioning again and we did get a couple phone calls verifying that she actually is a pedicab driver.

At her brother's urging, Tami auditioned last season, but didn't take it too seriously (singing the Oscar Mayer Weiner song). She made it through a couple levels of screening, but not to the Randy/Paula/Simon audition. This season, they didn't hold auditions in Denver, so she went to Memphis to try it again.

This isn't our first brush with American Idol. In Season 5, the son of one of our friends (Kay Young) made it to the finals - Ace Young. It was fun getting updates on his activities, watching and voting every week, and celebrating his successes. I wonder what advice he would have for her now.

We're very proud of Tami and are excited to follow her through the season. We wish her the very best and are confident she'll be the next American Idol!

Watch for Tami from Denver and be sure to vote!