I have quite a peculiar music taste. There may not be a rhyme or reason to the ecclectic list of artists that I really like, as it takes a lot to be able to really catch my ears’ attention, let alone my admiration. Among the acts whose music I find truly outstanding in my taste are Steven Curtis Chapman, The Fray, Eric Clapton, and Jamie Cullum.

While I wasn’t looking, there is another artist who crept in to my list of favorites very recently — and I must say that I’m quickly becoming a fan.

I’m currently discovering the music of the soul singer/songwriter John Legend — who’s not a very obscure act as he’s already made quite a name and a following in the US. I first heard his music from Vince’s stash of iTunes mp3s about a couple of months ago, and on my first listen I immediately put his “Stay With You” track on my favorites.

Last Sunday as I drove from Manila to Eastwood, I set my iPod to play all John Legend songs, and found myself liking them. The next day I bought myself a bunch of his albums online, including the latest release “Evolver“.

I checked out his profile at wikipedia and found out that this guy was no ordinary musician — he had been playing the piano at the age of four and has quite a solid background of faith, performing on and directing the church choir for quite some time.

The other surprise is that he has this other could-have-been career as a management consultant at the high-profile firm Boston Consulting Group — which is not quite an easy feat for anyone.

He has a bunch of electrifying live performances on YouTube, which makes me hope to see him perform live someday. In the mean time, I got a bunch of his new music to listen to.

John Legend’s Official Website