By DF (24.90.9.138) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 07:47 am: |
Alright, just buggin out on the "just get along" part. But I saw Ms. Khan at Central Park Summerstage (7/5/2003), and witnessed one of the best shows I've seen in years. The long line to get in and the 90 degree heat were all worth it!
It amazes me how this woman can sing songs in any key, any range. She can flip a switch to alto, soprano, tenor and contralto with just plain ease. All in 90+ degree heat. She was tight, band was tight, and background singers were tight. I am drained from the energy this woman put out and from the sun. Unreal.
I'm sure that most people will have the Billie, Ella and Sarah as the top three vocalists in the history of American music. Can I put Chaka Khan with this group? Her range and versatility are mighty qualified to be in this group (oh, yeah, check out "Echoes Of An Era).
After this performance, though, I really have to wonder why we as a society allow bullcrap music to rule the current airwaves. Yes, I know the industry is at fault for putting it out. But guess what? We have, to some extent, allowed them to get away with it for years, now.
Which was the greatest show I've ever seen?
a) The Jacksons, Triumph Tour (The Garden, NYC), 1981
b) Larry Graham, Live at Trammps (NYC), 1996
c) Chaka Khan, Central Park Summerstage, 2003
I have a lot of trouble answering that question. On another note, I, as a musician, am humbled by this show, for it's a reminder of what it takes to get to that level (many people on this board know better than me what I am talking about!!!!) Peace.
By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 11:16 am: |
DF...we know exactly what you're talking about.
By Jay (24.55.210.61) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 01:30 am: |
I saw her last year as she and Rufus were the opening act for Earth Wind And Fire at the Universal Amphitheatre here in LA.
WOW! She hasn't lost a thing!
And her band was as funky as ever!
A true joy to experience.
It was only marred by a terrible sound mixing job.
(The bass seemed to swamp out the whole band! grr...)
And I sat 2 rows in front of the mixing console so I had the best seats in the house!
Go figure. I wanted to throw something at the mix engineer!
But she is stll the best!!
By Uptight! (24.55.6.144) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 02:14 am: |
She is one of those rare cases in which the singer gets better with time! I wish I'd been there for that show.
By janebse (68.63.4.162) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 11:22 am: |
Jay,
As a non-musician, may I add a note? I've been to shows where the band was so loud you couldn't hear the singers. And I wonder. These people are all professionals. And I am talking about long-time top-ranked performers. How can something like this happen?
And then I think, "Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be and I don't know enough about music." But, afterwards, in discussing the performance others are complaining too. And everyone is discontented. Maybe you can explain exactly what is wrong and why.