Christina Aguilera and Mary J Blige were two females representing the Divas at the Coming Together benefit concert in aid of those who have suffered under Hurricane Sandy. The one-hour concert was aired on American network NBC and managed to raise an impressive 23 million dollars for the victims of the natural disaster, with donations still coming in.
Christina Aguilera opened the benefit with a stripped back performance of Beautiful. This was later followed by Mary J Blige, who gave an emotional, and lyrically apt, rendition of The Living Proof.
Watch both performances below.
To all those who are suffering, or who have suffered, from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, our thoughts are with you.
Holy shit! Christina sounds so fucking incredible there! Her control is just stunning and everything about it was beautiful. A bit overboard with the vocal runs at the end but at the same time, because it was Christina, I actually found myself missing at least a small element of it. Stunning performance by her. Her phrasing was literally spot on. The extended clear note before adding a perfectly spaced vibrato was orgasmic.
ReplyDeleteTHAT is the reason people call her the voice of a generation x0
Yes, Christina does prove herself here. Maybe it helped that there obviously isn't a big audience? Just a theory but perhaps when her ego isn't distracted by adulating crowds, she finds it easier to just ...sing? Because she sure did.
ReplyDeletePersonally I cannot stand that song. And still she managed to hold my attention for the full tune.
Not an easy feat for any pop diva to achieve as you know ;D
Excellent job by both ladies I would say.
ReplyDeleteChristina has more control here and I didn't hear the "frogginess" with which she has been performing in recent years. Her voice sounded clear and much more like the original recordings. This was the Christina I originally liked. And the piano accompaniment on "Beautiful" was especially good, I must say. The bridge was a bit coarser, but the overall attention to melody and phrasing was a considerable improvement.
ReplyDelete"The Living Proof" was especially lyrically appropriate and thematically motivating for the benefit. Mary J. Blige's unique sound was especially suited for such a song. She sounded chesty but much less coarse which made her sound more at ease and natural. The song still had that MJB spunk and energy and I liked that it ended on a subtle note.
Then, I realized how much I missed Christina. Your Body was too catchy to be resisted.
ReplyDeleteHere I come: the Perpetual Malcontent. I really miss the time when singers just sang. I mean without fountains of ornaments, melismas and over-emotive exclamations. I miss the singers who could easily control and make use of dynamics - from whisper to shout.
ReplyDeleteSurely I'm in minority here. But I can't help, I don't find Christina's performance so great. Anytime I watch videos of her live performances I have strange feeling that girl is one of the contestants in TV talent show. Mixture of showing off and self-indulgence to cover... insecurity(?). This one is no exception in my opinion.
I quite like the song but I hardly could listen it to the end. I switched straight ahead to studio version. I would be delighted having a chance to hear Christina singing it in really "low key" (if you know what I mean).
Oh! One more thing. Is belting the only singing technique left these days?
One thing that dawns on me is that she's not a huge mixer (mixing the head and chest voices). She seems to avoid it quite often. By belting, she can sort of chest her way past the transition zone. I know she prefers the explosive sound of high chest to the lighter timbre of mixed voice -- but I think she needs to do involve her head voice more in her belts at times to make them more lyrical and adaptable. I agree she does need to tone it down, but for Christina standards this was much stripped down from her other excessive runs and melismas she's shown. In general though, from what I have seen she's not a low key performer. It's like asking Patti LaBelle to be subtle. It is not going to happen! LOL.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with Spark. For christina it was a subdued performance. And within the genre I 'd say a very good one.
ReplyDeleteBut of course generally speaking I agree with you T. I also much prefer a different style of singing.
And I am sure it was a rhetorical question but you know there are singers around who are not into belting. I put up links regularly. ;D
Those singers just get more rarely reviewed here.
Thank you! You've put it in much better manner than I did. I'm not into that vocal description wizardry. I know what I hear but sometimes it's difficult to put it in the right words. [Opie knows something about my limitations, don't you Opie?]
ReplyDeleteBack to Christina. I like the studio version as it is the ultimate power ballad. Her voice sounds fine surrounded with piano and strings over the strong and lively rhythm section. Once stripped from the sonic underlay and left with piano only she sounds inadequate. I'm aware Christina is no a low key performer. But that only proves her weakness, she is not able to deliver certain moods and emotions. Pity.
Both Christina and Mary were excellent!!! Much kudos undeed!
ReplyDeleteOn a side note here is a new Christina song from "Lotus". I really love it!
http://youtu.be/NHpv7NKNxco
Wow, I really like this folksy waltz (first link). Once again you showed me another aspect of country music. I'm much obliged. Thank you, Opie.
ReplyDeleteIf we're talking about truly jaw dropping acoustic renditions... Cassandra Wilson 'I Can't Stand The Rain'. I'm totally haunted by her interpretation.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome T. I have been trying to find out who wrote the tune but no luck so far.
ReplyDeleteThere are many aspects to country music. Have you ever heard western swing for instance?
And I will go check out that Wilson interpretation
LOL I know what you are referring to but that discussion wasn't really about limitations. Rather more about stretching the limits to where it becomes too wide I'd say. ;)
ReplyDeleteBut taken in a different light, I do know something about limitations in that direction you are speaking off. I too suck at such fine descriptions as Spark and DD and some others here are able to give of vocal performances.
That's how it's done, Christina. Very good! That's the girl I fell in love with, in the 90's. Her best performance in YEARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRSSSSSSS!
ReplyDeleteShut up and take my money D:<
ReplyDeleteOMG is this your first EVER positive comment? Someone get the defibrillator, think I'm having heart failure. lol. But seriously, glad to see you're not just a troll...I was starting to lose faith!
ReplyDeletelol
ReplyDeleteI am pretty stocked about the new album, despite my bashing, I am quite a fan.
ReplyDeletehey @disqus_xFfeBLW5Rb:disqus you are right. I think it's a choice made by her, for the most part though.We've heard- mostly from her recordings-that she can create belts that are clear, and lighter, but she seems to love that rockier edge to her voice. That or it's just easier for her to force the note, rather than mix it. It's not something I enjoy often- up to a C5 is about all i can take- but most of her fans love it.
ReplyDeleteI think we're getting to you, opie!! I give it another six months before you're singing Rihanna songs at the local talent contest.
ReplyDeleteThe album has leaked entirely, including the deluxe edition :P
ReplyDelete...."leaked", eh? I of course will be waiting for the album to be released....*twiddles thumbs while he waits*.....but I appreciate the heads up on what to expect. lol.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your patience, I lost the strength to resist album leaks a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteThere are some songs on Lotus with the potential to chart decently IMO.
"God bless your patience"....hehehe.....lets not talk about it anymore...lol....
ReplyDeletehttp://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc0fhoJL471rj88wro1_250.gif
I miss Xtina's debut sound :|
ReplyDeleteI admit rarely I like her rocky edge (on a few songs it could be appropriate), but she overdoes it a bit for my taste, too, DD, especially when you can hear how unhealthy and pulled most of her chested belts are. Above a C5, the throat sounds constricted, the tone muffled, and her notes tend to be strained until she can reach the head voice.
ReplyDeleteI think Christina has the ability to deliver different moods and emotions...but only when she chooses to! LOL. In fact, that's what frustrates most of us. She has quite a voice, but doesn't use it in the most healthy or appropriate way throughout her repertoire. For it to still be able to issue notes after the way she has treated it speaks to how resilient it is. Get it in gear, Christina!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion. The studio version of "Beautiful" is quite stellar and tough to match. You can hear the pauses for breath and slightly dark timbre she delivers and it pairs well with the piano and strings. I think if she continues to work on re-establishing her voice, she could sound quite nice with just the piano. They should bring in some violins, too. It doesn't need to match the studio version 100%, but the closer it does, the better her sound will be. Her voice can be abrasive at times so it does best with good accompaniment.
It's all about technique - mixing or not mixing that is the question!!! Considering the power of her voice I wish she roar like a wild animal with the company of the electric guitar. She sings using brute force sometimes, attacking the notes, with the "rockier edge" as you said. It is not an accident she sounds the best having Linda Perry's guidance. Contemporary R&B? No!!! Christina definitely sounds the best singing more rock influenced material than contemporary R&B.
ReplyDeleteRight! I'm a bit hammered so forgive me my comments.
Diva.. You listened to Lotus didn't you http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/99219998010808459_DGMnQtyy_b.jpg
ReplyDeleteOf course she has that ability. I have no doubt she has it. She has extraordinary instrument at her disposal. It's her choice how to use it.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think Christina had no chance to develop her own style, to cut her own way in that jungle. She's been always compared to Britney Spears on the one side and to Mariah Carey on the other. Bloody unfair - being between hammer and the anvil.
However she made no efforts to change it. She went into that boring and obvious diva tracks.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcvn07wJGN1ro1kpjo8_250.gif
ReplyDeleteLOL
ReplyDelete"Christina has more control here and I didn't hear the "frogginess" with
ReplyDeletewhich she has been performing in recent years. Her voice sounded clear
and much more like the original recordings."
You said it all, pal!
http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/99219998010808459_DGMnQtyy_b.jpg
ReplyDeleteI...I.........I don't even know how to respond to that right now. The horror of the thought has struck me dumb.
ReplyDeleteOkay. I am sufficiently recovered to assure you the above performances, good as they are, don't get to me as much as this one at the telethon for the victims of the 2010 Tennessee flooding (which didn't get nearly as much attention from the world press - it not being New York and not being right before the elections-) ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9snpv-ewKk
I agree with you. But the time as you say, isn't over :P There are great singers who aren't like that. Have you listened to Floor Jansen or Simone Simons?
ReplyDeleteSimons -
http://youtu.be/eALDD5XaQuw - Tides of Time
http://youtu.be/0SUZZOT-0hU - Happiness (Alexis Jordan cover)
http://youtu.be/W7WfAzeogjE - Delirium
Jansen -
http://youtu.be/ejOOxlVdLI4?t=54s - Slow Love Slow
http://youtu.be/E_xH6O2KC40?t=30s - Cry with a Smile
http://youtu.be/YoX_Psb4B8A - Being Everyone (Acoustic)
I knew the song from Tina's cover and Eruption's disco cover. Now heard Wilson's, the original by Ann Peebles and a bluegrass cover. Last two are my favorites. And hate to say it because it will look like I am coming down on your suggestion again but Wilson's cover I really did not like except for the guitar sound. But that alone grew sort of tired halfway through.
ReplyDeleteBut then again, I am really not a jazz fan other than mainly prior to the bebop era
You sir are a naughty gurl.
ReplyDeleteI think that the edge was a lot easier to listen to in her debut when her voice was still young and vibrant and pure. Its darkened wiith age and abuse and the chesty notes developed a grit that is very unpleasant for the most part.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have explained it better, Brian.
ReplyDeleteI've always been huge blues fan. I love contemporary blues as well as old traditional blues (Robert Johnson, Son House, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters stuff). I really like to dig in the Alan Lomax Archives which are available online since March.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Cassandra's rendition even to Peebles' original. I'm mesmerized by her deep, smoky and earthy vocal and highly emotional approach. I can really hear that sadness and longing in her voice, which original was lacking of. Cassandra turned that song into old fashioned blues masterpiece. I'm not fond of her smooth jazz recordings with all that sambas and bossa novas. But whenever she interprets blues songs I'm turning all ears.
As for the guitar I'm not surprised. You must be familiar with the sound of good ol' National Steel.
Well, seem we got to drink our tea separately;) However I believe is always good to know what's hiding in the others cup. Generally my point is: knowledge can't make you hurt.
Oh no! Why drink alone? Surely we can amiably disagree over a nice cuppah while listening to the tunes we do both enjoy?
ReplyDeleteI am still mesmerized by "Fade into you" for instance. :)
That's a song that if I was a singer myself I think I would love to sing.
And now to the stickler portion...I am not really familiar with the different "black" genres but according to the Wiki article ( and yes I AM familiar with the caveat one has to take Wiki with ) Ann Peebles rendition is called Soul where as Cassandra's is considered Jazz.
I understand you hear more emotion in Wilson's rendition than Peebles' but for me it is the other way around.
But I won't get into any psycho analysis on that one.;D
Let's say..that's just how each of us rolls.
Might we agree both are excellent?
Did you hear the Bluegrass cover? Totally different but it works for me. Gives the song a very different emotional feel though.
As for the blues..I do enjoy that music. Did you ever see that Martin Scorcese film on the blues? If you haven't, you should try to catch it.
Some awesome performances on there. Several are up on youtube btw
I've watch the TV series on blues produced by Scorsese. Actually not so long ago. Decent stuff indeed.
ReplyDeleteI know Ann Peebles was soul singer. However soul has its origins in rhythm & blues music. And in my opinion Cassandra Wilson strongly accentuated the blues roots in that song. I don't know why Cassandra's version is considered jazz. Right, it is not traditional 12-bar, but that doesn't make it jazz. It's just a bit "jazzy" but still built on strong blues foundations. More to say, it was released on "Blue Light 'Till Down" - extremely blues influenced album.
I tend to think blues is not just a genre, it's more state of mind, particular sort of sensibility. You can call Johnny Cash great blues singer to some extent when you listen "Hurt" or "Personal Jesus".
As bluegrass cover you've meant Jordon Run version? Lazily rolling beginning followed by high speed chase? No, not my cup.
No, I didn't mean the tv series "The Blues". I meant the documentary "Lightning In A Bottle".
ReplyDeleteWilson sounds more like Jazz than Blues to me but like I said, since I don't know the different genres well enough I am also going by Wikipedia on that.
I have never heard of Jordon Run and also can't find that one on Youtube. I meant the "cover" of the Dale ann Bradley cover by an band called Honeygrass.
It indeed starts slow and then speeds up but since that can be said of loads of bluegrass tunes it could be the same or it could not be at all. But I guess within the conversation it likely won't matter. :)
Johnny Cash was a cross over artist who indeed also sang what is called country blues. We are still talking genre there.;D
As for the blues being a particular state of mind, I'd say you can say so of every genre.
Quite refreshing - different singing style, different type of music. These girls' names are not often mentioned on this site, but they really can sing and deserve to be included into divas pantheon. Probably the genre makes DD reluctant to write about them. That's definitely not a mainstream.
ReplyDeleteBut honestly I'm not into that genre either. The last "metal" album I bought and listened with sheer atavistic pleasure (and I repeat that sometimes) was Slayer's "Seasons In The Abyss" released in... 1990. (I hate that moments I realize I'm so bloody... young in a different way) Must be as ancient as Trojan War to you;)))
I really don't like Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, all that stuff. The only one reason - they sound so horribly bombastic. I just can't stand that.
I must admit I've seen Eluveitie gig lately (accidentally). Wasn't that bad. I think celtic motifs, hurdy-gurdy, violins and bagpipes helped and made it digestible.
As for links "Tides of Time" was quite interesting (it just my point of view) - I listened it twice. That could've been part of a musical easily.
:)))
ReplyDeleteYou're right we gotta think about that tea together;) That's definitely my cup as well.
She's great, rebellious and genuine. I think I'm going to suffer Identity Crisis pretty soon;)
Thanks, Opie!
Perhaps we should make it some of that fine vodka you guys produce and in some hard rock bar? ;)
ReplyDeleteI'M sure you won't be "suffering" that Identity Crisis though.
I'm not sure about this assistance you're talking about - I think that day she had practiced it properly and was in (rare) top condition. I really don't think she'd alter her voice in that way, unless it was for creative purposes like she did on Bionic.
ReplyDeleteShe did though, the note was clearly pitch shifted. I've heard the same pitch shifted F5 on several other artists' records.
ReplyDelete