(Look familiar?)
You remember these commercials from the ’70s and ’80s, don’t you? One of them included Ella Fitzgerald and Chuck Mangione, where Chuck and his band were playing “Feels So Good” and Ella had to discern whether it was him playing LIVE or was it a recording:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32X8sFAlDZM&w=320&h=240]
Back in the day, it was often difficult to tell the difference. Artist and producers went through great lengths to make the at-home, living-room listening experience mimic what you’d hear LIVE. Man those were the days! But all jokes aside…there are some instances where I’ve been known to pick the recorded version instead of the LIVE. Shocking! Yes, I know. Allow me to explain:
Have you ever gone to a concert and you’ve been waiting all night long to hear your favorite cut off the album and then when you finally hear it, you barely recognize it because of all the embellishments and ad-libs? Or even worse, perhaps the artist had you fooled because sadly enough…they can’t sing! Yeah, unfortunately, we’ve all experienced this a time or two. Hoodwinked. Bamboozled. (Hence my preference for studio recordings vs. LIVE performances from some popular artists. Won’t name any names…oh but I could!)
Fortunately, my more recent concert-goings have been quite the contrary. Perhaps it has something to do with who I’ve chosen to see. I’m a bit more selective these days as to who I listen to and who I’m willing to spend my time and dollar to see. I hope you don’t consider that snobbery, but if you do…I’ll wear the badge of “Music Snob” proudly. In my mind, LIVE music should be an experience. It should give you a greater appreciation for that musician’s ear. To me, we should HEAR WHAT THEY HEAR–how they hear it. It should be an extension of them and their talent. As a non-music video watcher, I’m of the opinion that a LIVE show should provide me with depth and imagery. (My thoughts about music videos…that’s yet another topic worthy of its own post–adding that to my list.)
Yes, I want to be entertained during a show, but not at the sacrifice of true talent. I love it when an artist flexes their musical muscles. I’m well-pleased when I see a musician LIVE and walk away utterly amazed. Or what about when you feel like you could listen to them for another 2 hours or when you want to race to the car to load up the changer with nothing but their stuff! Ahhh! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ bout!
Let me go on record and say that I attended one of the greatest LIVE music experiences of my life this year. Who was it…you ask??? THE ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT! You had to be there. I sat smack dab in front of the stage and witnessed artistry on another level! (Shout out to Robert Glasper, Chris Dave, Casey Benjamin, Derrick Hodge and Saunders Sermons!!!)
So now…I wanna hear from you. Tell me about some of your greatest LIVE music experiences??? Let’s compare notes!
Until next time…
-T
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