By: Darius Witherspoon

Darius Witherspoon — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:08:23 +0000

I purchased Chrisette Michele’s debut CD, hot off the press, a couple years ago. The tune that won me over was “If I Have My Way.” Sista’ can “sang!” But I guess, these days, with all the growing technology, being able to enhance the natural voice with auto-tune and other resources, we are forced to become rather critical and skeptical about one’s true vocal ability. Back in the day (I’m not “that” old), I’m sure that it was all about live performances – no overdubs or other refinements. You either “got it” or you “ain’t got it.” There was much hype about whether or not Ashanti, another young female vocalist of this age, could really sing. She had the looks, the moves, and all, but in some circles, I heard that her live performances “suck!” That’s just what I “heard” – not necessarily my opinion. The stage is the truest test of all. The mic “don’t” lie!!! Give or take a little, we know when our favorite singer doesn’t appear to be singing to the full potential, due to hoarseness, exhaustion or any other temporary condition, but we can tell if you can’t sing at all!!! Visual images in the music video tend to distract the viewer from the singer’s voice, as the focus shifts to what’s going on in the video. Even in the studio, over-producing can kill the recording. You can have a wonderful band, with all the beats and grooves, even topped off with a lot of “bells” and “whistles,” but if you sound “whack,” it will definitely show in the live performance! You may be asked to perform without the band or soundtrack – uh-oh!!! Your time to shine, for real!!! What we, as young music enthusiasts, are looking for, are singers who can throw down, regardless. Forget all the swag, whether you can shake your booty or not – that’s played out! Rump-shakin’ comes a dime a dozen! We’re looking for a real raw singer, a soulful diva that can deliver! Not just another pretty face! Unfortunately, music of this age is so inter-twined with image and stuff! I don’t feel like the bar has been raised enough these days. Anybody could put out a CD, as long as it got catchy beats and lyrics, so to speak! We don’t always expect another Whitney Houston or Aretha Franklin, but we’re expecting a little more than the usual, “wanna-be” divas. Hooray for ol’ skool!!! Back to Chrisette Michele, if she could deliver in a Borders bookstore as described, she can truly “sing!” Say no more!!!

Comments on: Can Chrisette Michele Sing? – Recorded Music and Live Performance

By: Darius Witherspoon