Post by 3chordtrick on Mar 24, 2011 23:58:40 GMT
I thought it would be interesting to obtain members views on the current vocals of groups with are still extant and of the same longevity of JT and IA.
What has prompted me was the fact, over the past year or so, I have been fortunate to see the following groups
The Strawbs (or the Acoustic Strawbs to be precise) in Bath, Somerset
Curved Air (in Frome, Somerset)
The Moody Blues (in Bristol)
JT/IA (in Salisbury, Wiltshire)
And The Who, albeit a couple of years ago and slightly out with of the time frame mentioned above.
As I am “Billy no mates” as regards friends who are au fait with the groups mentioned above, I thought I would insert a missive on the website and obtain a few views as regards Ian vocals, when compared to the singers of the above groups.
The above groups and singers, which most members will be aware, are from the same era of JT and Ian.
I have no desire to upset any members, only to obtain a few comments, if appropriate in relation to the vocals of singers who are all aged 60 plus at time of writing. I think Justin is 65 and, is Ian 64? A fantastic achievement IMHO that all these groups and singers are still willing and able to play and sing.
Admitally, Curved Air took “leave” for a couple of decades, but are now performing, perhaps not with all the original members. It is interesting for me to consider that, in 1971 (when I first saw Curved Air perform) would I see them again in 2010. I sadly missed them in the intervening years to 1976 when I think they eventually “called it a day”. However, as mentioned, they are now performing live again – and are in great form and are, visually, very exiting despite the on set of year. Have any readers ever seen “Vivaldi” performed by Curved Air – a great piece of rock violin playing.
However, I am lucky to have seen JT nearly 20 times since 1974, on the basis that Ian, IMHO, was one of the most creative, outstanding and entertaining musicians in rock during the 1970’s and beyond.
Now, to my (humble) views regarding the vocal deterioration, or not, of the following singers:
Justin Heyward – vocals as sweet as they were when he first performed “Question” on TOTP in 1970. No deterioration whatsoever and still beautiful. I cannot recommend a singer, IMHO, who has maintained such a beauty after all these years.
Sonja Kristina – vocal just ever so slightly matured but easily recognised as the original singer of Back Street Luv. She still retains a slightly folksy style but can still present a great “rock style”
Dave Cousins – vocals slightly softer than when he first performed “Benedictus” on the “Grave New World” LP. However, in his early days, Dave C did often adopt a slightly “angry” style and he may have just have adopted a softer style, in order to prevent any significant deterition. Thus, by adopting a softer style, perhaps it could allow him to maintain his vocals into “his later years”.
Roger Daltrey. This is more difficult. I did speak to one person who had seen the Who and he was of the opinion that Roger’s vocals had deteriorated considerably. I am of the view that his vocals, although not as sweet as say Justin Hayward’s are as good as Sonja Kristina’s, albeit with a maturity gained over the years of hard rock singing. Not bad for someone who is about 64 years young? Is Roger D older than Ian? Perhaps Roger stopped smoking cigarettes before Ian decided to dispense with the evil weed.
Note, I am not anti smoking as I still indulge in the occasional roll up when faced with a couple of pints in my local on a Friday and/or Saturday evening! However, I am not dependant on my singing ability in order to earn a living.
Have any readers noticed Greg Lake’s vocal of the last decade or so – compare that vocal with his King Crimson vocals. His vocals on the early KC LP’s were possessed a choir boy beauty. Greg, by all accounts, was a very heavy smoker. But everybody was a heavy smoker in the 1970’s prior to the discovery being made that it was not good for you!
Whilst I appreciate that Ian’s vocals are not, perhaps, as well maintained as some of the above singers, I am more that happy that he continues to play and perform live and has not decided to take up golf instead. Apologies to any readers who may enjoy the odd game of gold – no pun intended!
Whilst in typing mode, I would just like to thank all the website organisers, administrator and Maddog, together with members who contribute on a regular basis. I am guilty of not making much of an effort but appreatciate the work, views and input of those who have kicked off their lethargy!!
A few subjects touched on in the above missive (smoking, aged singers, back slapping and golf) and I apologise if I digressed from my original intention was to raise my hat to some of the singers still performing today. Performing and still bringing us joy in ours (if not their) advancing years. Please feel free to add a comment or ignore at your discretion.
Regards
3Chordtrick, Bath, Somerset.
What has prompted me was the fact, over the past year or so, I have been fortunate to see the following groups
The Strawbs (or the Acoustic Strawbs to be precise) in Bath, Somerset
Curved Air (in Frome, Somerset)
The Moody Blues (in Bristol)
JT/IA (in Salisbury, Wiltshire)
And The Who, albeit a couple of years ago and slightly out with of the time frame mentioned above.
As I am “Billy no mates” as regards friends who are au fait with the groups mentioned above, I thought I would insert a missive on the website and obtain a few views as regards Ian vocals, when compared to the singers of the above groups.
The above groups and singers, which most members will be aware, are from the same era of JT and Ian.
I have no desire to upset any members, only to obtain a few comments, if appropriate in relation to the vocals of singers who are all aged 60 plus at time of writing. I think Justin is 65 and, is Ian 64? A fantastic achievement IMHO that all these groups and singers are still willing and able to play and sing.
Admitally, Curved Air took “leave” for a couple of decades, but are now performing, perhaps not with all the original members. It is interesting for me to consider that, in 1971 (when I first saw Curved Air perform) would I see them again in 2010. I sadly missed them in the intervening years to 1976 when I think they eventually “called it a day”. However, as mentioned, they are now performing live again – and are in great form and are, visually, very exiting despite the on set of year. Have any readers ever seen “Vivaldi” performed by Curved Air – a great piece of rock violin playing.
However, I am lucky to have seen JT nearly 20 times since 1974, on the basis that Ian, IMHO, was one of the most creative, outstanding and entertaining musicians in rock during the 1970’s and beyond.
Now, to my (humble) views regarding the vocal deterioration, or not, of the following singers:
Justin Heyward – vocals as sweet as they were when he first performed “Question” on TOTP in 1970. No deterioration whatsoever and still beautiful. I cannot recommend a singer, IMHO, who has maintained such a beauty after all these years.
Sonja Kristina – vocal just ever so slightly matured but easily recognised as the original singer of Back Street Luv. She still retains a slightly folksy style but can still present a great “rock style”
Dave Cousins – vocals slightly softer than when he first performed “Benedictus” on the “Grave New World” LP. However, in his early days, Dave C did often adopt a slightly “angry” style and he may have just have adopted a softer style, in order to prevent any significant deterition. Thus, by adopting a softer style, perhaps it could allow him to maintain his vocals into “his later years”.
Roger Daltrey. This is more difficult. I did speak to one person who had seen the Who and he was of the opinion that Roger’s vocals had deteriorated considerably. I am of the view that his vocals, although not as sweet as say Justin Hayward’s are as good as Sonja Kristina’s, albeit with a maturity gained over the years of hard rock singing. Not bad for someone who is about 64 years young? Is Roger D older than Ian? Perhaps Roger stopped smoking cigarettes before Ian decided to dispense with the evil weed.
Note, I am not anti smoking as I still indulge in the occasional roll up when faced with a couple of pints in my local on a Friday and/or Saturday evening! However, I am not dependant on my singing ability in order to earn a living.
Have any readers noticed Greg Lake’s vocal of the last decade or so – compare that vocal with his King Crimson vocals. His vocals on the early KC LP’s were possessed a choir boy beauty. Greg, by all accounts, was a very heavy smoker. But everybody was a heavy smoker in the 1970’s prior to the discovery being made that it was not good for you!
Whilst I appreciate that Ian’s vocals are not, perhaps, as well maintained as some of the above singers, I am more that happy that he continues to play and perform live and has not decided to take up golf instead. Apologies to any readers who may enjoy the odd game of gold – no pun intended!
Whilst in typing mode, I would just like to thank all the website organisers, administrator and Maddog, together with members who contribute on a regular basis. I am guilty of not making much of an effort but appreatciate the work, views and input of those who have kicked off their lethargy!!
A few subjects touched on in the above missive (smoking, aged singers, back slapping and golf) and I apologise if I digressed from my original intention was to raise my hat to some of the singers still performing today. Performing and still bringing us joy in ours (if not their) advancing years. Please feel free to add a comment or ignore at your discretion.
Regards
3Chordtrick, Bath, Somerset.