Martin
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HWI Management Team
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Post by Martin on Dec 15, 2008 13:19:58 GMT
Some of this perception I believe .............. Steve I may well "perceive" on ocassions when talking about Hayley but it is based upon fact. So let's leave it at that otherwise I might well perceive that you are being condescending.  Martin |
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Post by stevemacdonald on Dec 15, 2008 16:50:52 GMT
Some of this perception I believe .............. Steve I may well "perceive" on ocassions when talking about Hayley but it is based upon fact. So let's leave it at that otherwise I might well perceive that you are being condescending. Martin I didn't want to say this, but there's a distinct "My how you're growing, Hayley!" aspect in some remarks -- factual or not -- that borders on patronising. No one would say such things of an older artist because they are assumed to be all there already, but we keep looking and commenting on Hayley's "progress". Why compare her work in 2008 to her previous work at all? Each concert is one of a kind and her rapport with the audience might be better one day, worse the next, but so what? I think it's more respectful of someone of Hayley's calibre to appreciate them without overlaying a growth chart.... unless of course that chart also outlines the mutual growth between fan and performer. Hayley is teaching some of us to like her kind of music. I sure have progressed from the exposure. |
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Post by milewalker on Dec 15, 2008 17:14:39 GMT
Steve I may well "perceive" on ocassions when talking about Hayley but it is based upon fact. So let's leave it at that otherwise I might well perceive that you are being condescending. Martin I didn't want to say this, but there's a distinct "My how you're growing, Hayley!" aspect in some remarks -- factual or not -- that borders on patronising. No one would say such things of an older artist because they are assumed to be all there already, but we keep looking and commenting on Hayley's "progress". Why compare her work in 2008 to her previous work at all? Each concert is one of a kind and her rapport with the audience might be better one day, worse the next, but so what? I think it's more respectful of someone of Hayley's calibre to appreciate them without overlaying a growth chart.... unless of course that chart also outlines the mutual growth between fan and performer. Hayley is teaching some of us to like her kind of music. I sure have progressed from the exposure. Hello all, In my opinion, Steve is somewhat overstating a perfectly valid point. I suspect there is some degree of vocal development (keep in mind that those of us who live in America would not have first hand evidence of this) if only because one would usually expect it in a singer of her age. Having said this, my personal favorite album of hers is Celtic Treasure. As Steve may like Pure, and MartinDN likes HSJS, I strongly suspect that her development has not been great enough to offset the various preferences of her fans. One other thing to remember is that things like vocal development are quite subjective - when we say that someone is developing were are implying more than a mere change, but the fact that we approve of the change. If someone actually liked a well-placed adolescent female voice more than other types it is entirely possible that they would find the "new" Hayley (to the extent that such a thing exists) to be a regression. Jon |
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Post by martindn on Dec 15, 2008 20:20:55 GMT
What those of us who are fortunate enough to get to have heard Hayley live at different points in her career have noticed is that her voice has changed and is changing. It is only to be expected of a young singer, and is perhaps even more apparent with young male singers. It is also true of say Katherine Jenkins, who I heard sing three days ago. I think a singers voice changes all the time, although this is supposed to slow down once they reach the age of around 30.
In all cases, and Hayley is no different to any other, you either like the changes or you don't. In Hayley's case I most certainly do, and for someone who was a world class singer at 15 to change in that way is wonderful to hear. There was a point at one stage where I feared she might be losing it, but I think sometimes the rapid changes in her voice might have taken a bit of getting used to.
Last Friday, as well as Katherine, I heard Faryl Smith sing. She has a similar type of voice to Katherine, and will one day I'm sure be just as fine a singer, but right now, although I love Faryl's voice, she can't compete with the power and depth of Katherine's. I don't think it is wrong to view the transition from one to the other as progress, since I generally find the result of it becomes more pleasing.
There is also the issue of gaining experience, and improving technique. Hayley's technique has improved since the days of Pure for sure. She has leanred more about how to make the most of her talent, and it shows. And remember, the tool that she has, here voice, is changing all the time, so it is a continual learning curve.
But in the end it is all in the ear of the listener I agree. I'm sure all singers hope that they will improve over time in a way that most of their listeners will like, and most do I'm sure.
Martin
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Post by Mark on Dec 15, 2008 21:36:32 GMT
Hi everyone
To bring this thread back on topic (and what a great topic it is - thanks Jeff for starting it) here are my memorable highlights from 2008....
First of all, the pleasure of saying "Hi Hayley" for the first time this year after 3 long months. I told her that it seemed like a long time since I had seen her and that she had been missed, to which she replied "well Ive missed you guys too".
Next, without doubt for me the highlight of the year - Buxton in April. Memorable because not only was it Hayley's 21st birthday but also the largest gathering of my HWI friends that I have had the pleasure to have been part of. Like Grant, I too will never forget the look on Hayley's face when we all sang to her. I was standing slightly behind her at the time and I recall so vividly the moment when she looked round and right into my eyes. It may have only been for 10 seconds - it felt like much longer. It was like she was saying to me - wow, what should I do - help! I do believe she was overwhelmed.
Buxton was also memorable for me because I had helped arrange for young Connie Talbot and her mum & dad to be Hayley's guests for the evening. A very special moment indeed to meet Hayley backstage in her dressing room and to see these too wonderful performers together.
This year I attended my very first Classical Brit awards. It was also my first visit to The Royal Albert Hall. Memorable for the fantastic venue and for having seats just in front of Hayley's table. I will also never forget Hayley & Kathryn giving me a little wave whilst no one else was paying attention - very special.
Another highlight was the Aberglasney Gardens concert in June. Miles from anywhere, what a beautiful setting. This is where I presented Hayley with a framed photo of herself with Connie - I had made sure the frame would match the decor of her home and thankfully Hayley very much approved. This is also where Hayley sang 'A Thousand Winds' for the first time in the UK. I will never forget the wonderful floodlit outdoor stage, the mist clouding the lights and the backdrop of the welsh hills, with Hayley's pure voice echoing around them - magical.
Apart from St James, which was a very special concert and I was proud to be there, the final highlight of the year for me was Kilworth House in July. Why - well partly because I was able to share Hayley with some of my extended family who were at their first concert, but also because of what happened afterwards. The over strict security almost prevented us from saying "Hi" to Hayley after the show. But thankfully, after Hayley's intervention and after being asked by security if I was a relative of Hayley's, I was able to enjoy a few private moments with her. If ever I was in any doubt about how special we are here at HWI to Hayley, I lost those doubts that night after witnessing nasty security people turn into apologetic diplomats.
Finally, may I also add my thanks for the company of all my HWI friends that I have spent so much time with during this year. Its always a great pleasure and its now so much part of the whole experience. Heres to Hayley making a full recovery and to a wonderful 2009.
Best wishes
Mark
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Post by larryhauck on Dec 15, 2008 22:05:30 GMT
Hi Martin,
Young boys lose their voices-not young girls. Just kidding. I really think Hayley's voice has matured. It is much stronger and she does a lot better on the low notes. Also I think her pronunciation is a lot better. I just hope this bronchial problem does not have any lasting effect on her beautiful voice.
Anyway angels don't lose their voices.
Larry
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Post by martindn on Dec 15, 2008 23:15:16 GMT
Hi Mark,
Wow! Thanks for that. What wonderful memories! I seem to have spent most of this year on the edge of the things you experienced, without actually getting quite as close to them as you did.
I agree, there has never been another Buxton, unless it was Stoke, which I also enjoyed immensely (and which you don't mention although I know you were there). But then, all of Hayley's concerts that I have been to are memories that will stay with me forever. They are all special, wonderful occasions, and I always feel that it is a privilege to be there. Even when the management of the venue seems to be hostile, as at Kilworth House. It gives totally the wrong impression of the warmth of the people of my county when something like that happens on the only occasion when Hayley has performed within its boundaries. As I said to Hayley myself on one occasion, come to the De Montfort Hall and you will get a warm reception, not a hot one!
Hi Larry,
Well, at least Hayley didn't have to stop singing for several years like her friend Aled after his voice broke. And like you, I hope and pray for Hayley's full recovery.
Martin
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Post by Stephany on Dec 16, 2008 7:14:37 GMT
Hi everyone
Well, I've got to say that the Classical Brits Awards are high up on my list this year! I had a wonderful time with everyone who attended, loved the venue, the ceremony and seeing Hayley briefly before, during and after the show was a delight. Thanks a million again Roger for inviting me to this amazing event. A special thanks goes also to Grant and Thomas with whom I spent a lovely day, as usual.
Buxton was also amazing - there was a huge HWI gathering and I felt very special to be a part of the group who wished Hayley a happy birthday. It was nice to meet little Connie as well. I will always remember the fact that Hayley seemed worried that I was leaving alone to the train station after the concert! What a lovely girl.
I especially loved the time I've spent in the company of members of this forum. Thank you all so much for your friendship. That's what I miss the most from the UK and I cannot wait to come back.
2008 is also a very special year for me because it's the year I graduated from University in finance. I found my first job in a US consulting firm in Paris despite the chaotic context. 2009 is going to be so exciting! I really look forward to it.
Stephany xx
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Post by postscript on Dec 16, 2008 9:28:04 GMT
A superb review of singing and singers, Martin with which, in principle I completely agree. Interesting that you have been able to hear both Katherine and Faryl live, something to which I am still looking forward.
Peter S.
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Post by postscript on Dec 16, 2008 10:51:08 GMT
Very interesting this discussion on whether Hayley has been 'maturing', 'progressing', arrived 'fully fledged' or whether her regulars are learning more about music and are more aware of her abilities, or perhaps more able to express themselves in their appreciation of her. I think, in different degrees, all these comments are valid. There is inevitably a degree of subjectivity and that subjectivity may be a continually awakening one. Writing entirely personally I know that my appreciation of music has developed over the last few years. This is partly because of Hayley, comments from the diverse viewpoints expressed here by people with more or less musical awareness than I (and sometimes those with less make comments that I find most sage). What is without doubt is that I increasingly find too much in every day life that is so banal and 'also-ran', heightened by the loss of Hayley's concerts, causing me to feel quite depressed and I'm already being medically treated for depression! A highlight was last Sunday when the village hall down the road hosted a jazz evening with Chris Garrick, a relative of whom I have mentioned previously. A professor of music who prefers the small gig to a concert hall, he had a 'washing line' of four violins strung up for him to play with as he chose. Rather than Dave Ponsford (another professor of music specialising in the harpsichord and baroque music and who apparently taught Al Gurr keyboard technique, as I discovered when chatting with Al at Buxton) but David Gordon, equally versatile on a keyboard. Like the other Dave he half dismantled the upright piano so he could pluck the strings as well and had an electronic keyboard sitting on top, sometimes playing both instruments at the same time. Chris, with his electronic violins was sometimes bowing and also making subtle alterations electronically by playing a 'keyboard' with his foot, as well as treating the violin like a mandolin and lute!. I think that is sufficient to give you an idea of what the evening was like. Now I am not keen on jazz but the unquestioned superlative playing of these two guys fascinated. You knew you were in the company of some of the best musicianship possible. Now Chris's violins were special, one being a 7 string instrument which he said he hadn't yet quite got the hang of! I realised for the first time that I could understand the effect of a quality bow (bows can be more expensive than some violins) and the difference in 'timbre' between violins. I use the term 'timbre' as defining that the same note on two different violins had a different quality of sound. I didn't know that I could perceive such difference until this opportunity. A few weeks back I attended another concert in a local acoustically well balanced hall when a couple of local professional singers gave a piano-accompanied concert without microphones. There was no question that they were very competent but to me they were just a couple of singers, singing as one would expect. So what? It was then I realised I am spoilt. I have become 'used' to a standard way above the norm which I now treat as normality. My awareness is instinctively greater than it was, my expectation more demanding. I can no longer listen to the average 'run of the mill', I prefer silence. May I suggest others can recognise the same trait in themselves? It's all Hayley's fault!  So, coming back to Hayley what I'll remember about 2008 is a realisation that I am more aware than I was and more demanding. Buxton unequivocally because it was her 21st and the way we interacted with her. The August concert at St. James's Church in Piccadilly, London, hearing and meeting Dame Malvina Major. I have yet to obtain the Japanese album but its reception speaks for itself plus other members' reports on it. Also, ROD, which when I buy it (my expected trips to London have not happened so I'll probably have to use Amazon) will save me continually changing CDs! The concert at Dunstable was absolutely superb as was the one at Stoke. The acquisition of Raven as superb accompanists a milestone as also the new sound team. I hope both these entities remain for some time. Now I have to plan out next year which takes some of this year into it. I haven't yet booked the Ansell tour so I shall have to take pot luck as to which venue still has seats. Maybe I'll add in one or two more as the changed date may make some seats available. Peter S. |
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Post by Richard on Dec 16, 2008 14:25:13 GMT
Hello Peter and everybody! I thoroughly enjoyed all the Hayley events that I attended this year, but if I had to pick one highlight, it would have to be the duets with Dame Malvina Major. I'm pleased several of us took the opportunity to have a chat with Dame Malvina, and I'm sure she enjoyed her little taste of Hayley's world.  Best Wishes, Richard  |
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Post by Mark on Dec 16, 2008 14:37:54 GMT
Hi Mark, I agree, there has never been another Buxton, unless it was Stoke, which I also enjoyed immensely (and which you don't mention although I know you were there). Martin Hi Martin You are right, there are so many memories, each concert quite different and no , I didn't mention Stoke and yes, I should have done. Why you may ask - simply because for the past 18 months or so I have been asking Hayley if she would consider singing a song that she hasn't performed live since 2006. The song in question is my all time favourite 'Hayley' song, which holds a special place in my heart as it will always remind me of when I first discovered Hayley and my first concert. The song is of course 'Never Saw Blue'. As this concert was the unofficial start of the ROD tour and as Never Saw Blue is not on the album, you could have knocked me down with a feather when she introduced it. When I met her afterwards, she clearly remembered my request - but I would be kidding myself if I thought she had added this to the set list just for me. Best wishes Mark |
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Post by comet on Dec 16, 2008 15:15:31 GMT
Hi Martin You are right, there are so many memories, each concert quite different and no , I didn't mention Stoke and yes, I should have done. Why you may ask - simply because for the past 18 months or so I have been asking Hayley if she would consider singing a song that she hasn't performed live since 2006. The song in question is my all time favourite 'Hayley' song, which holds a special place in my heart as it will always remind me of when I first discovered Hayley and my first concert. The song is of course 'Never Saw Blue'. As this concert was the unofficial start of the ROD tour and as Never Saw Blue is not on the album, you could have knocked me down with a feather when she introduced it. When I met her afterwards, she clearly remembered my request - but I would be kidding myself if I thought she had added this to the set list just for me. Best wishes Mark I believe Hayley listens to us far more than we give her credit for, and acts on suggestions given by the members here, so Mark, maybe it WAS because you asked i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif I would certainly let myself believe it is so. If you wanted to hear it so much , Hayley may also assume other fans would also like to hear the song again too |
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Post by drew on Dec 16, 2008 16:55:38 GMT
Hi Martin, Young boys lose their voices-not young girls. Just kidding. I really think Hayley's voice has matured. It is much stronger and she does a lot better on the low notes. Also I think her pronunciation is a lot better. I just hope this bronchial problem does not have any lasting effect on her beautiful voice. Anyway angels don't lose their voices. Larry Charlotte from All Angels was suffering from an extended cold on Saturday afternoon in Kingston-upon Thames. She was well wrapped up after the event. Fortunately, none of the Angels lost their voices. Their thoughts go to Hayley at this time. |
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Post by roger on Dec 16, 2008 17:08:53 GMT
I believe Hayley listens to us far more than we give her credit for... Hi Paul, Of course Hayley listens. Just look at her picture in your avatar!  Roger |
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