|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2013 19:57:38 GMT
Hi everyone. As we all know, Hayley is an incrediblly versatile performer, and she can lend her angelic voice to many styles. However, the blues is a style that she has not to my knowledge ventured into. As a big blues lover, I would love to hear her try a song or two in this direction. Now I'm sure many of us would be against the idea initially, but I think she can pull off almost anything, and it would be a refreshing departure from the lot of what we've heard her sing. To elaborate, blues music (and similar styles like soul and gospel) is extremely expressive in the way that notes are bent and phrased - altogether it's a very loose sound compared to classical, folk, etc.
The only thing I know of that Hayley has done similar to this is "I Say Grace," which I think is just a small taste of what she could do.
What do you think? Perhaps for a few songs on an album with varying styles/themes? Or are there more existing examples that I'm not aware of?
-Rory
|
|
|
|
Post by stevemacdonald on Mar 10, 2013 7:28:55 GMT
The underlying emotions of the blues, like desperation, disappointment, frustration, longing, loss, melancholia, sorrow and yearning can be found in many of the songs Hayley has sung, starting right there with "Pokarekare Ana", a ballad that evokes deep feelings of missing someone and wanting them to return. Another "blues" song content-wise is none other than her stunning "Dido's Lament". Hayley's Puccini arias — "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Un Bel Di" also traverse the same emotional territory as many traditional blues numbers.
The blues style is unique but the emotional undertones are common with all styles Hayley has attempted. I think the trick to getting Hayley to "sing the blues" is for her to write her own blues songs based on her own experiences. We know from self-revealing interviews that she's been through a lot and has some darker moments of the soul under her belt that could find expression in the blues idiom quite easily.
I do believe that in time Hayley will broaden her style and make a contribution to the blues, but I think it would have to be on her own terms and maybe entail tasteful collaborations with guitarists like Eric Clapton or BB King.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2013 15:41:41 GMT
Hi Steve, I completely agree that Hayley has covered a plethora of emotions in her music. I'm merely coming from a melodic and rhythmic standpoint. I find it very hard to think of a song where she sings a note and subsequently bends it gradually into another, or perhaps takes a pitch that is intentionally off-key, and changes it into one that is on. But as you said she would definitely have to choose this herself, although unfortunately I don't think she's too likely to work Clapton or King (although I would love to see it). If anything, perhaps she would pair up with a blues singer for a collaboration. There's just an edge to the blues that I've always wanted to hear from her voice. To be clear, I'm not wishing to change our Hayley, but merely to let her be all she can be, although that may in fact be impossible because I believe her true potential is limitless  A very random example would be an extremely brief part in "I Believe." In between the first and second bar of the chorus, she sings a very small vocal run leading into the next line (the "whoa oh oh"). I always heard that as a bit bluesy, but now imagine if you can that the first note of that run - the "whoa" - was flattened by a semitone. Quite subtle, but that tiny example basically sums up what I'm looking to hear Update: Actually after another listen she already does lower the natural note in "I Believe," so you can hear exactly what I was looking for -Rory |
|
|
|
Post by stevemacdonald on Mar 11, 2013 5:21:09 GMT
I see what you mean Rory about bending the notes to make them sound really bluesy. I'm sure that would be a cakewalk for Hayley given her overall competency with vocal gymnastics. And I'm sure many singers who have perfected this style of singing would gladly take Hayley under their wing if she sought their coaching. With proper Blues technique in place for Hayley it would then be all down to the material. Something tailored to her essence.
Hey I got an idea: Let's all write a Blues song for Hayley to sing!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2013 5:24:32 GMT
I see what you mean Rory about bending the notes to make them sound really bluesy. I'm sure that would be a cakewalk for Hayley given her overall competency with vocal gymnastics. And I'm sure many singers who have perfected this style of singing would gladly take Hayley under their wing if she sought their coaching. With proper Blues technique in place for Hayley it would then be all down to the material. Something tailored to her essence. Hey I got an idea: Let's all write a Blues song for Hayley to sing! Haha that would be great, but we still have to let her hear our last song!  -Rory |
|
|
|
Post by frenchie on Mar 11, 2013 18:47:43 GMT
The blues style is unique but the emotional undertones are common with all styles Hayley has attempted. I think the trick to getting Hayley to "sing the blues" is for her to write her own blues songs based on her own experiences. We know from self-revealing interviews that she's been through a lot and has some darker moments of the soul under her belt that could find expression in the blues idiom quite easily. I am a little surprised to read the underlined part of your statement here, Steve. I am not second guessing or anything, but all the interviews I've seen of Hayley, I have not really heard or read of any "darker moments" in her life. I guess Hayley is really good at keeping them fairly hidden. So if you or someone else don't mind, what "darker moments" are you talking about? Could you direct me to an interview or two? Thank you in advance. On topic: I think Hayley could do a blues song or two. However, I agree that it comes down to Hayley and the material. It would be cool to hear Hayley do a duet or musical collaboration with a or some blues greats. Only time will tell... Alicia |
|
|
|
Post by stevemacdonald on Mar 12, 2013 1:23:17 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2013 2:09:49 GMT
Wow I knew nothing of this. She has felt the blues indeed. I imagine part of the reason could be hitting fame at such a young age. So many celebrities (particularly here in the states) who started out as children or early teens seem to fall into some kind of breakdown. I think our Hayley has still turned out remarkably, nonetheless. Let's hope she's seen the worst of her days and can continue happily for the rest of her time. Oh, and I know it isn't all too important, but an "unflattering" photo of Hayley? So long as she's healthy and happy I can imagine no such thing -Rory |
|
|
|
Post by Bamafan on Mar 12, 2013 4:28:38 GMT
I've only seen a couple pictures ever of Hayley that I would consider "unflattering," per say. Such occurrences for me are so few and far between, however, that I could hardly imagine the photo that Hayley might have seen... But, let us try to view to view the good side of the bad: one can never fully appreciate one's blessings without going through some struggle. Now that Hayley has long recovered, I believe she can truly love life and all it's gifts. -Taylor i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Mar 12, 2013 4:39:46 GMT
Most young stars I see in the tabloids just rebel and do naughty things, from what I've seen. They start out innocent, then start doing racy photoshoots, cut all their hair off (any idea who I'm referring to? LOL), or start doing drugs, and all that nonsense.
As for unflattering photos, when you see pictures of other people, and you think they look fine, remember that many people hate seeing themselves in photos. I personally cannot stand to see photos of myself. Sometimes I cringe when I see myself in the mirror. It's all about self-consciousness and worrying about what others think. That feeling is magnified extremely when you're being photographed all the time, and having your pictures and/or videos all over the media. We see Hayley and see how pretty she looks all the time, but not everyone feels that good about their looks, no matter how beautiful they are.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2013 5:18:40 GMT
Completely. It's all about self esteem and self confidence though. That's what I'm hoping that Hayley has learned to have. When you love yourself (in the good way), you'll see a picture of yourself and you might say "Wow, I sure look like garbage, but I'm still beautiful no matter what." It's not so much about perception, but interpretation, if you ask me. lol and don't worry I often cringe at pictures of myself too, but I just laugh it off and accept that I am who I am, for better or for worse
-Rory
|
|
|
|
Post by stevemacdonald on Mar 12, 2013 5:21:04 GMT
Wow I knew nothing of this. She has felt the blues indeed. ... Yes Rory, which is kinda why I wanted the discussion to include not only the mechanics of singing the Blues but also cover her "street cred" as someone who's paid her dues in that deeply emotional currency. Clearly she has more to her than meets the eye and it will always be her singing that communicates her spirit with the world. Hayley's voice has matured and so has her motivation. I think she will want to sing the more heartfelt songs that are driven by her inner feelings. If she gravitates toward the Blues with all its tone-twisting magic she will be entering hallowed musical ground and might even find it therapeutic as many singers report. We as fans can encourage such a foray into this style by way of these public forums. I'll bet you she's already considered something more identifiably Blues based and is waiting for the right time to do it. I suspect that will be when she starts writing and recording more of her own material. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2013 5:29:14 GMT
Who knows? She could be working on one right now...
-Rory
|
|
|
|
Post by comet on Mar 12, 2013 9:27:10 GMT
Most young stars I see in the tabloids just rebel and do naughty things, from what I've seen. They start out innocent, then start doing racy photoshoots, cut all their hair off (any idea who I'm referring to? LOL), or start doing drugs, and all that nonsense. :2fun: Sinéad O'Connor still looked quite stunning with all her hair shaved off. Have a look at the video of Nothing compares to you. But in the end, music is for listening to, not for looking at and Sinéad can sing the blues too, She is an exceptional musical artist (I have seen her live here in Dublin) and despite her well intended actions at various times I still buy her albums and DVDs when they are released, I do have a soft spot for our super talented Sinéad. Or are we discussing the recent antics of Justin B. |
|
|
|
Post by Bamafan on Mar 12, 2013 11:40:15 GMT
|
|
