Canadian Idol 2 Top Seven Vocal Master Class

Last week I stated, “Next week, the music of Lionel Ritchie will be showcased on the Canadian Idol stage and not a minute too soon. The first three themes really encouraged a strange assortment of song selections and I am thankful that the singers will now have the benefit of a structured and limited song choice. I never thought I would say this, but, given the age and level of expertise of these singers, a more limited choice can be a good thing. Previous to this, the singers were like children in a candy store – too many song flavors at their disposal and too little experience to solidify their decision-making process. Till next time!”

Well –guess what? This week’s show was absolute magic thanks to the disciplined and exceptional song structure of Lionel Richie. All the Idols finally revealed their unique artistry and musically emphasized the reason behind their success in being chosen for the Top 32. Lionel worked diligently and patiently with the singers and his involvement was clearly evident from their performances! These young people were transformed before our eyes and ears and not a moment too soon. Clearly absent were the erratic and impulsive song choices; everyone was back on track. Also, I would like to send a shout out to the Canadian Idol Team –please tour these fine young singers. This is the most talented collection of young artists I have ever seen on one stage and they deserve to be further promoted. All of Canada wants more of their energy and artistic passion once the Canadian Idol competition is over!

So let’s have a look shall we? And remember that all the performers have been reviewed in alphabetical order!

Jason Greeley, Song Choice: "Easy"

Strengths: Jason, my man! This is the performance I was waiting for! You displayed great solid vocals this week with this wonderful Lionel Richie song and, I might add, this was an excellent song selection for your vocal style. I felt that there was a more seamless and even focus to your vocal sound throughout your range and you were truly resonating your voice with a more efficient and correct technique. Your mouth remained round as you attempted to sustain your voice in your vocal masque and as a result, we heard more depth and “head tone” purity in your vocal sound. In previous weeks, I felt that your voice had just too much chest voice, as well as unfocused and ill defined elements during your song selection. But this week I felt that you were finally adhering to the bel canto technique, which emphasizes the pure vowel sustaining element.

Additionally, Jason, it was great to see more sensitivity and soul emanating from your performance. You really infused some wonderfully inspired and carefully rehearsed performing elements as the song progressed. It emphasized your growth and evolution as a true artist since the Canadian Idol Top 10 show began and you are to be congratulated and back-patted for your enormous hard work and determination. Bravo, Jason and please keep up the good work!

Critique: As I have said in previous weeks, Jason, you still have some discernible areas of tension within your voice, due mainly to the intermittent problems of tension in your facial muscles. The improvement was noticeable this week, but remain aware that you must continue to work at freeing your facial muscles so that your vocal sound can enjoy the same amount of freedom and flexibility.

Additionally, really strive to improve on your ability to secure and anchor your voice with the correct diaphragmatic breathing skill. This is an integral element for confident vocal projection and performing style, and it will also improve the phrasing and dynamic variation during your songs. On another technical note, I still feel that your phrases throughout the melodic line are too detached; they do not have a forward momentum that is so necessary for the flow and continuity of a song. Always think through your phrase lines and really sustain those final notes at the end of your phrases so that they don’t drop off the vocal map or radar.

Jacob Hoggard, Song Choice: "Brickhouse"

Strengths: Well, call me a sucker for entertainment, but I have to say that I absolutely adored this funky performance, Jacob! It was just the ticket for your innovative, campy personality and once again your showcase was a great success this week. Also, I felt that we heard more of your true vocal quality, and although your sound is being produced in a technically incorrect way, your artistry and passion for the music and the lyrics really transcend this deficiency. You are such an innovative artist, a unique and distinct Canadian performer, and this level of artistry should be encouraged, not discouraged. There are several reasons why people become stars and one of the reasons is the presence of a distinct star or X-factor that cannot be described or compared to anyone else. This is the Jacob essence in a nutshell.

You had such fun on the stage Jacob and your movements and mannerisms were expressive and effortlessly communicated. You live to perform and are truly a most remarkable and inventive vocal talent. The music and the lyrics once again came alive this week and this great Lionel Ritchie song enjoyed a significant rejuvenation and transformation through your performance wizardry and musical genius. Kudos to you, Jacob! Another superb musical presentation!

Critique: As I said last week, Jacob, “you must make a concerted effort to study the basic skills of vocal technique. Additionally, really try to maintain a round and focused mouth and a relaxed jaw, so that your diaphragm will be encouraged to support and maintain the sustaining pure vowel element in your voice.” However, I stated in the “strengths” portion of your evaluation that there was some improvement this week, so I am only going to assume that you are attempting to solidify your technical skills during and after the Idol process.

However, I have to say that I both disagree and agree with the judges that you are not allowing your voice to shine and allowing the “shtick” to transcend and mask your vocal deficiency. By disagree, I mean that you are very clever and very tricky in knowing which songs and which keys are going to work to your advantage on stage. In this way, you are a smart and savvy young performer. By agree, I feel that the judges may want to see you stand there, vocally naked and just sing. And I am curious to see what would happen if you allowed yourself to do this, Jacob. So, you must try to find a song that would allow you to expose yourself as a vocalist; we already know you are a performer, now we need to hear your pure voice. I think that this accomplishment would expand your boundaries to the absolute limit, as this is the only thing left that you haven’t achieved, I feel. Everything else is in place, Jacob. Only one more hurdle to jump! You can do it! But, between you and me, you are a bona fide star and Idol is merely your launching pad!