http://masterclasslady.com/2011/05/05/vocal-masterclass-article-for-american-idol-season-10-top-5-singers-now-and-then/
JAMES DURBIN: “Closer To The Edge” and “Without You”
Strengths: James –as always, you displayed strong performance skills during your first number, “Closer To The Edge“. And, indeed, you always seem to be moving toward the edge in every performance, taking risks and being successful with those risks. You never fall off the edge – you know your limitations, which seem endless. The element of surprise is integral to each of your performances; in fact, I think surprise is your middle name.
I particularly loved the vocal slide up to your highly developed falsetto range. It is this depth of character and nuance that I have come to enjoy in all your performances, James. You are fearless on that stage and I love it!
Vocally, the grab on your pure vowels was wonderfully consistent. I certainly can’t fault you there. As I have mentioned before, you have a distinct hold on the correct technical approach that services you very well and enhances the naturally rich timbre of your gifted voice.
This was a strong, muscular, passionate performance and you captured the spirit of this song perfectly. It was a true rock and roll experience; you are an authentic rocker not a poseur and this is why your performances resonate easily with the audience.
Your second number, “Without You” just stole my heart a million times over. Your intense, sensitive delivery was absolutely phenomenal. How you managed to complete this song when it was obviously affecting you emotionally just speaks to the level of your professionalism and commitment as a vocal artist.
And, believe it or not, that shaking body was actually helping you to support your voice. Your lower voice, in particular. had more presence than usual and you articulated your words with heightened clarity. Your shaking muscles were contracting and, by doing so, assisted you through the vocal process, keeping the voice front and center.
I loved the range of dynamics in this number, from the hushed intensity at the beginning of this song to the brilliant power vocals at the end. And, strangely enough, the slight wavering in pitch was incidental and actually strengthened your expressive vocals. We could feel the hurt in your heart, the vulnerability and the longing.
Your phrasing was musical and meaningful and, the words were crisp and clean. The emotion took over and inspired you to carry those words toward the hearts of your listeners. Such poignancy in delivery is very rare indeed. Musical theatre star, Bernadette Peters, inherited this rare performance quality and it was, indeed her trademark. You are now carrying the torch James. Beautiful!
Excellent work, James. Congratulations!
Critique: James – you must, must remember to support your lower range. This has been such a problem for you from Day One of this competition.
In your first number, “Closer To The Edge”, I could barely hear your voice. It was so frustrating. And given that the melody sat so low at the start of this performance, it was even more important that you follow this guide.
The song began on shaky ground and, although it picked up when you sang through your upper range, it still hindered a completely satisfying performance from a personal perspective.
Additional attention to your articulation skills will help you here. Pronounce those consonants with clarity, using the consonants as a springboard to the vowels, which are important to the sustaining process. Then your voice will sound seamless and even from top to bottom there.
Unfortunately during this song, I was hearing two voices, one shaky, lacking in presence and the other strong and powerful and brimming with charisma and authority. You need to bridge this gap, James so that your voice commands authority at every point in your vocal and dynamic range.
Your second song, “Without You”, was just so special, so perfect in ways that were important, that I cannot spoil the memory with a critique. What’s there to critique? That you feel? That you care?
And, truth be told, so many problems with your articulation and lower range disappeared during this number. Your emotional compass seemed to make you more determined to deliver this song with purpose and conviction.
Bravo, James! You are one special musician.
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