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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
 Posted - 06/18/2007 : 09:51:31 AM
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I saw a segment on the Today show a while back where they took an NBC correspondent who had no musical talent whatsoever and had him record a song. Of course, the initial recording was HORRIBLE...the guy couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. Oh, but he sounded so much different by the time they got finished with all the electronic wizardry at their disposal. They somehow took his off-key singing and made everything hit the right notes. Then they added some echo-ey stuff that gave it more depth; they added wonderful musicians and just all kind of stuff, so that by the time they were done, you would have thought this guy would be the next number one on the hit parade. The thought that the spot left you with was how much of the music we are listening to is honest and how much of it is "enhanced". I remember that whoop-de-do about Millie Vanillie or whoever that was about lip-syncing. I have noticed that in films of old Beatles live performances, they were pretty bad -- they seemed to race through the songs at breakneck speed...the recordings were always so much better than live performances. I've noticed that, too, with the Beach Boys. On the other hand, we once went to a show by Harry Belefonte, and he was even better in person than on record, because of his personality and heart, I think.
That is something I have not encountered with Hawaiian traditional music, however. Aunty Genoa sounds as good or better in person that as recorded. Same thing for Dennis, Cyril, Martin, Jerry Santos, Bros. Cazimero, Mike Ka`awa, Patrick Landeza, etc., etc., etc. Plus with traditional Hawaiian music, I do not have to listen to those synthesized phoney electronic drums.
In your opinions, is that true in the modern music world...better music through the miracles of science? Maybe technically better, in my opinion, but no heart or soul or emotion.
Is good music just compliance to the standards of hitting the right notes and following the rules; or is it about evokiing emotions or sharing a feeling?
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2007 : 10:14:17 AM
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Wanda - I just LOVE the questions you ask; they can never be answered easily!
There's always been a lot that studio trickery can do. I remember hearing some of Elton John's early studio tracks before producer Gus Dudgeon go ahold of them - let's just say Sir Elton had some issues with intonation in those days, and Gus had a bit of tweaking to do - something that's even easier now, with digital technology. But if there hadn't been some real talent in his soul, I don't think he would have had the lengthy career he's had.
Let's revisit this in 25 years, and see how many of the "American Idol"-esque folks are considered to be respected musicians by that point.
You won't be likely to find those synth-drums in ANY kind of music that could be called "traditional," but you will find them in Hawaiian music today, along with other trickery - I can think of songs by folks like Ten Feet and The Mana`o Company that have a lot of studio stuff in them, and they are still pleasing to my ears. But I'll bet none of those guys can hold that note in "`Alika" like Aunty Genoa (well, without digital enhancement, that is.) |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2007 : 11:02:32 AM
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Interesting timing, from my perspective, with this question. Just saw Makana two nights in a row, just this last Friday and Saturday. The Friday concert was a "freebie" at the Aloha Island Grille here in Santa Cruz, Ca. The Saturday concert was at a theater also in Santa Cruz. His musicianship and voice were astounding at both venues. I have been listening to his cd's since then. In my opinion he sounded better live.
It has also been my good fortune to to hear many others live. It is amazing to me how good they almost always sound and how good they compare to their recordings. I think it must be because the roots of most of their music is "kanikapila", and if they were not able to get it right "live" they don't record it.
It's one of the things about "Hawaiian" music that I respect and admire so much. There is so much honesty and integrity shown by these artists.
I'm sure that the record producers will always try and "clean" things up a bit and add some violins in the background. But for the most part they aren't needed. Not by most of these preformers. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2007 : 11:10:56 AM
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Makana has a very unique voice and sound...quite different from recording to recording. Even the traditional stuff is unique...a breath of fresh air.
Norman - you are so right about Hawaiian music, honesty and integrity! I think that is why I really can't seem to listen to anything else anymore. I am always mentally comparing it to Hawaiian music and it always falls short.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 06/18/2007 1:24:50 PM |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2007 : 12:50:59 PM
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Related to this discussion:
A panel of music and technology experts will discuss the changing music industry and how local players can make the most of the advances at "Musictech Hawaii: A Better Music Industry Through Technology," from noon to 4 p.m. June 30 at Leahi I and II rooms at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.
The professional development event, with Grammy Award implications, will be led by industry experts Kevin Arnold, CEO of Independent Online Distribution Alliance; Tom DeSavia, senior vice president of membership group of ASCAP; Steve Mack, CEO of Luxe Media and PNW Chapter president; Neeta Ragoowansi, director of artist-label relations at Sound Exchange; and Ben London, PNW Chapter executive director.
The session is intended for local music industry participants eager to explore the implications of Internet marketing and distribution of music, the declining sales of traditional CDs and other technological challenges.
Registration is at noon, with the panel session at 12:30 p.m. A networking reception follows at 2:30 p.m.
The Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is presenting the event with the cooperation of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and the Outrigger Waikiki.
Information: Ben London at the PNW Chapter of the Recording Academy, (206) 834-1000.
(from today's Honolulu Advertiser) |
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