Daphne Rubin-Vega - Joe's Pub - 1/15/07

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 12:32am

I saw Ms. Rubin-Vega in concert tonight at Joe's Pub. I sat in the front row and felt surrounded by the cast of Les Miserables. Daphne made mention of them several times throughout the show and seemed very appreciative of their support. The enthusiasm of the two couples seated next to me was quite a sight and refreshing to watch. It's great to see people of any age such fans of a Broadway performer's solo work - something that is far too rare.

I have to say I was a bit let down by the show overall, mainly because I could not hear or understand anything more than a few phrases Daphne sang. When she started out with an airy, thin voice, I assumed it was just for the opening song, but she never lost that quality to her voice except for "Out Tonight," where she had more "oomph" to her voice but sounded strained. Daphne mentioned several times that she was taking steroids for her voice, so I'm sure she even knew something was missing. I'm sure those who are more familiar with her solo work would have had a better time understanding what she was, well, singing. Some of it also might have been a problem with the person in charge of the sound; I found myself wondering why they didn't turn her mic up or the other instruments down. She sounded so overpowered.

However, despite her voice being largely drowned out, she certainly had a boatload of enthusiasm. I can't say that it made up for the lack of vocal power, but it was great to see that she truly puts 100% into every show. She's also certainly quite a stream-of-consciousness speaker - I think this works well for her at times and also leaves the audience (well, at least me!) completely lost at others! But I suppose that's just Daphne.

Lastly, I still have to admit to being underwhelmed by her solo music, but that's a matter of personal taste more than anything. I feel like a lot of her songs are lost between rock and pop; I'd like to see her go down more of a "real rocker" route. There was one song that I took a particular liking to - partially because I could actually understand some of the lyrics, but mainly because I felt it seemed like one of her more superiorly-written songs (I believe it's entitled "Hold On").

Now, I realize her weak vocals probably aren't her fault, but they did prevent me from truly enjoying the show. I wish I could say that just seeing her on stage doing her thing made it all worth it, but I didn't walk out of Joe's Pub feeling content. However, I admire her energy and gumption; if nothing else, I did feel like she cared.

[NJRae]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 1:45am

I was also there and know just which couple you were talking about! They were funny!

Daphne did say that she had injured her voice and had gone to the doctor for it just that day so all things considered I thought she sounded great.

I did not find her hard to understand at all, but then I do know all of the songs she sang as I have both of her cds. But even when she was speaking and telling jokes (she is too funny!) I did hear every word she said. But then I was one row back from you and maybe that made a difference?

I was surprised that she threw in a couple of songs from her older cd, but pleasantly so. I had never heard her sing them live, so that was nice. And that newer Spanish song . . . I have no idea what she was saying but the friend I was with is a Spanish teacher and her face told a story all of its own! When I asked her what it was about she would only say that it is very risque. Good, but risque.

Overall I thought it was a great show. She sounded good, and certainly had enough energy for everyone in the room and then some. She really is just such a good performer. My friend had not seen her live in ten years and now can't wait to see her again.

And, as always, she was extremely friendly after the show.

[gustof777]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 7:23am

oooh who all was there from les miz? Whatd she say? I need the lowdown lol! I wish I could have been there...i hope daphne is feeling better soon

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 10:09am

Daphne did say that she had injured her voice and had gone to the doctor for it just that day so all things considered I thought she sounded great.

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree there. Honestly, I thought her voice sounded incredibly weak, but I also realize that was probably out of her control. I'm not blaming her directly for the problem, but I still have to admit that it prevented me from really enjoying the show. It also might have had to do with the acoustics of the room; maybe I was at a disadvantage based on where I was sitting.

I did not find her hard to understand at all, but then I do know all of the songs she sang as I have both of her cds. But even when she was speaking and telling jokes (she is too funny!) I did hear every word she said. But then I was one row back from you and maybe that made a difference?

Right, I honestly think that makes all the difference. I was semi-familiar with one of the songs ("Angel Now") and was better able to understand that one, but everything else? I honestly couldn't make out more than a few words at a time. And I agree that I didn't have a problem hearing her between songs - during them was the issue.

I'm not trying to rag on her performance too much because a) my main problem with the show wasn't exactly her fault and b) she obviously put a ton of effort into the show. I just didn't walk out totally pleased, and I wanted to, because I chose to see her in this rather than Les Mis (knowing I'd probably be disappointed seeing her in the latter).

gustof777, I think most of the main performers were there - Alex, Adam, Aaron, Celia, Ali... and probably a couple others I don't remember right now.
Updated On: 1/16/07 at 10:09 AM

[NJRae]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 10:44am

gustof: She said way to much to fit into one post! She was her usual funny, energetic self through the entire show. Jokes flying everywhere and little funny stories in between songs. If you want a whole rundown PM me and I'll do my best to recount some of the highlights for you. Alex, Ali, Celia, Adam and Aaron were all there . . . I did not see anyone else nor did Daphne mention anyone else so if they were there they were hiding.

Siamese Dream: I have to say that the friend I brought with me was totally unfamiliar with any of the songs and she was actually able to hear well enough that she was translating parts of the Spanish song (the one that Daphne said she wrote with her brother) to me . . . again, maybe it was where you were sitting, maybe it was a dozen things. I know my friend missed a few words of that song here or there b/c she said the mike was too close to Daphne's face and she couldn't see what she was saying, if that makes sense. I know my friend--who had not seen Daphne live in ten years--walked away a huge fan of hers and eagerly anticipating the next time she could see her. I had already bought her "Redemption Songs" that night as a gift . . . she went home wanting a copy of "Souvenirs" as well.

I'm not really disagreeing with you . . . obviously Daphne was having a problem with her voice, she said so herself. I just thought that all things considered she sounded really, really good. Aside from a couple of notes here or there I don't think I would have noticed a problem. I do, however, think that Daphne's voice as well as Daphne's solo work are a bit of an acquired taste. Maybe it just isn't to your liking and that is fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'm just glad that you are at least able to look past the fact that she was having a problem and not rag on her about it. It certainly looked like she was giving it her all.

Did you see her after the show?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 12:17pm

No, I didn't stick around. I brought the issue of Newsweek with Daphne and Adam Pascal on the cover for her to sign, but I think I would have felt weird going up to her and asking her to sign it when her castmates from Les Mis were there along with someone else I knew... I know, I'm horribly self-conscious and probably will be regretting my decision soon enough! In all honesty, I generally couldn't care less about a performer's signature, but it's just a nice feeling to meet someone you admire in one way or another. Updated On: 1/16/07 at 12:17 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 12:21pm

I agree with you about her solo music -- some of it is really catchy, but overall it's not my cup of tea. However, her enthusiasm and energy is definitely infectious, and seeing her perform Out Tonight even when she's not sounding her best is a really special experience, which I'm glad you got to have!

Updated On: 1/16/07 at 12:21 PM

[Chloe]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 12:34pm

I was at the show also, and enjoyed it. I'm somewhat familiar with her music so was able to follow a lot of the songs. I thought her voice wasn't 100% but not bad, and her explanation was funny - "I came out to do the sound check and my voice was BLAHHHGG." She then ran to her doctor, who gave her steroids so she could sing last night. At one point she asked if steroids make your mind race, and it certainly seemed as if hers was at times. Hearing Out Tonight was a thrill, Emcee. I can imagine the impact she must have had at the Nederlander in those early days of Rent.

No one has mentioned her outfit, which was typically outrageous - thigh-high stilletto boots, a mini-skirt, a bustier laced up the back, and a frilly peasant blouse. She looked great, much better in person than in photos, I thought. She still has that tiny waist and somehow managed to do a lot of great dance moves in those four-inch heels.
Updated On: 1/16/07 at 12:34 PM

[NJRae]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 12:38pm

Oh you should have gone back. Not that I have met that many performers, but of everyone I have met she is just the most nice, friendly, gracious person. I also don't really care about the actual signature, but the exerience of getting the signature is what I enjoy. Especially with someone like her who takes the time to really talk to you. And the Les Mis "posse" really didn't stick around. Daphne walked Alex out a couple of minutes after I got in line to see her and then she came right back to talk to people and sign things. I actually didn't even have her sign anything last night, just enjoyed talking with her. At this point she knows me well enough that she took one look at me and gave me a monster hug and made a joke about the last time we had met. I was shocked . . . I knew that she sort of knew who I was (every time I see her she says, "I know I know you,") but this time there was no hesitation. She called me by name and was referencing other conversations we had had in person and online. She really is just the nicest person to meet. Ok, I'm done making you kick yourself now!

Em: I know! I love when she does Out Tonight. There were a couple of notes that she hit during that song that looked like they hurt, but she didn't let that stop her! She actually came out and did "Beautiful Thing" first and I thought maybe she wasn't going to do "Out Tonight" but I should have known better!

[NJRae]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 12:40pm

Lol, Chloe, forget that she managed some great dance moves in those really high heels, she was also in a short skirt doing them!

All of her explanations and stories are, in my opinion, very very funny. My friend and I were cracking up the entire night.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 3:35pm

Just saw the pics....She looks like she lost a bit of weight. Her face seems really thin. Not saying that as a positive or a negative, just an observation. Loved the outfit (which I am not usually fond of her fashion sense) except the pirate shirt. Otherwise, she looked good!

[Ariella]

Posted: 1/16/07 at 5:07pm

Thanks for posting. Daphne does have an incredible charisma live - it's too bad the sound was off. I'm always extra impressed when people do those things in heels.

[StateOfJade]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 12:25am

I'm a frequent Daphne-gig-goer and I honestly wouldn't have known she was sick unless she'd announced it. She changed some of the keys of some notes, but that was all. This was probably my 10th Daphne gig and I think she just gets better and better. Only negative was it seemed to go by so quickly! And it was very nice to see all the Les Mis people there, it was very cool to see Alexander and Celia on either sides of me :).

[Me2]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 1:12am

I was there also. I thought the gig was great and I LOVED her outfit. Not just anyone can pull that off... most people probably can't actually.

Last time she had a gig at Joes pub I was seated pretty much right ontop of the stage. It was kind of uncomfortably close actually. At that show I did have a lot of trouble inderstanding what she was singing, I think it may be the seat though because for this past one I was sitting further back and I could understand everything just fine.

[NJRae]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 7:20am

StateofJade: I agree with you. Had she not said anything I don't think most people would have known anything was wrong. When I saw her afterwards I told her that and she was like, "Oh no I'm a mess I'm falling apart," if that is her a mess and falling apart . . .

I was talking to the friend I went with last night and she is still talking about how great the show was. I had bought her the cd as a gift and she says she is addicted to it and can't wait to get a copy of "Souvenirs". I think I created a monster! lol