#1
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.
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.
