John Lloyd Young Isn't Singing High Notes - Riedel — Page 3

So if it takes 3 people to create the "Sound" they want. What happens when one of them is out? Or both Michaels are out?

I think John could do by himself, but with the three of them the sound is better. Here is what he posted on his blog.


Friday, April 14, 2006

In response to Michael Riedel's reporting in the New York Post on rumors about JERSEY BOYS, here's some interesting history on the sound of the Four Seasons and some behind-the-scenes info on how JERSEY BOYS re-creates that sound:

The signature sound of the Four Seasons, originally called "The Four Seasons, featuring the sound of Frankie Valli" was created by having Valli record his vocal part twice and then running them back together. If you listen to the original recording of "Sherry" you will hear TWO Frankie Vallis! This technique was called "doubling," and the Four Seasons were one of its earliest pioneers, using it on some of their most famous songs.

When we recorded the JERSEY BOYS cast album, we were able to do exactly the same thing in the studio. If you listen to the JERSEY BOYS CD carefully you'll hear TWO John Lloyd Youngs on some of the signature up-tempo Seasons songs (for instance, track #5, "Sherry"). Other vocal parts are doubled, as well, just as in any choral arrangement.

To recreate that sound live, onstage, we did the following. Here's how the producers of JERSEY BOYS explain it:

"The authors of JERSEY BOYS require any actor playing Frankie Valli (not specifically John Lloyd Young) and other featured actors in the show to have a second voice accompany them at certain moments during the show to recreate the authentic sound of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

The multiple voice technique was pioneered on the original Four Seasons records, and is talked about and explained in the show as part of the story of JERSEY BOYS!

Everything in JERSEY BOYS is sung live. Everyone who appears to be singing on-stage is singing live. There are no tapes or click tracks. Accompanying vocals are performed by members of the cast singing on or off stage."

A few things should be clarified: the falsetto is actually easier on the voice, and it's a large part of my almost-four-octave range. I need no "help" to hit any notes in falsetto. Doubling is a way to layer support under a sound, not a replacement for it, which is why you hear it if I make a vocal mistake: there's no place to hide. Doubling is not used on any of my ballads or solo numbers during the show; it's only those signature four-part harmonies (which, in reality, can have as many as ten voices onstage and off supporting each of the four vocal parts). It happens in parts of the show where I'm not one of the singers: look for other characters onstage singing in the early scenes of JERSEY BOYS where the "Variety Trio" is performing -- those are doublers.

Though it's a lot of hard work to sing the lead vocals for 27 songs, live onstage each and every performance, it's very rewarding to know the authentic signature Four Seasons studio sound we all remember is being delivered every night to the audiences of JERSEY BOYS.

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Thank you jerseyboyslover--I was about to post that myself. That should clarify any doubt since it came directly from JLY and not a "reviewer".

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So seriously not a big deal. It isn't as though it's been found out that Young is unable to sing the falsetto or hasn't been. It doesn't sound like the show's gone out of their way to hide the doubling thing, they're very up-front about it, and as others have pointed out that's what the Four Seasons actually did. Riedel's article is awful and spins it to seem as though someone in the wings is actually singing most of his high notes for him.

Edit: Because some misonceptions were pointed out.

Updated On: 4/14/06 at 12:11 PM

Thats right, they are doing this like the season's did. And I dont blame you for being cranky about this, I have not even seen the show and I was mad about it.

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Updated On: 4/14/06 at 12:17 PM

Micheal Reidel is crazy. I don't believe this at all. Is this a trick Micheal set up so he doesn't win the Tony? It sounds real and natural from his voice, which is the only thing that counts. He is a real, not dubbed, performer and should deserve the respect for getting through the show. Jersey Boys must be at a disadvantage having this article on the newsstands.

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JLY says it clearly "Doubling is a way to layer support under a sound, not a replacement for it"
It's just yet another case of Reidel's vicious gossip. The cure? Take it with a shaker of salt

IMO, there is a big difference between "doubling" to enhance the sound and Riedel's allegation that others are "occasionally hitting the high notes for him" (implying that JLY isn't singing every note along with the doublers). If Riedel's allegation is true, I am not sure I am okay with that.

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I have ONE question, who gives a Sh*t?! No one outside of the theater queens, even READ Reidel, so it's not going to stop people from going to see JLY in the show and if this does cost him the Tony, then it's more typical behaviour from the jealous people who dwell in muscial theater. Someone must have gotten a bit peeved when JLY got a sketch at Sardi's and leaked the little known situation. Sadly, I expect nothing more from Reidel and all the wanna-be's somehow "involved" in theater.

Here's a new spin on the old adage, "if you can't do, make sure you RUIN it for someone who CAN"!
-Aldente

It's so obvious, it's painful. This is all to keep someone who "they" deem to be an upstart, from winning a Tony he more than deserves. I don't know JLY, I don't much know the show, I do however, know all the back-biting, disgusting behaviour that people in the Broadway community get away with ALL THE TIME. It's no mystery why all of the egregious miscasting that has permeated the boards in recent times goes on. I feel for JLY and there is no excuse for any of this.

Gotta wave a red flag about comparing the Thanksgiving Day Parade with Letterman.... because that's live vs. prerecorded vocals.

On the Macy's parade, ALL the shows are miming to pre-recorded music. That would be why JLY sounded perfect with no strain- pre-recorded, ideal vocal situation. Letterman, for those who are unaware, is taped live in front of a studio audience. Furthermore, Letterman keeps his studio at a "balmy" 48 degrees- just about like performing outside. I wouldn't compare these two performances to use as evidence of some sort of vocal exhaustion on John's part. Apples and oranges.

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Yeah, the smear campaign is nothing new. There's a reason Reidel has been thrown out of parties, events, etc... people know what his column is worth. Diddly.

jerseyboyslover, honestly, I think JLY will be fine. Hurtful things being said? Sure. Expected in THIS industry? Without a doubt. He strikes me as a guy who is fully aware of behind the scenes drama. He's probably a bit insulted, but far from devestated.

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Ah yes, the "queens" are at it again. Let's just hope that justice prevails and the whole nasty *plan* backfires. All I can think is, it must be a slow news day.