5.17.13 Adam Returns to Idol

Beats the hell out of me how he does it! But I find it interesting that even non-singer, non-glambert listeners hear something special and beautiful in his voice in Stay and Titanium. It is undeniable.

I recently chatted with Angelina Kalahari, the well respected opera singer/vocal coach who is a die-hard Adam fan. (For those of you awaiting her next program on Adam's voice, she hasn't abandoned the idea.  She is super busy with her own projects and with teaching and conducting vocal master classes. Several Adam-centered programs are still on her "to-do" list.) Some of the things she pointed out about his voice were:

1. Yes, it IS getting better and betterer. To be expected as men's voices continue to mature thru their mid 30's, and voices improve with frequent use (if used correctly and not screwed up with improper technique). But, at the same time, amazing considering how great it has always been. ETA: There are more and more harmonics in his voice, particularly in the lower frequencies that add richness. 

2. The ringing clarity of Adam's voice is due to the way he focuses his sound in the "mask" or frontal part of the face and sinuses. It is classical, operatic technique, but Adam uses it consistently, even when singing pop and rock, soft or loud.

3. Adam has remarkable mastery of his instrument; as good or better than many opera singers.  His technique is a master class in itself for singers everywhere. His control of tone, breathing, placement, phrasing, intensity, and pitch is amazing. We frequently say that his singing is "effortless", and it sure sounds that way. But, in reality, it is very hard work, requiring focus and energy and that technical mastery. She has remarked in one of her blogs that, after the London showcase for press where he sang just five songs, she hugged him and he was drenched with sweat from the energy expended. She could still feel the charge of that energy radiating from his body. He gives it his ALL, literally.

4. As a singer matures and grows emotionally, even experiencing difficult times, that growth and depth are reflected in his voice and in his performances.  

Only another classically trained, highly trained singer can probably identify WHAT Adam is doing to sound so good, but we are all fortunate that we can HEAR the beauty and mastery. I am crossing fingers and toes that Angelina will find time fairly soon to write a definitive blog about Adam's voice.  There is so much crap from so-called "experts" out there, I think Adam needs someone like Angelina to set the record straight.