Why is this inappropriate? He was feeling the music.
I cantor at church. When a song speaks to me, I feel the music. Yes there are times I close my eyes. I try to put myself into the music. When I don’t, I can tell that I sound boring, and I’m sure there are people in the congregation that hear it that way, too. I want a soloist to put their soul into the music.
I know exactly who you’re talking about. That was Billy Zoom from X.
Kieth Jarret also vocalized while playing.
I’ve been a subscriber at a couple of symphony orchestras, and have noted that the few times a year we have guest conductors the conductor performs with more vigor and expression than the resident conductor. I have a couple of theories about why that should be true. My first thought was that the orchestra is unaccustomed to this conductor, so the conductor uses more expansive gestures to avoid losing nuance as the orchestra might miss subtle gestures that musicians more used to the style of conducting would pick up.
The second thought was that the guest conductor gets a special guest conductor fee for the performance, and is just giving the patrons their money’s worth.
I’ve been guilty of this myself. I was musical director in a (ameteur, church-based) musical, and at one point there was a song where everyone was supposed to sway side-to-side, following my lead (from the orchestra ‘pit’ which was just a little area out to the side). And some of them were just really REALLY bad at that. So the next night I swayed just a little bit stronger. And a little bit stronger, and…
Anyway, the last night of the show was videoed for us, and I watched the video and HOLY CRAP, I looked like Janice Muppet bouncing from side to side like I was going to bounce off the walls, it was TERRIBLE! No way was anyone not following me because they couldn’t really tell what I was indicating - they were not following me because they sucked a rhythm.
Ever since then I’ve been medium careful about how much physical enthusiasm goes into my music
My last time in a Megachurch, their Music Director played a grand piano and sang. And… she emoted. Nothing inappropriate, nothing actually flashy, but everyone could just tell that this was about HER.
Her intonation, her phrasing, where she raised her eyebrows or shook her hair or dropped a smile into the hymn… it was exactly how she would do it on a talent show. Afterwards, her “stylings” came up many times in conversation as we discussed the service.
The funeral service. For our friend. Our very humble, unassuming friend.
Big difference between a soloist and a guitarist who is supposed to be providing background music for the choir leading a singalong. There was an obvious awkward silence as he stepped forward (forgot to mention that) during his solo. Umm…HE can see you just fine no matter where you stand.
It was especially annoying for me as whenever I saw it, my mind turned to “Give GOD a solo!” from Eric Clapton’s Yardbirds day. Fun for within that context, but but not fun or appropriate when someone is trying out their latest licks during a church singalong.
BTW, the congregation was all adults with a heavy proportion of seniors. The kids up to their mid-teens had their how Sunday School worship upstairs.
Getting off topic, but just remembered Bernadette Peters who would cry during whatever song she was singing. I 100% believe it was all an act as her singing never moved me at all. On the other hand, just hearing Judy Collins singing Send in the Clowns brings a tear to my eye almost every time.
I recently mentioned her in a thread here about actors crying on cue! I wouldn’t be surprised if the tear came out on the same syllable each time. She’s phenomenally good, but like you, I felt it was too deliberate to appreciate it.
Bass face.
This reminds me of Paul F. Tompkins comedy bit on why he hates Jazz music. I like Jazz, but it’s worth YouTubing it (if it’s even there).
OMG! We have a winner! LMAO!
I had to watch her parts several times because I couldn’t believe what she was doing!
Gould was known for humming and singing along with his own performances. I don’t recall him doing any moaning or groaning, though.
The cellist Pablo Casals dabbled in conducting. I used to have some recordings of concerts he conducted at the Marlboro Music Festival, and throughout them you can hear him making weird, almost unearthly moaning sounds as he conducts.
At the time, I always used to think that GE Smith mugged a lot during his tenure on SNL. Looking back at the below video, he is very expressive but he’s not really mugging at the camera.
I’ve seen documentaries about conductors in which they explained that they sometimes have to use broader, bolder moments when working with a new orchestra because more subtle movements may not be caught by the musicians. Plus it makes for a good show!
BTW, I wouldn’t go so far as to say their exaggerated movements are inappropriate, but sometimes unnecessary. But, their back is to the audience, so there’s that as a factor.
And always with a big smile on his face. Love that guy!
Just do a Google Image search on “bass face”, and this musician (Este Haim) comes up about 20 times in the first 25 examples. It’s epic!
And she’s not just a pretty face: Este was studying at UCLA and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Ethnomusicology (completed in just two years instead of the normal five), specializing in Bulgarian and Brazilian music.
As usual, Silenus posts first and better than I could have. However, I saw this gal give a performance that ramps that situation to about 12, but couldn’t find it (thank god).
I’ve recently been listening to Keith Jarrett and he does this a lot, but I don’t think it’s limited to one pianist. I’m surprised how much they let into the album mix though. His grunts and groans are like a fourth instrument in the trio.
As to the OP, I’ve heard recently that worship music, or “Christian contemporary” is supposed to be about the message and praising God. Any virtuosity, or even particularly groovy or emotive musicianship is frowned upon for obscuring the message. It’s one of the main complaints people have about Christian rock, that it’s bland and boring, but only recently have I discovered that for many pastors, that’s the whole point. So playing with visible emotion (towards the music rather than God) or extraordinary skill is definitely inappropriate in that context.