Here is a nice throwback:
Here is a nice throwback:
Mary sounds strong and powerful here. The anthem really suits her voice.
That ain’t no background singer! Just fantastic. Thank you Marv.
^
When attempting to sing material that is really not suited to her style of voice, Mary can perhaps on occasion sound a little like a background singer trying her best. When given the right kind of musical setting that lends itself to her smoky, sultry yet powerful vocals she can prove phenomenal.
I agree Ollie. But I think that's true for most vocalists. IMO it's the rare singer who can sing anything and still sound good, even if the song itself sucks. Diana needed material to suit her talents. When she was given the wrong stuff, whatever limits she has a vocalist becomes glaringly obvious. Mary is the same way. Wrong song and it's not hard to understand why she may not be the most famous Supreme. Right song and you're left scratching your head regarding why she had no singles success post Supremes. The lady has a wonderful instrument.
Diana has the perfect pop voice. A light, lilting sound that is extremely commercial. She can adapt her voice to varying musical genres without sounding uncomfortable. Even when the style of song is not really suited to her, she more often than not turns out an ok performance..... I would not really say the same of the lovely Mary.
Mary has the perfect pipes for jazz/soulful ballads....Even anthems lol.
When attempting material that is to pop oriented she often come across as uninspired and soulless, regardless of how good the song is.
Having said that, when performing within a sympathetic musical setting she is more than capable of turning out a performance to out shine the legendary M's Ross..........Although i am sure there are those who might disagree.
Last edited by Ollie9; 01-20-2020 at 07:07 AM.
Diana had the ability to sing any genre. I've stated that on more than one occasion. And that ability made her very special. She did not, however, have the ability to sing any song. And when given the wrong song- like "Over the Rainbow"- her shortcomings are on full display. There are occasions when it's hard to argue against the naysayers who knock her instrument, although for my personal taste that occasion is very few and far between. The lady could sing her ass off, even if it was often in a different way than, for instance, how Aretha sang her ass off. But she definitely needed the right material to show her full capabilities. Mary needed the same thing. And when she didn't have it, her lead singing work was subpar. Florence too.
excellent performance. very well done .
I agree re: MW. Her most dynamic performances are the slow, sultry soul and jazz numbers. “Touch” really kicked that off IMHO. Even today, in an intimate setting, she excels on her jazz covers. Regarding “pop”, dare I say she even sounds awkward leading some of the Supremes hits? Maybe I’m just too used to expecting Jean or Diana. I realize she’s got to keep them in her act because of the recognizability and association but they’re often the weakest link for me. Diana still has that giggly, girlish, lithe appeal about her that gives her live versions a seamless 50 year performance run.
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