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[MUSIC REVIEW] Daryl Hall attempts Daryl Hall impersonation, fails miserably
7.6.08
MAHAIWE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Daryl Hall and Daryl Hall Band
July 6, 2008
(GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass., July 6, 2008) -- Talk about neo-soul and retro-soul -- Daryl Hall and John Oates were so neo-retro back in the early 1980s, they make today's neo-soul wannabes look like punters.
Boasting over a handful of number-one hits, this radio-ready reincarnation of the Righteous Brothers reinvigorated blue-eyed soul with great songs like "Sara Smile" and "Kiss on My List," timed perfectly for MTV's explosion, making them one of the best-selling groups in the 1980s, and deservedly so.
Which is why Daryl Hall's abominable concert at the Mahaiwe tonight was such a letdown. As one former fan of his said on the way out, "If he can't sing any more, he should just give it up."
It's a sad spectre to see one-time brilliance only a shadow of its former self, especially when it raises questions about just how brilliant the star once shone. But in Hall's concert, one couldn't help but wonder if maybe the matinee star of the group simply brought his blonde tresses to the table, and if it weren't actually John Oates who was the secret weapon that made Hall and Oates not only responsible for reviving Philly soul after disco pretty much stamped it out, but redefined it along the way, nearly giving the lie to "blue-eyed soul" on their way to pop stardom and a string of great hits.
But the Hall that showed up tonight was only a shadow of his former self -- but with the same ego he always had, the one that once boasted that he had the greatest voice in the world, and the one that had him billed tonight as "Daryl Hall and the Daryl Hall Band." It's surprising he didn't call the act "Daryl Hall and the Daryl Hall Band featuring Daryl Hall."
In fact, it was featuring Daryl Hall in the role of Daryl Hall, because this could well have been a Daryl Hall impersonator show, or Daryl Hall karaoke night. It didn't help that the six-piece band totally lacked dynamics, funk, and spark. Hall likes to tout that his music was always organic, but these arrangements were so muddled and so one-dimensional there wasn't even enough light or space in them for a mung bean to sprout.
The arrangements were bottom-heavy, presumably meant to give a sonic boost to what they lacked on top, but even the rhythm-heavy band failed to propel what, after all, is a form of rhythm and blues. With no space between the instruments, with no musical focus or dynamics, all there was left was sonic sludge vaguely recalling the sharp, poppy tunes that made Hall and Oates household names.
But what was really most pathetic about the show, pathetic in the literary sense, was Hall and his voice -- or rather, his lack of one. It was bad enough that the arrangments forced him to shout over his own band, and that in between songs he mumbled into his microphone so no one could understand a word he said.
DAR-YL, DAR-YL, DAR-YL
But what happened to his microphone technique? Hall seemed totally unaware that if he turned his head away from the microphone during a song, the audience could no longer hear his vocals. In this way, he dropped entire phrases of songs -- that is, when he wasn't also dropping them because he apparently had forgotten entire phrases of lyrics and had to mumble his way through them.
The once gloriously challenging melodies of his songs were rendered as mush, with Hall always favoring his lower register, and in a monotone at that, sticking with a tonic note and maybe incorporating one or two notes of the scale. But basically it was melody be damned. And his musicians functioning as backup singers were little help with their "ooh-oohs" and "wah-wah" harmonies that utterly lacked distinction and personality. But in this, their leader set the tone.
A beautiful ballad like "Every Time You Go Away (You Take a Piece of Me with You)" was rendered in faux gospel tones, Hall shouting his way through the phrases in yippety-yap style, destroying the melody lines to the point that there really was no song left, only a chord progression played on a cheesy faux-gospel organ.
Even Hall himself cracked up at how his band couldn't lock in the rhythms of an ill-advised reggae version of the hit song, "Maneater," which had about as much of a Caribbean lilt as one might conjure up on a backroad in Dutchess County, where Hall resides.
For all his supposed charisma, Hall was a cipher on stage, attempting little connection with his audience, seemingly out of arrogance or aloofness. Of late, he's been broadcasting live once a week from his living room over the Internet; maybe he's grown so comfortable doing so he seems to have totally forgotten the need to be larger than life on a concert stage. Instead, to paraphrase the title of the Dylan song and biopic, he wasn't there.
His rendition of the once-gorgeous "Sara Smile" sounded like an attempt at a tribute by a cheesy hotel lounge act -- think Sausalito from the film Lost in Translation.
Hall never missed an opportunity to let his band jam, or to "scat sing" himself -- two timeworn methods of killing time when an oldies act really doesn't have the material to fill out an entire night of music, or when the singer can't really sing the song.
When he did occasion a vocal leap above his monotone, as in "Rich Girl," he couldn't sustain a note more than for the staccato punch of reaching it -- and even then, he rarely punched it on the nose. Mostly he talked-sang his way through, relying on people's fading memories of his past glory to do the work.
Several patrons who were former fans walked out in disgust at this shell of a pop star, and the response of at least one teenager who was curious to hear this giant of the 1980s perform his hit suggests that there's no future, no future, no future, for Daryl Hall.
Perhaps, to paraphrase a true great of rhythm and blues music, it is time for Daryl Hall to hang up his rock 'n' roll shoes. Or at least stick to free broadcasts over the Internet, before he does serious damage to his reputation by charging serious bucks and delivering such shoddy goods.
Seth Rogovoy is the award-winning music critic for Berkshire Living.
7/6/2008
I also attended tonight's concert and I totally agree with Mr. Rogovoy. Hall obviously needs to rethink his future and find a better way to occupy his time than pretending to still be good at being Daryl Hall. I want my money back.
From IP address: 96.240.201.41
7/7/2008
From IP address: 24.21.28.156
7/7/2008
Such a shock to me. I recently saw Daryl in concert and he was totally awesome. He looked fantastic and his voice was perfect. I always thought he carried Hall and Oates and am astounded to hear that he performed poorly. I'm hoping this was just an "off" and "one time" performance 'cause he really does have it! His online shows are performed once monthly (normally on the 15th of the month) and are very entertaining with outstanding guests.
From IP address: 24.21.28.156
7/7/2008
this review is SPOT ON!!!
OMG-- did Daryl Hall actually claim to be the worlds BEST singer? pulllleeeezzze!!! Had I known that, I would have started throwing items from my tiny pocketbook up on the stage last night. And I pride myself on usually being the most supportive audience member, no matter what the circumstances, so long as the performer is worthy. In this case,
this review was FAR more entertaining and truthful. At least I feel somewhat of a release now. As for the sound, I never heard anything in the Mahaiwe sound so terrible. Made me want my money back too!!! But thankfully, someone gave me their tickets(did they know something we didn't??).... eeek! sorry, Darryl but the sometimes the show should NOT go on.
From IP address: 69.204.157.36
7/7/2008
Maybe it was where you were sitting. There was some issues he acknowledged with sound which I witnessed also when I saw Roger Mcguinn play, the only other time I have been at the theater. I thought he had great energy, looked great and any issues he had with his singing seemed totally due to sound problems which I just assumed he was having trouble hearing himself. I thought he compensated nicely by not forcing his voice and singing off mike which I had no problem hearing from where I sat. The man has incredible passion and energy for music and I was awed that he even chose a venue like the Mahaiwe to sing. His band also was outstanding. I do wish he had played longer as he left out many songs I would have liked to have heard him play but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the concert and am excited to hear others think he was bad. Now I cannot wait to hear him on a good night. Also, if he was bad someone please tell me someone great so I can go to that concert.
From IP address: 64.12.117.74
7/7/2008
Did he really bill himself as "Daryl Hall and the Daryl Hall Band"?
As opposed to what: Daryl Hall and the John Oates Band? Daryl Hall and the John Mellencamp Band? Daryl Hall and the Rolling Stones Band?
From IP address: 72.70.234.205
7/7/2008
It seems like if there were sound problems they weren't unique to this show at the Mahaiwe. Here's a quote from the Boston Globe about a show at the Orpheum last December:
"... during and between these performances Hall was also gesturing furiously at his sound and guitar techs, felt the need to sound check mid-show, and at one point insulted the upkeep of the theater ..."
It seems like maybe it's time for Daryl Hall to realize the problem isn't with his sound engineer (if it is, he should fire him and get a new one) or the equipment -- the problem is the accurate sound coming out of his monitors -- the sorry sound of his own voice.
From IP address: 72.70.234.205
7/7/2008
As bad as the sound for Daryl was....extrememly muddy...the opening singer Mutlu had great sound. Crisp and clear and beautiful!! Daryl's singing was at least disappointing, PLUS he didn't even introduce the band!!! That was sorry.
From IP address: 74.76.78.195
7/7/2008
Seth
Your review is incredibly entertaining--obviously more entertaining that Daryl Hall himself! Talk about turning lemons into lemonade...
From IP address: 24.2.151.180
7/7/2008
Well I've travelled over from England 3 times in the past year to see Mr Hall and his solo shows certainly didn't disappoint me. I think he still has a magnificent voice.
Lynda
From IP address: 92.5.105.19
7/7/2008
seth could have inspired "out of touch"
From IP address: 76.118.132.100
7/7/2008
I attended the Daryl Hall concert last night--not sure which concert you attended. The show was billed as "The Daryl Hall Band", not "Daryl Hall and The Daryl Hall Band". If the concert was as bad as you proclaim, then why was the audience clapping and chanting "Daryl" for an encore? In addition, Live From Daryl's House is broadcast on the 15th of each month, not once a week, as you have written. Being that you are an award winning music critic, you would think you could get your facts straight.
From IP address: 64.12.117.74
7/7/2008
Mr. Rogovoy...apparently you attended some show playing down the street at a local bar or the like. I found Daryl's show to be a wonderful performance. His vocals were great and choice of setlist perfect.
Also, before you write a review you need to get your sh!t together. Daryl and his band were billed as the Daryl Hall Band....and Live From Daryl's House is aired once a month (the 15th to be exact) from any one of his homes.
Seems to me that the uptight crowd in GB just couldn't hang with an old soulster like D. Get a grip people! 'Nuff said.
From IP address: 205.188.117.74
7/8/2008
seems like Mr. Hall has some serious devotees out there!
but lets not get down(and dirty) on the GB audience. cuz I for one consider myself a true 'soulster'(and soul SISTER) and DO know how to get down, and that show did NOT inspire me to want to shake my groove thing in the least bit. I would like to also add my two cents to remark on the very fun PHOTOS! is there a new photojournalist in GB?
From IP address: 69.204.157.36
7/8/2008
I think that your review was way harsh. I've seen Mr. hall in concert and he was great. And by the way he hates the phrase blue eyed soul. His show Live from Daryl's house is free, once a month at his expence. How many artist do you know that do that for there fans. When I have seen him his voice has been great and his band is wonderful.You make him sound like a washed up has been. Which in my experince is so not true.
From IP address: 76.112.90.119
7/8/2008
WOW! I think that was the cruelest review I ever read and quite difficult to swallow. Not a fan I take it??
From IP address: 70.108.220.95
7/23/2008
Your blog ends "award-winning music critic for Berkshire Living."
Is the award for- nasty punk-ass star hater of the year??? Critic actually means critique not kill, maim, destroy. Your lies are so cruel. And so way over the mark! Not sure where you've been, but I've seen at least 40 concerts spanning Mr. Hall's career and I was at the final solo show in Philly. Mr. Hall can hit the high notes but sadly he cannot do it on command anymore. But! His voice has developed a Richer Timber and at times sparkes seem to flow from within him and like fireworks burst out upon the audience. Also, check other singers from his era. He ruled them then and he still rules now. IMHO. L.E. PS: Sorry, if I was rough on you-imagine how Mr. Hall would feel if he cared what small minded playa haters thought.
From IP address: 24.23.69.173
7/24/2008
Buy a dictionary, asshole. If you're going to make an argument, at least spell the words in a manner in which people can figure out what you mean (even though you admit that Hall can't sing well anymore, thus blowing your entire argument).
The job of a critic is to tell it like it is, not to be the chief of the Daryl Hall fan club like you. So you do your job, and Seth Rogovoy will continue to do his in his award-winning way, yes.
From IP address: 96.240.198.90
11/9/2008
Seth -- Oh My God! You could have written this review today of Daryl's performance in Windsor last night! (11/8/08) Every criticism you made was to the tee exactly what I witnessed just 20 hours ago. I was SO HOPING my boy Daryl was having a bad night. I'm thoroughly saddened that this is indeed, a lingering problem. I don't know what was more distracting last night ... his constant harried gestures to the crew off stage ... his singing of about 1/3 of the song lyrics ... or the mass degradation of the quality of his voice! Like I said, this is very sad, as I am a big fan and came to the concert eager to be serenaded by his once velvet voice. As for his apparent forgetting that moving one's mouth away from the microphone is not a good thing, I now believe it was a tactic to compensate for what he -- like us -- has realized to be a big problem. The only saving grace from last night is that the show was in a casino, and I won enough to pay for the whole evening. Thanks, Seth, for the very accurate assessment of our Mr. Hall.
From IP address: 75.45.250.150
12/8/2008
I wasn't at the show but I would say that Hall is still a good singer from concerts i've been to over the last few years. But he can be careless and full of himself and I suspect that's the problem. Also, why does he play the guitar? He's not a guitarist and should concentrate on singing. In the 80s he had a habit of pulling away from the mic and missing words but in a stadium with your voice at its peak it probably doesn't matter too much. His once massive range is more limited (smoking until the 1990s probably didn't help) but for 62 he's still good. Doesn't seem to be having much trouble when singing from his house. I think it's as much a problem of attitude as decrepitude. Sean
From IP address: 78.146.202.91
10/22/2009
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your candor in your write-uo of H & O's concert. I am literally heartbroken the morning after seeing them in DC for the first time last night. I had no idea Daryl's voice was shot. I was surprised when I commented to other audience-goers who had no clue there was a problem. It was a relief to read your post, and to realize my impression was spot-on.
From IP address: 173.13.194.220
8/30/2011
Ok, After reading your rambling rant of what is soupposed to pass a professional review I can only assume that you a one of those folks who are always jealous of people who are doing and being things that you could not even dream of. Wake up and live your own life to the fullest as Daryl has done and continues to do.
From IP address: 24.33.230.201
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