If you’re a fan of shmaltz, 60’s music, and/or Clay Aiken, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium would have been a magical place to be on Friday, March 12.
Last summer, Clay Aiken’s recording contract with RCA ran out, and label and artist mutually decided not to continue together. Instead, Clay made the move to Decca records, home of such classic artists as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Judy Garland, and Billie Holiday.
Now Clay is preparing for the release of his fifth studio album, tentatively titled Tried and True, a compilation of 60’s covers. As a part of the celebration of his album release, sometime this summer, PBS will be featuring a concert of Clay’s new music. Though the show will not air until around the time of the release, the actual concert took place on the previously mentioned date. Anyone who was lucky enough to be there, whether they were from the Raleigh area or they had to travel in for the occasion, knows what an amazing evening Clay had in store for his fans.
The set list ranged from the up tempo beats of “Mack the Knife” (with such an amazingly huge, long, perfect last note that it moved the audience to a standing ovation as soon as the first number concluded), “Eso Beso,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Build Me Up Buttercup” to the slower, simpler side of Clay with “Misty,” “Moonriver,” “In My Life,” and “Unchained Melody” (with a jaw dropping climax in which Clay hit a note that seemed to redefine the meaning of the verb “to sing”). There were flashy lights, lots of smoke, and chandeliers that descended from the ceiling to change the atmosphere before certain songs.
Front and center was Clay’s amazing voice, but coming in a close second was his big heart. This showed up early on in the night when, after the first five numbers, Clay came into the audience looking for Sandy Schmidt. Ms. Schmidt had taken four busses over a 36 hour period from Nebraska, traveling all by herself just to see Clay again. After receiving word of this from her friends, Clay personally escorted Sandy to the front row.
Clay also paid tribute to many of the teachers that he had throughout his time in the Raleigh public school system. To begin with, he told a story about being a “big loser” in sixth grade, not having friends and eating lunch with non-English speaking students if he was lucky. One particular teacher helped Clay get through this rough time by allowing him to eat lunch with her in her classroom everyday. After introducing her to everyone, he asked anyone who had ever taught him to stand. About twenty people stood up to a huge round of applause, as well as heaps of praise from Clay about what a huge difference teacher make in the lives of their students. He went on to dedicate his beautifully understated performance of “In My Life” to these important people who made such an impression on him.
One of the greatest highlights of the night was a special guest appearance that many of Clay’s fans had already guessed at. Clay spoke briefly of Neil Sedaka Night on Idol, of how he had wanted to sing a particular song, but Ruben had snatched it up before he had the chance. Here on this stage, though, he would prove that he could sing “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” better than Ruben could. He got two lines out, walked off stage left, and Ruben Studdard himself walked on stage right. It was wonderful to see Ruben in what it turns out is his element, as well as Clay’s.
After the song, the two had some great comedic banter about how awful music today is. (“It’s crap,” said Clay, “and that’s an industry term.”) So, calling upon one of Clay’s amazingly talented backup singers, Quiana Parler, the three promised a medley of classic big band songs that they love. The instrumental introduction started out with lots of big strings and horns, and Clay came in with, “I like big butts and I cannot lie!” The audience roared with laughter as other pop songs were presented in big band style, like “Poker Face,” “Can’t Touch This,” “Tik Tok,” “Maneater,” “Crazy in Love,” and “Play that Funky Music White Boy.”
Clay’s fan base is mostly the 40+ crowd, but the masterful songster proved how well he knows his audience, and how wonderfully his voice panders to them. The new record, to be released this summer, will definitely appeal to those who have stuck by the former Idol since Season 2 ended.
Comments
I don't think his fan base is 40+ lol. I'm 21. Leave a little room for the younger kids to squeeze in! :D
You're right! The concert was great, and that ending for "Unchained Melody" was out of this world. However, my favorite of the night was the duet with special guest Linda Eder on Roy Orbison's "Crying". Two fabulous voices on a fabulous song.
I attended the concert in Raleigh and it was amazing. Nobody can top Clay's voice.......The entire show was so professionally done and you could feel the love.
By the way, I am in college.....not in my 40's.........loved the music and I know lots of my friends do too. I love good music, not just trends.
Thanks for the article.
What a great review on the concert thank you, I can't wait for the special to air. The descriptions I have been hearing of his incredible vocals have me perplexed. As I though I had heard him sing it all.
I can assure you that he has hundreds of devoted young fans!!!
I am very excited to see this.
Thank you for a great review!
I maybe in the 40+ group, but listening to Clay Aiken makes me feel like a teenager, and isn't that a good thing?
Thanks for the nice review, I am waiting to see the show on TV and buy the DVD.
What a concert it was--one that won't be matched anytime soon. His voice was perfection and each song had his mark on it. It's been eight days since the concert and the message boards are still talking about how amazing Clay was. This is one PBS show that should not be missed--especially by anyone who watch the AI2 season. Anyone who appreciates "real" music will enjoy this concert.
I've never heard Clay sing better. He was at his very best. Can't wait to purchase the CD and see the PBS Special. There were several younger people in the audience. I sat by one young girl who was on the edge of her seat as I was. What a night!
Although I take issue with the word "schmaltz" (not sure why you felt you needed that (misleading) disclaimer in the beginning of the article) and the characterization of the "over 40" year old fans (I'm not)and his voice "pandering" to them, this was an OK review. (Don't forget the over 40s are the ones who brought you rock, punk, the sexual revolution, etc.) Anyway, Aiken was incredible and blew the roof off that place! One of the best voices and performers out there and he did an outstanding job! Also one thing you forgot that should be noted was that AMAZING duet with the wonderful Linda Eder: Crying. Wow!! Simply gorgeous! Can't wait to see it again!
Hey, I'm 24 and I luv luv luv Clay Aiken. Don't know why reviewers think that he doesn't have young fans. This has always puzzled me. We may not be as visible, but be assured we are here and not going anyplace.
I was lucky enough to be there that evening. What a fantastic performer!
Can't wait for the new CD and for that PBS special to air - if everyhing looks and sounds half as good as it did for the concert, Decca and Clay have a bona-fide hit on their hands!!!
He blew the roof off the joint. I think this new CD will appeal to everyone who loves a great song sung by a great singer. Not JUST to his loyal fans.
Awesome, Awesome concert. Clay sounded so great. Ruben was pretty good that night, too!! And it was fantastic to see/hear Quiana again. Angie--where are you??? BTW Ms. Schmidt did NOT sit in the front row. Clay asked a gentleman in the front row to give up his seat but instead Sandy took a seat in the 4th or 5th row--still better than where she was to begin with!! So nice of Clay, though!!!
I still don't understand why reviewers keep on making the point, whether true or not, that 'most' of Clay's fans are of the mature age. So what!! What does it matter who age his fans are?? IT's the fact that he has many amazing fans is what matters! Most of Michael Buble's fans are in the 'mature age' realm, too. I doubt any of his music appeals to the 25 and under crowd. In fact Clay has fans from preteen to very mature!! I doubt many of the performers out there, now, have fans in such an age range that Clay has .
Clay has the most wonderful and versatile voice I've heard in my life. He is a wonderful artist, singer and human being.
I assure you that Clay has not only fans of all ages, also has many international fans.
Rossy - Bogotá Colombia
I'm a huge fan of Clay and so is my niece who is 14. She has loved Clay since she "discovered" him in 2006 when she was only 10. We always make jokes because the difference of ages between us and being fans of the same entertainer.
I agree that most of the fans that travel across the country to Clay concerts are older, and I think the reason is that they can afford it better than younger fans and this is what gives people the idea that he doesn't have any young followers, but this doesn't matter. Clay is the best!!!
Good review! I am 19 and have been a huge fan ever since I was 12 when Clay was on AI. Can't wait for the cd and to see Clay in concert!!
I'm a fan of Clay's maybe because he is one of those rare singers today that can sing. But the point I wanted to make is,my sister's foster son is also a fan and he's 17. I think Clay's fans cover a pretty broad age range.
I don't know about schmaltzy cuz I am way too young to know any of the music I heard on March 12th. I'm 24 and was gifted a ticket by my sister in law who is 28. We swooned to the amazingly gorgeous vocals and the incredibly gifted musicians who were totally enjoying their jobs that night. I'd never been to a Clay concert before and now must go to more. Never heard anything like this in my life. The highlight for me was a duet he did with Linda Eder. They sang Crying and it was unreal, other worldly. This was, by far, the best concert I have ever been to because everyone loved being there and the musicians, Clay included, were at the top of their game. BRAVO! This guy is so gifted and I want more.
Another young fan here, 27. Went with my cousin who is 22 and we had a blast. Schmaltz doesn't describe anything I heard. It was blissfully done with a great vocalist who took those older classics and made them his. WOW!!! What a great voice and what a dear dude Clay Aiken is. Kind hearted and very much a gentleman. Wish we had more guys like that in the world. He was showing the love to his teachers and fans and everyone was returnoing the love. Totally a feel good night for all who attended.
"schmaltzy - effusively or insincerely emotional;"
Definitely disagree that the music I heard last Friday night was schmaltz. It was rather an incredible artistic display of music with superb vocals by Clay Aiken on songs that have stood the test of time because they are so great. From the look on the musicians faces, there was nothing insincere going on there. Just extremely talented folks doing what they do best.
I travelled to the show from Ontario, Canada with my 24 year old daughter. We have both been fans of Clay since 2003. We sat near some Raleigh folks who had voted for Clay on Idol but had never seen him live before. It was wonderful to hear their excitement after the show. I think this special will open a lot of people's eyes. I can't even begin to describe how great we thought the night was, but I think you did a pretty good job! I can't wait for the album and the PBS special to relive it all again. Thanks for posting this review.
Decca is also home to artists like Sting and David Sanborn. David is a guest artist on this album (along with Linda Eder and guitar by Vince Gill). The most amazing thing about the concert beyond the out of this world vocals is that Clay gave us totally new interpretations of some of the best songs of the 50's and 60's. He made me like songs that I did not like in their original format. The new arrangement of Unchained Melody was written just for him and it was like hearing the song for the first time. Amazing.
The medley with Clay, Ruben and Quiana was superb. Everyone was laughing hysterically but the consensus at the end of the show was that many of these songs sound better with a big band sound!
I was there at the show/taping. I just hope that the magic
of that performance carries over to television. I pray the
banter and comedic parts aren't left on the cutting room floor.
Besides a beautiful voice and a great song interpreter, his connection
to his audience is stellar.
I was there, and I just hope that the magic and electricity that was in the air at this performance comes across on the PBS television show. I pray that the banter and comedic portions of the show are not edited out. Besides his beautiful voice and ability to perfectly interpret a song, his connection with his audience is one of Mr. Aiken's best traits as an entertainer.
"Shmaltz"? -- no way! That performance by Clay Aiken, the musicians, Ruben and Quiana, and Linda Eder was far, far from being shmaltzy! Clay's vocals were beyond amazing --making those songs different and better even than the originals. The show was full of great music, wonderful lighting and sound! There was a nice mix of ages from what I saw there. Anyone not having seen Clay live should go to just one of his concerts. They are always a fun time with great music and humor.
Can't wait to see the PBS Special in June and to get my hands on Clay's new CD "Tried and True" due out June 1st.
sorry but this review SUCKS! I don't know what you think is schmaltzy but it's not what I heard last Friday night! Dude, you need to step away from AI or the radio or both. Clay Aiken is an fffing fantastic singer and those arrangements awesome!!! Clay's also pretty HOT :-)
I am a fan of good music and Clay delivered that in spades. You are right though, thanks to Clay, his musicians, and his guest performers, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium was a magical place to be on March 12th.
I've read many reviews by fans who were there that night that have tried using words to describe what he did with Unchained Melody. Your description is right up there with the best.
" ... “Unchained Melody” (with a jaw dropping climax in which Clay hit a note that seemed to redefine the meaning of the verb “to sing”)."
What a great show and so lucky to have been there. There were many that couldn't make it for various reasons....no tickets for one. One of his best shows, great mix of people. Totally amazed at his range when singing Un-Chained Melody...WOW! Everyone from the audience to all on stage seemed to enjoyed show. What a voice....can't wait for the special on PBS.
You got Unchained Melody and Mack the Knife just right. But you need to look up the definition of schmaltz because the music was anything but that. Clay treated his diverse audience to a collection of songs with various exciting arrangements perfectly delivered in a swinging, jazzy, big band style. The voice? Out of this world incredible. This is Clay Aiken as you've never heard him. If you appreciate great music, if you're looking to be wow'd, you'll love this!
OMG...I was fortunate to be THERE!!! It was the most amazing, wonderful, beautiful, performance EVER by Clay Aiken!!!! Clay has found his niche with his music and with Decca!! At last, Clay is getting the respect that he so deserves! When he sings these songs, you feel that you're hearing for the very first time!!
There is not a voice out there today...like Clay Aiken's! AWESOME!
Musical, melodic, the kind of songs it takes real talent to sing. Schmaltzy--NO.
Overall great review of a fantastic show. We fans often say that Clay can't possibly get any better, then he does. I just hope TV can do justice to this amazing voice. His voice is so suited to really good music, the kind that will always be with us.
Now about that photo; Do you people own a camera?
Can't wait for the PBS Special to be televised! I most definitely can't wait to buy the DVD and Clay's new CD! It is going to be the new beginning for this awesome singer! Whether you are 90 or 19, it does not matter, Clay delivers!
U caught the essence of the evening: GREAT vocals, GREAT arrangements & production with GREAT heart & emotions capturing an awesome evening!!! Bravo to Clay, PBS, his team for this new direction!! Believe me, it was REFRESHING to hear him perform live as a change to what I hear on my car FM with play list of songs that have been selected by radio stations as "mainstream".
FROM ARGENTINA, INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT TO CLAY AIKEN, BEST SINGER, ENTERTAINER AND HUMANITARIAN. WAITING FOR THE NEW CD "TRIED AND TRUE" NEXT JUNE.
Thanks so much for the wonderful review. I was fortunate to be at that amazing concert and can't wait to see it on PBS.
Aiken states there has been no good music around since the early 90's. Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera and Elton John, to name a handful, would beg to differ.
Somebody needs to stop badmouthing all the good singers/entertainers, just to puff himself up. Narcissist much?
I see the claymates have arrived in all their various forms, right on cue! Pretending to be so many "fans" will never fill seats in your unprofessional boyfriend's venues. There aren't enough claymates left to buy multiple CDs or seats anymore.
Thank you for such a thorough review. I was able to be at the concert and loved every bit of it. Clay and his beautiful voice was surrounded by wonderful musicians that made the entire concert a treat!
I was fortunate to be there also and he was on his game that night. He was finally singing music "he" loves, doing what "he" has wanted to do for 6 years. And you could tell he was thrilled and so was the audience. I am sure his comments about today's music is "crap' was somewhat in jest but personally I agree with him. Yes there are always a song or two every year that hit the mark but the music of the 50's and 60's have stood the test of time and he sings them beautifully. It was a great pleasure to hear them sung by a master! Best wishes to him and great success.
Oh, geez, Come on, Now! Your bias is as obvious as any fan's, so don't go startin' a razz-battle. Right on cue, indeed.
Clay Aiken's opinions are just that: OPINIONS. Of course there are a few exceptional artists since the 90's (amidst the crap) and I'm sure he knows that. Clay's comments, in context, seem to be a lead-in to a parody the audience found entertaining. Humor!
Great article, Shauna. Wish I could have been there.
Thanks for the review. It good to see an unbias professional view of the concert. Can not wait for the new CD!
Come on, Now! You need to refine your critical reading skills if you are coming on to do your hating on Clay. His comment was snark, but we all know there's a scarcity of good melodic music.
This kind of review from an obvious fan does no favors to Mr. Aiken. I don't think you were even there and just culled your words from reading online fan boards. Where are the reviews from all the local reviewers? Funny that the local media was there to interview him BEFORE the show, but not one word about it AFTER the show? Come on LOCAL media.....where are your reviews??
My wife & I treated our teenagers to this show & the whole family loved it. We don't like "schmaltz" & didn't find any of it from Clay, Ruben, Quiana, Linda Eder or the fabulous musicians. Just a completely top notch production all the way. This is going to be one fantastic TV special! I know that Clay was joking around, but anyone listening to Top 40 radio stations today also know that most of the popular material today is a load of CRAP!
Wish I was there. It isnt the song that makes a good singer
It's the voice that handle the song.. No one better than Clay
Can't wait to get the CD
I responded earlier but forgot to add -- that photo is an old one -- can't you find an up-to-date picture? AP Images has pics from the PBS Special taping but evidently it's not allowed to post the link. I'm sure you can find them.
Pick one of these for your article. thanks --
I love Clay He is the Best, I am an international fan otherwise I would have been there.
WJones, You know that Clay has burned bridges with everybody and everything! To deny that would show your blatant ignorance.
He sings with absolutely NO emotion or interest, and he has told his audience that when he sings he's thinking of what he's going to eat at his next meal. Go commiserate with your claymates here, including the ones who pretend to be gay guys. I love the entertainment!
Thank you so much for the review of Clay's concert. There are so many people who are fans that were not able to attend. I hope to see him soon live, in concert!
I was lucky enough to be at that concert. He blew the roof off the place. Clay Aiken has a beautiful voice and sang with passion--he was born to entertain. I felt as if I was hearing some of those songs for the first time! Cannot wait for the PBS special so I can hear it again and so anxious to get that new CD.
After the concert, I spoke with so many and everyone was in awe of his singing. He did himself proud. Raleigh must be very proud of their native son.
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