merryclay

I believe the truth about the booer was mentioned at a couple of other boards that don't strongarm posters. I don't understand why it is OK to pm all around the fandom and reveal a name, but it can't be mentioned openly at least once on some boards. Ethel surely took her share of the bullets. Non of that computes for me. Remember the cello player from FLA. I went to his message board and left a comment and told him I thought his playing was lovely. Of course, I know nothing about the cello but, hey, he sold it to me. His name is Paul Fleury. He left a nice comment on a YouTube that had some of his playing in Clay's LAA. He said Clay's 4 performances of the song were very good.

Orchestra expertise in a nutshell -- some were better than others. Heat and humidity do a number on all instruments, make tuning a bitch, and play havoc with pitch. However, professionals learn to deal with it, some better than others. All of this is based on watching videos/listening to audio since I didn't actually attend a live performance this time around. About the arrangements, I thought they kicked ass; and I read at least three blogs by tour musicians that said as much. Thanks!! More more!! I promise to whomp anyone who expresses boredom. What would you suggest our listeners listen for as they evaluate? I'm doing the cello, I mean LAA. There's something about that solo that makes it really hard. A lot of the cellists seemed to me to be off in their timing. What is it about that solo that makes it so challenging? Jesse's arrangements kicked ass--I agree--what were some particularly kickass things? One that got me was the little violin interlude during the classics that Clay always mimicked a violin playing. I'd like to hear the classics without the vocals once just to hear what it sounds like. I love Clay's ear for these things too, that he notices all the details. He can also sing "against" his accompaniment, both in terms of melody and timing. Not easy. Some of his fans just want him to rock out with some muddy guitar sound and someone pounding on a drum, and a catchy tune that anyone could sing, because they want him to be cool and on radio. I think it's a waste when you're a guy who can say, "I can't hear the flute." I get a little pissy when some fans (usually at OFC) claim Clay needs to be more of an artist like the people who make Top 40 music. Just audio. ITA-- You said it so much better than I could. I think Jessie is great at his job and I've been noticing more and more that Clay hears every little detail and instrument and count. It's all in his head. That's artistry, right there.

IMO- I wouldn't give too much credibility to the "littlec reports". Nothing personal, it's just what I believe. I agree with the poster upthread that said the family filters every bit of info. that's shared. They've learned the hard way. I don't trust any of these so called inside reports. I just think people might think something in general terms and try to read between the lines. I don't know anything about the Jamie thingy and I don't think any regular fans do either. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. You know, we haven't see too much of Jaymes lately. I hope they're going to start working on the next CD. I hope Clay kicks some mighty butt, and I hope Clay does his intellectual thing on AYSTAFG and knocks it out of the park for BAF. Go Clay!!!!

My take on the Orlando booing discussion. I've been thinking about it long and hard and for me the bottom line is Ethel seems to really love Clay and the fandom. It appears one or two of the others, not so much. Some of the booing was done by a person that has done a lot of harm to the fandom. IMO. I never want to see Clay hurt so I'll always go with a very excited OTT fan. I can relate to that. I could never see any reason to boo and end up hurting Clay, some fans and his show. No mam!! I'm here for Clay; there's no other way. LOL!!!! I thought it showed a lot of character that Ethel posted what she did. I respect that. It seems we haven't heard from anyone else and I would be totally shocked if we ever hear an apology from that corner.

I watched the busline montage on youtube and it blew me away. I hope a lot of nonfans get to see it. I was very pleased with Clay's tour. I thought it might help him get the feel for a TV show. He really is so sharp and multi-talented. I'm crossing my fingers and toes. I've been a member here for a while but this is my first post. I see lots of familiar names. Greetings to all. ETA- I was wrong, this is my second post.

I joined, but I've been visiting this site a long time. I've always found this site helpful.