clayharmony

Hi...just wanted to share this with you...I've not caught up here, yet...hope it's not too OT at this point... Reunited Tour? ...Some thoughts... Ever since I read of the possibility of Clay, Ruben and Kim touring together a number of thoughts came to mind... I recall Clay stating how much he enjoyed the time he spent while on AI, he's stayed in touch with Ruben and Kim, and Ruben is his pick to sing at his funeral, he seems to build (and need) a sense of family with some fellow performers - first Ruben and Kim, then Quiana and Angela... I think this last year, Clay has become even more determined to perform in ways most comfortable for him...and I'm inferring from his most recent tours that the key factor in that is who accompanies him while he travels around the country...folks with whom he has an established bond... It seems quite possible that if he taped some reflections for AI2 rewind, that he experienced a measure of nostalgia for his times with these two AI companions... While for my tastes, I've enjoyed Ruben and Kim's singing...and have downloaded some of their tracks, I'm with the rest of the Clay nation...I'd probably not make a point of spending the money and time to go to one of their concerts, yet I did really enjoy them singing together with Clay a great deal... I'd go to this concert, should it come to pass...I don't know if I'd travel clear across the country to attend it...but, I'd be willing to purchase a ticket and travel a distance to a venue...it is Clay, after all... I don't know what impact this would actually have on Clay's career...I tend to most agree with Berkeley over at the CH...that such a tour would be most favorable under the auspices of a charitable event...even better produced by Clay's production company But, one thing comes to mind with all of the angst I've read in the fandom...we've been down this road before...angst over his touring with Kelly, angst over releasing a Christmas CD in advance of a traditional 'sophomore' release, angst over Clay's performing with symphonies...sequential Christmas tours, angst over his 'Christmas musical,' angst over his touring with covers...Jukebox, angst over a covers CD, angst performing again with symphonies...and ONLY "slow" songs...and gee! ...hasn't he managed to make these concert appearances wonderful experiences by and large?? Clay's path to full star recognition has not been at all linear...not even on AI!...and I don't know that it will ever be...however, his mega talent can't be denied...and ultimately I have faith that it will be OK...actually, I believe it will continue to be ever so satisfying...because this man grows at every juncture...he just brings something more ever time he's delivering his glorious vocals to us...and I for one, am along for the journey...

Hi folks... I'm just getting acquainted with this board...might I add, I really love reading this thread...not quite caught up with all the posts since the conclusion of the summer tour... I thought I'd share a writing I recently posted this on my home board...Mods...I wasn't sure where to post this, please feel free to move it to the appropriate area... After my trip to North Carolina to spend time in 'Clay country' ...hear him perform in Cary and Asheville, meet Clay fans from near and far and participate in the Clay Nation conclave...I had planned on writing a traditional recap upon my arrival home. I found instead I was flooded with sundry emotions and took time to reflect...after some days of gestation...the piece below is what flowed...I just went with it... Evolution of a Man - Evolution of a Fan After enjoying a summer of Clay, I've been given to bouts of nostalgia and my emotions span the gamut from ardor to awe and laughter to loneliness. How this young man evokes all this in me gives me pause for thought. And so, I reached inside myself to seek some answers. Thus, I began… Just a mere happenstance brought about my engagement in the American Idol phenomenon...a combination of unique circumstances…a desire to build greater connection to my niece, lover of current musical trends…the aftermath of a devastating stroke endured by my beloved father…respite from the demands of a rigorous master's program…and the indisputable pleasure of a shared family experience …garnered my regular attendance for the emergence of a remarkable young man, Clay. The most striking memory I have of his initial appearance was the astounding quality of a voice emanating from such an unimposing fellow, juxtaposed with an infectious twinkle in his eyes, that even thick, unfortunate glasses could not mask. The intrigue grew exponentially each week he performed. What was it that dwelt within his soul? What fueled his quiet passion and quick wit? What destiny lay before him? I was no longer simply interested in how he placed in this media endeavor. No, I could not begin to imagine not sharing in his life's journey, nor could I reconcile never hearing him sing again. Thankfully, I was not faced with that certain void. Instead, for the first time in my life, I experienced being a fan. And, with it has come ventures, beyond any I had contemplated for myself. Four years later, this fan has borne witness to the evolution of a man…a man in possession of a voice unique, unmatched by any of his generation. However, this man is so much more than a participant within the musical landscape of today. No, he has emerged from his boyhood into a man of complexity, inner depth, and contradictory traits awash in unabashed courage. At once, seemingly naïve and yet knowingly sexy, sensitive and impatient, funny and wise, Clay's persona is revealed. From an unsubstantial youthful build, he has grown into broad shouldered, narrow hipped young man ideally suited for designer attire and fashion forward hair cuts…handsome and desirable. Initially tentative, he confidently commands the stage, poised to banter with any and all who evoke his mirth. Inexplicably compelled to support his journey, the evolution of this man brought on an evolution of a fan, a designation that mystifies me to this day. Out of a cautious, sedentary mode of life, today this fan has jetted alone, clear across the country to visit unfamiliar places and unfamiliar persons to join a larger community of enthusiasts which contrary to all logic, feels like coming home, a home in which it is understood…this attraction to the joy delivered to us all by this man. Perhaps the singular, unifying thread in this evolutionary experience, between this man and his fans, is our common willingness to say Yes and make the passage together and in the process, become free. "To be free, to be able to stand up and leave everything behind - without looking back. To say Yes ---" From Markings by Dag Hammarskjold