From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2012 #235 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe:mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Website:http://jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Friday, February 17 2012 Volume 2012 : Number 235 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- re: Melisma [c Karma ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:56:40 +0000 From: c Karma Subject: re: Melisma Hmm. That's a pretty tough one to figure on Joni's vocal style. I'm not sure that I'd call it melisima as the stylistic vocal elements she employs are always subservient to lyrical or emotional expression and don't seem to stand out as musical elements (except in the cases of where she stacks vocal harmonies in multi-layers like a horn section). I think the closest Joni ever came to actual melisma was on "A Case of You" when she staccato steps up "You" in the second chorus. My understanding of melisima is something that can best be illustrated by comparing on a use scale where say Alison Kraus scores a 1 given how she chooses to sing mostly in straight lines, and Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey might score an 8 or 9 by virtue (debatable) of their use of vocal flourishes. For varying degree, perhaps a comparison of the three well known versions of "I Will Always Love You" might illuminate, in ascending order of low to high use of melisima:1. Dolly Parton, 2. Linda Ronstadt, and 3. Whitney Houston. I may have it all wrong, but this is fun to consider. Singers? Robin? CC ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2012 #235 ***************************** ------- To post messages to the list, send tojoni@smoe.org. Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------