Smokey Joe's Cafe - I (Who Have Nothing)

[abbeyst]

I remember Victor when he sang his 1st star search song. Finally after all these years I get a chance to hear him again. Just as GREAT a singer as when I heard him on star search. There's another singer Saulo Couto that sings Angel Dei...WOW. I would love to hear Victor sing that. Saulo can only sing it in my opinion, But Victor...whew...I can't put the 2 of them up for that song...Angel Dei...if someone can just let Victor know of that song...Anyway thanks for uploading his music.

[Lcander101]

BRIGHT! SPARKLING DIAMONDS. :)

[MySugarWallz]

Untouchable! That was just on a whole 'nother level.

[tipdindragon]

I break out in a sweat every time I see him sing this!  To be able to do THAT, like he does it, is simply amazing.

[tyiabear]

I can't get enough of this show OR this guy... His voice makes me... Oow!!

[lumi2711]

I don't know what to say, but I'm kinda scared :(

[armyguyjonny]

you know the spanish subtext really KILLS an otherwise amazing vid!! 

[MauMau1961]

@armyguyjonny Firts of all: it's not spanish, it's portuguese. Second: If a simple subtext can destroy your pleasure, I suggest you search for this video posted by an english speaking member.

[PoeticAngel65]

Victor is an amazing talent. He sounds superb here as with anything he musically touches.

[violinsolo4000]

This is wonderful....I can really feel his voice. I would love to see this cast live!

[raincoatriver]

That's the end of the show alright.

[deedo85]

FULL OF FEELINGS

I CAN FEEL YOUR VOICE THROUGH MY BODY

[9xsins]

My wife & I wandered into the Broadway production of this show in the middle of its run not knowing anything about it. I never liked doo-wop music growing up in the era and when I learned what we were in for from the program, I wasn't expecting much. We were both enthralled from the first note, and hen Victor sang I (Who Have Nothing), we melted into a pile of goo, as did the rest of the audience. I don't know whether that is falsetto or part of his modal range, but whatever it is, it kills.

[Liviapoetisa]

Tudo bem que ele grita além da conta, mas, de fato, é um grande talento, dentro do seu estilo. É adaptada para teatro mesmo, porque, como canção... ai ai... acabou com a música.

[Liviapoetisa]

Tudo bem que ele grita além da conta, mas, de fato, é um grande talento, dentro do seu estilo.

[epi8]

What the frack...

[samawolfe1]

the acting is hilarious

the singing is frightening

i love it

[sugarnspiceflvrd]

Y is he sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooo efffffinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn amazingggggggggggggggggggggggg­ggggggggggggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!

[sugarnspiceflvrd]

Why is he sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­ooooooo effin amazinggggggggggggggg!!!!!

[joannastumbo]

my goodness i wish half of todays singers could sing with this emotion, props to him.

[Emah4849]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bdarchibald14]

ONE WORD

PHENOMENAL !!!

OMG THAT WAS SOME REAL TRUE SANGIN!!!

[mcteara]

wonderful

[PALA2312]

I love this song and he does a wonderful job. Very few people have the ability to sing such a powerful song. Brother, my hat is off to you. You are wonderful!!! I had chills from the beginning to end of the song.

[emm286]

I don't know if this performance is terrifying or brilliant.....its shocking either way

[multiph]

wondering if there's an official DVD to be bought about the show?

[Bebe1113]

@multiph You should be able to find the DVD on Amazon. That's where I got it a couple of years ago. Good luck.

[kenny6446]

While appreciate the emotion....he is SO FUCKING PITCHY. Pick an octave....don't like it.

[APERFORMERSWORLD]

@kenny6446 its called dynamics which make the song so powerful!

[jtcarey2]

@kenny6446 there really aren't many issues with his pitch and the fact that he sang this song 8 times a week, week after week, I'd give him a little break. He is a pretty amazing singer.

[broadwayboricua]

@kenny6446 The word "Pitchy"should be removed from the face of this Earth. People who use that word are basically branding themselves as musical novices. Seriously it makes sound like an American Idol judge, and everyone knows they are all under qualified for their jobs. None the less there were very few pitch problems if any at all. I'm not sure what you are hearing. Either way I'm willing to bet this man's voice would embarrass any of your musical accomplishments

[broadwayboricua]

@kenny6446 The word "Pitchy"should be removed from the face of this Earth. People who use that word are basically branding themselves as musical novices. Seriously it makes sound like an American Idol judge, and everyone knows they are all under qualified for their jobs. None the less there were very few pitch problems if any at all. I'm not sure what you are hearing. Either way I'm willing to bet this man's voice would embarrass any of your musical accomplishments

[broadwayboricua]

@broadwayboricua This isn't meant for you Kenny. But for some reason youtube sent it to you.

[tromboner98]

thats like the worst song in the play

[SusanEichhornYoung]

@tromboner98 and what would be the best song in this "play"?

[tromboner98]

@SusanEichhornYoung there goes my baby =) and when i say its the worst thats not that much of an insult since every song in this play is amazing

[SusanEichhornYoung]

@tromboner98 good to hear!

[superbide]

I was in a production of Smokey Joe's Cafe back in the day. I and another performer did Cook's parts. This was the song we most dreaded. Long story short, we didn't even come close to reaching this level of bad-assery. Kudos Cook.

[edi022465]

bravo magnifico!!!!!!!!!

[atoosas]

Niiiice!

[cpope11]

what an electrifying performance

[16431421]

i thought he was gonna explode

[aloofbooks]

Fabulous!

[tisha812]

I liked it!!!

[mxdblessing]

man, this is gorgeous. and i hate broadway.

[Arron413]

I didn't like performance.

[lisaadamson1123]

I wish they would bring this cast and show back to Broadway..

[thekidbuggs]

@lisaadamson1123 me tooo i saw that specific cast so many times at smokey joes

[aa4285]

@lisaadamson1123 I saw this 3 times while it was on broadway...awesome awesome show.

[kaleelee2309]

i love him soo much!

[inuette]

WOW

[couturesixfour]

cheesy acting...like 101 level!!

[Anew17vid]

@couturesixfour cheesy acting is on the disney channel. this is far from it

[couturesixfour]

i don't like his phrasing and i think this was just a glob of vocal tricks. i don't see a sincere connection to the song. when he opens up into his upper register the sound of the vowel is not pleasant. but musical theatre is big, loud, and sometimes unpleasant. this annoyed me. that screaming was so feminine and unbelievable. regardless of your orientation, as i am homosexual, one must stick to the nuance of the character. i just did not like this. wonderful instrument, wrong choices!!!

[SusanEichhornYoung]

Well I must disagree with you. No vocal tricks here at all. You are entitled to your opinion of course, but the connection was created, and music theatre sound isn't ONE way. Style informs tone and there are many styles in MT.

[couturesixfour]

@SusanEichhornYoung Hi. Could you explain to me what you mean by, "style informs tone". True, there are many styles within the genre of musical theatre, but I personally do not care for his sound. I would not pay to here that high pitched part of his upper register that is not pleasant to my ear. We do have our likes and dislikes. He is not one of mine. He has had a great career and I applaud the brother, but this song didn't really take me anywhere. To me it wasn't layered well enough!

[SusanEichhornYoung]

ultimately you don't care for the sound, and that's fine!

[SusanEichhornYoung]

feel free to visit my website and my blog to give you more definition about "style informing tone" - as this allows us to successfully move from one genre and style authentically!

[couturesixfour]

@SusanEichhornYoung At about 2:05 that sound is so throaty and unpleasant to me. It sounds as though his soft palate is pressed down versus being lifted and raised to give a different sound to the vowel. Maybe that was his choice that is born out of his training, but it doesn't work for me! But hey, I'm watching him versus it being the other way around. Fame, numbers, and notoriety are slowly eroding the necessity of disciplined talent these days. Just my opinion! As you said, we all have them!

[SusanEichhornYoung]

again - your opinion to which you are entitled! Style informs the tone in order to create a full-bodied release. Palate release has very little to do with it depending on the register.

[couturesixfour]

palate release has much to do with whether or not a note sounds flat or strained. it allows for a better SOUND, which is what we all are subject to with vocal performance. we have to like what he HEAR, the SOUND. i don't like his sound. it doesn't sound authentic. sounds contrived. and i still feel no connection to the song with this performance. the performance is way too melodramatic and unbelievable. this is MY critique. i respect your opinion and expect  the same in return. that's all.

[SusanEichhornYoung]

when you don't like something, it's hard to find the authenticity in it...I can guarantee you that the palate stretch is there but it's not the only thing and has nothing to do with resonance! Sorry you were disappointed with this. It was riveting and moving and true. It earned him a Tony nomination and it was real moment. EVERY night.

[couturesixfour]

@SusanEichhornYoung No, I am rather objective to things...even things that I don't like. I have been trained that control of the palate does have much to do with resonance and the ability to project without amplification. In YOUR opinion it was riveting and moving and true. I give you that as it is your right, but my mind is made up. And how many people have accepted Tony awards that were not all that great...should we start the list. Awards do not mean much these days!! Those are political!!

[SusanEichhornYoung]

I agree...awards are awards. However, I do not advocate "one way" singing - and palate is reactionary - depending on the vowel, the pitch, the tessitura and the voice type.

[SusanEichhornYoung]

vocal pedagogy is simply not an exact science.

[SusanEichhornYoung]

And given that you are hearing this via recording it is difficult to truly make a full assessment without hearing the voice live. Again, you are entitled to your opinion. Again, not knowing your ears and what you hear and how you hear it cannot give me anything more and we debate in a vacuum. I happen to know Mr. Cook's voice VERY well and his resonance and ability to cut through an orchestra is true!

[couturesixfour]

@SusanEichhornYoung I GUESS?!?!?

[SusanEichhornYoung]

guess? don't understand...

[SusanEichhornYoung]

guess what? still waiting for your superior research...

[SusanEichhornYoung]

feel free to book a lesson next time you are in NYC!

[couturesixfour]

@SusanEichhornYoung if that is your solicitation then i'd rather cast my first tenor range to the swine!!! my undergraduate degree is in acting. I have a BFA. my training background is singing also. i know how to produce a good note & what tense singing sounds like. there are plenty who don't prefer the stressed sounds of the tenor register at times. i am one of those. you have a kickback from this support i would reckon.

[SusanEichhornYoung]

I am sorry - I don't understand that first sentence - solicitation?

Congrats on the BFA and am glad you are pursuing your singing and acting. Preference is preference and again, what one hears as a stressed sound someone else hears as a dense fundamental. Simple opinion based on pedagogical principle and experience of MANY voices.

[couturesixfour]

and some singers to do not have the tessitura, the complete vocal range and ability, to carry out songs such as I Who Have Nothing. just because a voice can reach certain notes does not mean that it should be forced to sustain a rep that is too heavy. the "I" in this song sounds bad to me. it sounds screechy and it sounds disconnected from the true emotion. bugged out eyes and huge Greek like...lol...gestures do not constitute good acting. and today's audiences are a bunch of Romans anyway.

[SusanEichhornYoung]

thanks for your opinion. I hope you find in your performances more meaning and more vocal finesse. Again, as a black man entering this business, remember you stand on somebody's shoulders to be there. Respecting a performance for its ability to touch people - whether it touches you or not - comes with time.

[couturesixfour]

But we all know that nowadays, money is the answer to all things of talent. There are so many talented people working Off-B who could run circles around the people who are there working. Not taking away anything from the wonderful works that make up Broadway, but applause does not always mean a job well done. and i understand about the level of resonance depending that particular place where the note is produced within one's range. i'm not dumb. i just don't lean upon the jargon of my education

[couturesixfour]

to make someone else appear "new" or not of any substantiality! i think i will contact you when i'm in new york. maybe this will come of something useful to me. As for changing my mind concerning Mr. Cook, that won't be happening. Just won't. There are tons of people with degrees who are biased toward certain "styles" of singing. I guess we will always stand on opposing sides of this coin. no love lost though...i'll see you around. please believe me! see you at the studio!

[SusanEichhornYoung]

I hope you don't stay so rigid so young and keep your mind open to possibilities!

Please contact me - message me with your name and email or better, email me through my website! I will keep you on file!

[couturesixfour]

@SusanEichhornYoung This question is out of pure inquiry. What is your technical approach on producing an open versus a closed vowel when singing?

[SusanEichhornYoung]

the approach depends on which vowel we are considering and in what part of the range we are in to allow for balanced resonance. Many factors involved here. Too many to go into on youtube.

[SusanEichhornYoung]

I may have given more on the other video - Today I Sing the Blues.

[lordkoos]

Oy, the drama

[gbaramume]

WoW, wow,and more wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LiquidGold2]

Oh WOW! True Brilliance!

[cpope11]

yeah this is truly amazing

thankyou for posting this

[mrsfbivens]

Oh my, my, my, what a performance!!!!!

[datruemissdiva]

YESSSSSS! I remember when I was little, my mom and I used to sit in front of the tv waiting to see him on Star Search. He's still got it!!!!

[vokalznyc]

Victor is Just Stupid Amazing!

[mervthweetie]

O lord...this guy...mmmhhmm, emotion....wow...his crescendo on that note how he builds it in a mix belt then drops it with an amazing riff...that vocal control....falsetto out of this world....WOW!!!!

[brokenscale3]

O.O DAMN! That's all I have to say!!

[hurdles13]

Fucking amazing!

[rassledassle82]

Powerful...chilling...

[beastskater4]

This is my favorite song in Smokey Joes. I just did this show in Atl. and we didn't do this number in it. I guess it would be a shame to have someone do a poor job of it. How could you begin to even hold a candle to this performance? Makes me cry every time.

[Kittensop46]

got a Tony nomination for it. Should have won.

[ReddzVoice]

VICTOR did win the TONY AWARD in 1995! He deserved it; for sure.

[Kittensop46]

no he was a nominee - but he didn't win...George Hearn won for Sunset Boulevard.

[ReddzVoice]

Yeah; he was nominated, not the winner. I misspoke; sorry. But you're right, this is a winning performance. He was amazing throughout the entire show.

[Softbird27]

One word...DAMN!!!!!!!!

[dreamcloud516]

Amazing.

[calllinou]

j'aime pas du tout perso...braillard fini!

[MissLucieAngel]

Saw Victor Trent Cook at Caesar's Palace in 2001 Smokey Joe's Cafe production. He won my heart from the beginning of the program. Gladys Knight was great, but this man out performed all the cast. Adorably funny doing D.W. Washburn, and heart rending emotion in "I Who Have Nothing". Thank you for posting this clip.

[broadwaystar2b4eva]

I am a part of my school's drama club and we are doing this musical. This is an amazing song and it gets to me every time. This kid sings it in my show and he is amazing at it too. I love this musical!

[AmazonElf]

damn! now that's a love song!

[liviumirceateodoresc]

this is fucking great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...

[GVKK]

The most heart-wrenching song ever made!! He is amazing!! Smokey Joes is worth seeing! Great musical!

[MissErika609]

best performance ever.. makes me cry everytime

[MissErika609]

wow!

[MelodiesfromHeaven]

Thank you soooo much for posting this!

Once again Victor has blown me away!

This man can sang!!

Right on (w1011457) I sure would hate to be the next act following ANY of Victor's performance's.

[terrancesings]

B.J. and Victor! My Lawd!

[eastendmick]

been going to west end shows for over 50 years this song tops the lot

[divadina7]

Better than any Prince...

[divadina7]

My favorite Broadway song by my favorite Broadway singer. Kick ass, Victor! You make me cry.....

[glorialucia]

damn.. lol

[Peartyboy]

One of the greatest singers alive, with one of the best vocal performances ever. THANK YOU for finally putting this on YouTube.

[ANDIMOS]

It is obvious why this man was nominated for a Tony Award! Superb performance!

[w1011457]

How on EARTH do you follow that? Honestly, what piece could possibly start with the same level of emotion that this one leaves off with?

[KeldonPrice]

YES VICTOR!!!!!! sing it for the blood, yes thought I was a crazy Victor!