Dionne Warwick: "What's it all About, Alfie?": Live at Artscape 2009!

[blues917]

Thanks for the post, angellife21. Dionne's one of my faves of all time, and it's a real treat to see her perform live here.

To the critics below, check out the vocal control she displays during "as sure as there's a heaven above". Dionne's lost nothing. It's just a different interpretation.

[pnyc1969]

@blues917 A lot of people can't appreciate techniques like phrasing and interpretation of lyrics. Dionne displays mastery at both here. People just remember when the voice was at its best. That said, I would definitely say the Dionne has lost something vocally. The same is true for Diana, Aretha and Barbra. The only greats from that era that sound the same are Patti and Gladys. The reason is anybody's guess. Did they tour less? Or play smaller rooms? Did they not smoke?

[angellife21]

@pnyc1969

Most singers do lose part of the voice as they age, it seems. This is both in the range and the control, etc. It may be partly due to the aging process, or maybe from overuse. Smoking, or playing in smoky-filled clubs and arenas might also be a factor. There are even young singers that seem to lose some of their singing ability! Fortunately though, a singer like Dionne has a distinctive style that lasts, even if her voacl control and range don't.

[craigaa52]

I'm a big fan of both Dionne and the song "Alfie," but this is sad. Her voice is the merest shadow of her great days, and it looked like there were not too many people in the audience. Sorry.

[angellife21]

@craigaa

1) Most of the audience was behind me so you can't see them on camera;

2) It was overcast and drizzling so I think that scared off a lot of people

3) Yes, her voice is not what it once was, but it was still a thrill to see her perform in person, and also to sing along w/ the audience to songs that we all know and love.

[alfiewastell123]

very good expesully when my names alfie