That Beautiful Instrument (October 2008)

Music.

My life is accompanied by a constant soundtrack. No iPod necessary.

I’ve been told that I have a fairly eclectic musical taste and I suppose I do. I just like music. Sacred Harp. Hip Hop. Hard Rock. Opera. Show Tunes. This is probably why I am drawn to City Stages each year – the opportunity to hear so many different styles of music just by walking from one block to the next.

Out of the music of my life, certain instruments stand out.

The cello. Not sure why I’m drawn to the cello. I’m sure there is some deep psychological meaning here but there it is. Jacqueline Du Pre. Yo Yo Ma. Their phenomenal abilities and talents jump out and grab me by the throat.

The violin. Itzhak Perlman is the best I’ve ever heard. I had the opportunity, actually, to here him right here in Birmingham, Alabama. There’s playing the violin and then there’s having the violin become a part of your body – your consciousness. That is Perlman’s relationship with that beautiful instrument.

The voice. This is my favorite instrument. I’ve always fancied myself somewhat of a singer, and I’ve done the occasional voice lesson, but I don’t have the discipline to really develop the instrument as it should be. Because of that desire, I have a particular appreciation for those who do it well – extremely well – and make it seem effortless.

Pavarotti. It’s become cliché but the man was simply the best tenor since Caruso. I vividly remember the first time I heard this man’s voice. I was probably 10 years old and walked into my grandmother’s apartment. Luciano was playing on the stereo. I sat down and was mesmerized. I had no idea that anyone’s voice could sound like that. The power. The warmth. The emotion.

Other voices jump out and capture the imagination. At the Alys Stephens Center, I’ve been blessed to hear two of the great voices to grace the stage – Denyce Graves and Renee Fleming. I had front row seats (okay. . .close to front row) to hear Denyce. To this day, I remember her encore rendition of the “Habenera: L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Bizet’s “Carmen.” She sings it like it is supposed to be sung – making grown men blush.

I decided at the last minute to hear Fleming so I was stuck with seats in the Alys Stephens in the very back of the building. The good news is there really is no bad seat in that phenomenal facility. The better news? Fleming’s voice is such that it reaches your ears with no effort. It’s like she is sitting next to you and singing to you personally.

We Birminghamians have an opportunity this Saturday to hear another one of these great voices. k.d. lang comes to the Alys Stephens Center at 8 p.m. After years of listening to her unique voice in recorded form, it is my distinct pleasure to be able to see her in person. Oddly enough, my first memory of Kathryn Dawn was watching her traipse out onto the “Hee Haw” Stage in some kind of crazy cowgirl get-up. But it was clear after about three notes, that this young Canadian lady owned a truly gifted voice. I’m not sure where tickets sales are at this time, but if you have an opportunity, you should go hear her. Especially if you have a true appreciation for a finely tuned instrument.

Interested in local talent? I’ve always been amazed at how much true local singing talent we have, but I’ll admit to a bias for the female voice. Here are three of my local favorites:

Libba Walker. I’m a self-confessed groupie of Glenn Butts and Libba. Some people may call it stalking. I call it a true appreciation of terrific talent.

Kristi Higginbotham. I know, I know. This is a given. But let’s face it – when you’re good, you’re good. And, dang, Kristi is just good.

Jan Hunter. What’s great about Jan is she just lets it all hang out (vocally). She lays it all on the line. Hearing her sing one of the great torch songs is a truly emotional experience.

Get your tickets to k.d. lang and prepared to be mesmerized by a true gift.