JSS needs to pass to Deen on "Keep on Runnin'"- A

[Red13JoePa]

Much appreciated insight by JSS, who need we be reminded, doesn't HAVE to do this.

[treetopovskaya]

This should probably end this thread...I think anyway

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?a ... BA07054B24

thanks jss! got anything else to share? umm... sweet and simple. i don't think you can hit that high note. i really really really doubt it. };C)

*can't blame me for trying!!*

[larryfromnextdoor]

This should probably end this thread...I think anyway

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?a ... BA07054B24

thanks jss! got anything else to share? umm... sweet and simple. i don't think you can hit that high note. i really really really doubt it. };C)

*can't blame me for trying!!*

tree that was funny,, nig started a landslide..

[Enigma869]

That was actually problem when I 1st went out to join the tour, I was using too much of my normal technique which was belt it for all it's worth, forgetting the range & even emotion of Perry's style didn't match that. He was a powerful singer himself but in a different way, his voice was smooth & silky but it projected. I was pushing it the way I would normally hit the notes on my stuff but it sounded too hard or aggressive, at times making it difficult to hit the range on some things. I simply pulled it back a bit to get the natural highs as well as texture my voice helping keep true to the original sound as much as possible without cloning it. I was so hugely influenced by Perry growing up but knew that would be a dead end in having my own identity, As well, it didn't fit the format of albums I'd done through my formative years, so I strayed from that silky, smoothness & opted for a more power tenor as I started my professional career. Now it's all about revisiting it all so my voice works for me AND the audience. Thanks for the props!

Thanks for the insight, Jeff. You definitely come across as a guy who is quite introspective, and who has a strong sense of your own strengths and weaknesses. It's refreshing to see a guy in your position critique your own performances, and have a solid understanding of what works for you, and what doesn't work.

When I heard your very first performances with Journey, I personally thought you were struggling to hit the notes (especially on the first performance of Separate Ways I heard). Since that time, I have been VERY impressed with what I've heard. It must also be quite a challenge for you to separate yourself from someone (Perry) who you were so greatly influenced by. I think the fact that you and Perry have very different voices and styles will never have you being called a Perry "clone". Some of us old time Journey fans still love the fact that you seem to be as big of a Perry fan as many of us are. Thanks again for the insight, as those of us who are not singers don't always understand the nuances of singing and all that's involved with it, night after night!


John from Boston

[tammy]

Yep, what John said...thanks, Jeff!

[strangegrey]

That was actually problem when I 1st went out to join the tour, I was using too much of my normal technique which was belt it for all it's worth, forgetting the range & even emotion of Perry's style didn't match that. He was a powerful singer himself but in a different way, his voice was smooth & silky but it projected. I was pushing it the way I would normally hit the notes on my stuff but it sounded too hard or aggressive, at times making it difficult to hit the range on some things. I simply pulled it back a bit to get the natural highs as well as texture my voice helping keep true to the original sound as much as possible without cloning it. I was so hugely influenced by Perry growing up but knew that would be a dead end in having my own identity, As well, it didn't fit the format of albums I'd done through my formative years, so I strayed from that silky, smoothness & opted for a more power tenor as I started my professional career. Now it's all about revisiting it all so my voice works for me AND the audience. Thanks for the props!

This is actually something that I've been noticing on the YouTubes....and all I can say is that i noticed a change...but couldn't put a finger on it. Jeff was able to clarify what was behind the change. Sorta sounds like someone trying to master a golf swing...you realize after a while, that when you gear back and put a more fluid swing (with less brutal force), you hit the ball better.

I became a total convert (after sitting on the fence or flat out not agreeing with JSS in this role) after seeing a handful of the recent Florida shows...In fact, my first thought was, "Damn, where'd this guy all of a sudden, find the silk in his voice"...which alludes to what JSS said above. I also couldn't help but notice the guy is nailing every note and seems like he's got upper range to spare.

[Rockindeano]

Frank, I was the same way.

I came out and bashed Soto when he first joined.

. Then I sat back and listened, and he got better and better.

I am happy I listened and gave him a chance.

[****]

That was actually problem when I 1st went out to join the tour, I was using too much of my normal technique which was belt it for all it's worth, forgetting the range & even emotion of Perry's style didn't match that. He was a powerful singer himself but in a different way, his voice was smooth & silky but it projected. I was pushing it the way I would normally hit the notes on my stuff but it sounded too hard or aggressive, at times making it difficult to hit the range on some things. I simply pulled it back a bit to get the natural highs as well as texture my voice helping keep true to the original sound as much as possible without cloning it. I was so hugely influenced by Perry growing up but knew that would be a dead end in having my own identity, As well, it didn't fit the format of albums I'd done through my formative years, so I strayed from that silky, smoothness & opted for a more power tenor as I started my professional career. Now it's all about revisiting it all so my voice works for me AND the audience. Thanks for the props!

This quote is on blabbermouth and some other online website.

[*Laura]

That was actually problem when I 1st went out to join the tour, I was using too much of my normal technique which was belt it for all it's worth, forgetting the range & even emotion of Perry's style didn't match that. He was a powerful singer himself but in a different way, his voice was smooth & silky but it projected. I was pushing it the way I would normally hit the notes on my stuff but it sounded too hard or aggressive, at times making it difficult to hit the range on some things. I simply pulled it back a bit to get the natural highs as well as texture my voice helping keep true to the original sound as much as possible without cloning it. I was so hugely influenced by Perry growing up but knew that would be a dead end in having my own identity, As well, it didn't fit the format of albums I'd done through my formative years, so I strayed from that silky, smoothness & opted for a more power tenor as I started my professional career. Now it's all about revisiting it all so my voice works for me AND the audience. Thanks for the props!

This quote is on blabbermouth and some other online website.

True,I saw it an hour ago.It's fresh.

Gotta scroll some to get to it.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/

[Behshad]

I see,,, so Mr Soto is killin time by copyin & pastin ?

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

well, that's fabulous. I'm uploading my video and missing you here, Jeff. come over anytime-there are lots of us who work from home and could use a break like this. what is the time difference there?

I would drop dead to hear Sweet and Simple. Jeff, I have track of you singing that high. 4u. uh-huh. you've got it all brothah. bring it. Patiently would be fantastic! Suzanne?? now that's a high mother bear. I have trouble singing that! dang

since we have lost the thread anyway, Jeff, where did you get your funkiness? you are so good at it. Love Parade is so fine. I think I hit the back button on the iPod about 6 times yesterday for Dragon Attack.

A smooth R&B flavored tune ala John Legend or Nora Jones or Niki Costa would work well for Journey with you. whatcha think??

[Behshad]

Frank, I was the same way.

I came out and bashed Soto when he first joined.

. Then I sat back and listened, and he got better and better.

I am happy I listened and gave him a chance.

welcome back.... new avatar is awesome

[Granny]

Hey Dean...love the new AV...very very cute....Latin flavor I see....Is that for anyone in particular?

[StevePerryHair]

Like the new av too Dean! Too funny. Stay away from those burritos though

[LucyFurr]

JSS, just sing the goddamn songs. Why are you explaining yourself anyway when you don't have to? I get satisfaction just knowing the song is going to be sung, let alone worrying about if you "got it" to hit high notes or have the "sound." That shit doesn't matter anymore, do what you do, and don't worry about what us assholes think

I couldnt agree more here. Stop busting the guys chops. We all have jobs. We all suck some days (not implying that you suck Jeff) but what i'm trying to say is that its not always perfect every day. He's not recording an album, hes up on stage, running around, playing with the guys, sweating his ass off to give you satisfaction for 2 hours. Not one of you can say you walked away unhappy the nights you saw him in concert. I'm so tired of the mudslinging here. I'm glad Jeff chooses to defend himself, although if it was me, I would probably tire of it really quick. Its a privelege that he is nice enough to come on here and read the comments. Just another proof that he is a stellar individual, and I dont care if he's not perfect up there. I'm just glad he's helped Journey into a new season.

[Big J]

I'll bet he can really rock on OOHW.

THAT would be my first choice, but I doubt that will ever happen. Perfect song for JSS, tho. I'll bet he digs that song.

Let's ask him. Do you like that song Jeff? Would you do it? It would be great. Especially relevant in the UK right now too.

He'll answer if we word it differently:

Jeff, your voice would SUCK on Out of Harm's Way. Same for FITH. I have some boots of your first two shows, and it's apparent that you just aren't right for Journey.

That oughta do it.

Haha, fuck you NIGGY!!! Kidding....

...actually Neal gave me the music to OOHW to work on for a Soul SirkUS tune, I have to be blunt, it never did anything for me. I tried to make something of it & nothing stuck to the ceiling. I was surprised at at how god it turned out when Journey tweaked at it but in all honesty, it still doesn't do much for me, sorry. Who knows though, re-addressing it live & me putting my spin on it could be interesting, who knows....I wish we would do Good Morning Girl sometime, that song does it for me big time, so much passion & emotion in the melody & chord changes.

YES. Dude...I've been saying for years...you know how they used to do Lights running into Stay Awhile? (which I'd love to see you guys do again)

Okay...Good Morning Girl into Easy to Fall from Trial By Fire, the same way.

Think about it. It'd be awesome. And Good Morning Girl is short enough to where it ain't like throwing two more full-length ballads into the set.

[strangegrey]

Frank, I was the same way.

I came out and bashed Soto when he first joined.

. Then I sat back and listened, and he got better and better.

I am happy I listened and gave him a chance.

You? Really?

Yeah, I'm glad I gave him a chance...and I also regret panning him at first. He keeps getting better and better....The fact that he's continuously improving singing THIS catalog is stunning to say the least...I would expect anyone that sings this stuff to just fall apart after a while...

[JSS]

Already posted this at BT, explaining last night's detuning a half step:

We did, but hated it in the end....I'll try to explain the difference on my standpoint without being too techinical.
Tuning down, I tend to use more of my 'real' voice instead of 'head' voice on the higher notes. perry had the best head voice in the business which one uses for all the high register stuff. Using more real voice actually tired me more than usual. We're going back tonight to regular tuning as it will actually help me more than hinder.

Head voice for those who don't know is the high register in your voice between real & falsetto, say it's like a strong, fuller falsetto compared to the Bee Gees or Leo Sayer which is more the lighter singing. It's much easier to sing the high notes in head voice than pushing them with real voice which is what I was used to doing on all my past tours, took me a bit to realize I had to switch it up for the sake of how the songs sound as well as my health

There you have it, more surprises in store tonight, can't wait!!

JSS

[txfirefighter]

From the reviews I read of last night's show, you guys are kicking some serious tale across the pond! How did last night compare to, say, the HOB in Florida show?

[lbeau12]

Jeff wanted to say thanks for posting here. It is great to hear the inside things you would not hear otherwise like explaining your techique and approach to singing these songs. Can't wait to here some new songs and well as bringing the old ones not done in a while out.

[Michael Leigh]

Already posted this at BT, explaining last night's detuning a half step:

We did, but hated it in the end....I'll try to explain the difference on my standpoint without being too techinical.
Tuning down, I tend to use more of my 'real' voice instead of 'head' voice on the higher notes. perry had the best head voice in the business which one uses for all the high register stuff. Using more real voice actually tired me more than usual. We're going back tonight to regular tuning as it will actually help me more than hinder.

Head voice for those who don't know is the high register in your voice between real & falsetto, say it's like a strong, fuller falsetto compared to the Bee Gees or Leo Sayer which is more the lighter singing. It's much easier to sing the high notes in head voice than pushing them with real voice which is what I was used to doing on all my past tours, took me a bit to realize I had to switch it up for the sake of how the songs sound as well as my health

There you have it, more surprises in store tonight, can't wait!!

JSS

Before I even say anything,let me preface this by saying this is not a bust on SA!!
I wish they had thought of tuning down a 1/2 step to save his voice.
I agree with most everyone when I say SA did a good job, before his voice went.
I actually wonder if they had considered it or even tried it in rehearsal.
Tapegate is a whole other issue.I DO feel bad for SA. Met him a number of times and he was
a real nice guy.

Now with that being said, I actually wish that Journey had known about JSS and that he got the gig to begin with.
I know a lot of people (especially a lot of those on BT & the wigglers)don't think Jeff is a good fit,he is too metal for Journey, as well as all the other bullshit we've all heard.
I for one, am a great fan of Jeff's, have been for years, and I think the coolest thing about him being part of the band now, is his respect for the Journey legacy, and actually being a fan of the band, and knowing so much about their history. My understanding is that SA was just a moderate fan of the band, but Jeff know about their history and studied the songs like all of US fans have.

I was at his first show in Virginia,at another about midway through the tour in Columbus, and months later in Baltimore at one of the last shows of the tour, and the difference was astounding.It was cool to catch 3 shows and watch him grow into the position.
I haven't been as excited about a Journey record, since the Perry days.
Jeff is doing a great job, and I hope they decide to do some shows this summer.
Jeff was made for this band, and I think he has done an awesome job (to quote the Firg)as an abassador of Rock and Roll!!

[JSS]

Mike,

Your envelope full of cash should arrive in the mailbox any day now

Already posted this at BT, explaining last night's detuning a half step:

We did, but hated it in the end....I'll try to explain the difference on my standpoint without being too techinical.
Tuning down, I tend to use more of my 'real' voice instead of 'head' voice on the higher notes. perry had the best head voice in the business which one uses for all the high register stuff. Using more real voice actually tired me more than usual. We're going back tonight to regular tuning as it will actually help me more than hinder.

Head voice for those who don't know is the high register in your voice between real & falsetto, say it's like a strong, fuller falsetto compared to the Bee Gees or Leo Sayer which is more the lighter singing. It's much easier to sing the high notes in head voice than pushing them with real voice which is what I was used to doing on all my past tours, took me a bit to realize I had to switch it up for the sake of how the songs sound as well as my health

There you have it, more surprises in store tonight, can't wait!!

JSS

Before I even say anything,let me preface this by saying this is not a bust on SA!!
I wish they had thought of tuning down a 1/2 step to save his voice.
I agree with most everyone when I say SA did a good job, before his voice went.
I actually wonder if they had considered it or even tried it in rehearsal.
Tapegate is a whole other issue.I DO feel bad for SA. Met him a number of times and he was
a real nice guy.

Now with that being said, I actually wish that Journey had known about JSS and that he got the gig to begin with.
I know a lot of people (especially a lot of those on BT & the wigglers)don't think Jeff is a good fit,he is too metal for Journey, as well as all the other bullshit we've all heard.
I for one, am a great fan of Jeff's, have been for years, and I think the coolest thing about him being part of the band now, is his respect for the Journey legacy, and actually being a fan of the band, and knowing so much about their history. My understanding is that SA was just a moderate fan of the band, but Jeff know about their history and studied the songs like all of US fans have.

I was at his first show in Virginia,at another about midway through the tour in Columbus, and months later in Baltimore at one of the last shows of the tour, and the difference was astounding.It was cool to catch 3 shows and watch him grow into the position.
I haven't been as excited about a Journey record, since the Perry days.
Jeff is doing a great job, and I hope they decide to do some shows this summer.
Jeff was made for this band, and I think he has done an awesome job (to quote the Firg)as an abassador of Rock and Roll!!

[Lady Luck]

There you have it, more surprises in store tonight, can't wait!!

Just be sure to bring those surprises with you to Virginia!

[Deb]

I know a lot of people (especially a lot of those on BT & the wigglers)don't think Jeff is a good fit,he is too metal for Journey, as well as all the other bullshit we've all heard.

They might not have checked out too much of his prior work, personally I think he can sing pretty much anything he wants to. I've listened to JSS do the metal, pop, disco/funk, Queen, even a couple rap songs and after listening to some motown I can't understand how somebody could right him off as too metal? (Unless that is all they have heard of his besides his Journey work.)

I haven't been as excited about a Journey record, since the Perry days.

Definately agree.

[JrnyScarab]

Using more real voice actually tired me more than usual. We're going back tonight to regular tuning as it will actually help me more than hinder.


JSS

Hell, if tuning down half a step tired you more, just tune UP half a step and you will be all set!

Ed

[****]

Mike,

Your envelope full of cash should arrive in the mailbox any day now

Just wondering - you have a show right? In like 1/2 hour? Or is my time all fucked up?

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

Already posted this at BT, explaining last night's detuning a half step:

We did, but hated it in the end....I'll try to explain the difference on my standpoint without being too techinical.
Tuning down, I tend to use more of my 'real' voice instead of 'head' voice on the higher notes. perry had the best head voice in the business which one uses for all the high register stuff. Using more real voice actually tired me more than usual. We're going back tonight to regular tuning as it will actually help me more than hinder.

Head voice for those who don't know is the high register in your voice between real & falsetto, say it's like a strong, fuller falsetto compared to the Bee Gees or Leo Sayer which is more the lighter singing. It's much easier to sing the high notes in head voice than pushing them with real voice which is what I was used to doing on all my past tours, took me a bit to realize I had to switch it up for the sake of how the songs sound as well as my health

There you have it, more surprises in store tonight, can't wait!!

JSS

Before I even say anything,let me preface this by saying this is not a bust on SA!!
I wish they had thought of tuning down a 1/2 step to save his voice.
I agree with most everyone when I say SA did a good job, before his voice went.
I actually wonder if they had considered it or even tried it in rehearsal.
Tapegate is a whole other issue.I DO feel bad for SA. Met him a number of times and he was
a real nice guy.

Now with that being said, I actually wish that Journey had known about JSS and that he got the gig to begin with.
I know a lot of people (especially a lot of those on BT & the wigglers)don't think Jeff is a good fit,he is too metal for Journey, as well as all the other bullshit we've all heard.
I for one, am a great fan of Jeff's, have been for years, and I think the coolest thing about him being part of the band now, is his respect for the Journey legacy, and actually being a fan of the band, and knowing so much about their history. My understanding is that SA was just a moderate fan of the band, but Jeff know about their history and studied the songs like all of US fans have.

I was at his first show in Virginia,at another about midway through the tour in Columbus, and months later in Baltimore at one of the last shows of the tour, and the difference was astounding.It was cool to catch 3 shows and watch him grow into the position.
I haven't been as excited about a Journey record, since the Perry days.
Jeff is doing a great job, and I hope they decide to do some shows this summer.
Jeff was made for this band, and I think he has done an awesome job (to quote the Firg)as an abassador of Rock and Roll!!

exactly, Michael.

[belar]

Already posted this at BT, explaining last night's detuning a half step:

We did, but hated it in the end....I'll try to explain the difference on my standpoint without being too techinical.
Tuning down, I tend to use more of my 'real' voice instead of 'head' voice on the higher notes. perry had the best head voice in the business which one uses for all the high register stuff. Using more real voice actually tired me more than usual. We're going back tonight to regular tuning as it will actually help me more than hinder.

Head voice for those who don't know is the high register in your voice between real & falsetto, say it's like a strong, fuller falsetto compared to the Bee Gees or Leo Sayer which is more the lighter singing. It's much easier to sing the high notes in head voice than pushing them with real voice which is what I was used to doing on all my past tours, took me a bit to realize I had to switch it up for the sake of how the songs sound as well as my health

Thanks for the explanation, and all the other posts in this thread, Jeff. Never realized how much analysis went into each and every performance of the sort that you put on.

There you have it, more surprises in store tonight, can't wait!!

JSS

Man, I wish we could all fly over there for one big MR-only show! Someone please post a review and a setlist!

Now with that being said, I actually wish that Journey had known about JSS and that he got the gig to begin with.

I'm going to have to disagree with this point of Michael's. If JSS had gotten the Journey gig back in '98, we would have missed out on a LOT of fantastic Talisman stuff! I haven't heard it all yet, but I'm working on it. There's also all of Jeff's solo stuff. There's just too much good music there to miss out on. Besides, what would we all be talking about here if Jeff had been around for 9 years?

[NealIsGod]

Mike,

Your envelope full of cash should arrive in the mailbox any day now

Just wondering - you have a show right? In like 1/2 hour? Or is my time all fucked up?

He's been known to post here fairly close to showtime before, Kim.

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

Mike,

Your envelope full of cash should arrive in the mailbox any day now

Already posted this at BT, explaining last night's detuning a half step:

We did, but hated it in the end....I'll try to explain the difference on my standpoint without being too techinical.
Tuning down, I tend to use more of my 'real' voice instead of 'head' voice on the higher notes. perry had the best head voice in the business which one uses for all the high register stuff. Using more real voice actually tired me more than usual. We're going back tonight to regular tuning as it will actually help me more than hinder.

Head voice for those who don't know is the high register in your voice between real & falsetto, say it's like a strong, fuller falsetto compared to the Bee Gees or Leo Sayer which is more the lighter singing. It's much easier to sing the high notes in head voice than pushing them with real voice which is what I was used to doing on all my past tours, took me a bit to realize I had to switch it up for the sake of how the songs sound as well as my health

There you have it, more surprises in store tonight, can't wait!!

JSS

Before I even say anything,let me preface this by saying this is not a bust on SA!!
I wish they had thought of tuning down a 1/2 step to save his voice.
I agree with most everyone when I say SA did a good job, before his voice went.
I actually wonder if they had considered it or even tried it in rehearsal.
Tapegate is a whole other issue.I DO feel bad for SA. Met him a number of times and he was
a real nice guy.

Now with that being said, I actually wish that Journey had known about JSS and that he got the gig to begin with.
I know a lot of people (especially a lot of those on BT & the wigglers)don't think Jeff is a good fit,he is too metal for Journey, as well as all the other bullshit we've all heard.
I for one, am a great fan of Jeff's, have been for years, and I think the coolest thing about him being part of the band now, is his respect for the Journey legacy, and actually being a fan of the band, and knowing so much about their history. My understanding is that SA was just a moderate fan of the band, but Jeff know about their history and studied the songs like all of US fans have.

I was at his first show in Virginia,at another about midway through the tour in Columbus, and months later in Baltimore at one of the last shows of the tour, and the difference was astounding.It was cool to catch 3 shows and watch him grow into the position.
I haven't been as excited about a Journey record, since the Perry days.
Jeff is doing a great job, and I hope they decide to do some shows this summer.
Jeff was made for this band, and I think he has done an awesome job (to quote the Firg)as an abassador of Rock and Roll!!

hehe

no need for cash here, brothah. the smile on your face and the twinkle of recognition is your eye is enough for the chicas. and knocking us out with Opened the Door doesn't hurt either.