Acoustic Journey Set w/ Chalfant

[Rick]

All Arnel has is POWER. Sorry, he isn't that talented a singer....please don't delude yourselves.

You've lost your noodle, my good man.

[Gideon]

but I think Arnel sings circles around Kevin.

Aww, Rick, now we're enemies for life.

OH good god...I agree with Giddy....kill me now!

It's great, isn't it? Like being at peace with the universe!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Not sure why anyone would ever change lyrics to "suit his voice".

Then you obviously don't know jack about singing. Sorry. There's a reason why alot of Perry's pronunciations live are indecipherible. Some of it was paying homage to Motown, alot of it was making it easier on his pipes. Singers change and substitute vowels (and whole lyrics) ALL THE TIME.

[kgdjpubs]

All Arnel has is POWER. Sorry, he isn't that talented a singer....please don't delude yourselves.

Arnel is very good....but still very raw. He has done so much covering songs of other bands that he hasn't really developed a style of his own to the point that he owns a song. His vocal style and phrasing changes from song to song, as opposed to the opposite extreme like Perry who was fairly consistent in that regard. Chalfant runs circles around him when it comes to phrasing on original material (as one might expect since he's recorded a number of albums over the years), but I'd probably say Arnel has a higher ceiling as to what he's theoretically capable of given time.

[Rick]

Not sure why anyone would ever change lyrics to "suit his voice".

Then you obviously don't know jack about singing. Sorry. There's a reason why alot of Perry's pronunciations live are indecipherible. Some of it was paying homage to Motown, alot of it was making it easier on his pipes. Singers change and substitute vowels (and whole lyrics) ALL THE TIME.

He absolutely blew the lyrics on that one, TNC, you gotta admit that one .

[Enigma869]

Then you obviously don't know jack about singing. Sorry. There's a reason why alot of Perry's pronunciations live are indecipherible. Some of it was paying homage to Motown, alot of it was making it easier on his pipes. Singers change and substitute vowels (and whole lyrics) ALL THE TIME.

Sorry dude...not buying it, AT ALL. The guy simply fucked up the lyrics and in my opinion, looked like a complete jackass! My 5 year old son know the lyrics to "Faithfully"! If you don't know the lyrics, don't sing the damn song! He wasn't coming close to Perry's range, anyway, so changing things up didn't help him one iota. Incidentally, him not coming close to Perry's range isn't an indictment on Chalfant, because almost nobody does. I just don't get the Chalfant worshippers who think he's Perry. The guy can certainly sing a whole lot better than I can. That said, I wouldn't be lining up to purchase any of his albums or watch him perform in concert. The chick in the background of the video was a whole lot more interesting

[Gideon]

Chalfant is approximately Perry's age, if I'm not mistaken. Critics should take that into account; the fact that he's slaying this song, even in a lower key, at his age is impressive.

[Enigma869]

Chalfant is approximately Perry's age, if I'm not mistaken. Critics should take that into account; the fact that he's slaying this song, even in a lower key, at his age is impressive.

Right...and not in a good way!

[portland]

Chalfant is approximately Perry's age, if I'm not mistaken. Critics should take that into account; the fact that he's slaying this song, even in a lower key, at his age is impressive.

Right...and not in a good way!

He is good...just not Perry by a long shot. I prefer his stage presence as I do JSS over AP, for me that's important.

[Enigma869]

He is good...just not Perry by a long shot. I prefer his stage presence as I do JSS over AP, for me that's important.

Right, and that's exactly what I'm saying. Again, I know nothing about this guy, but have read on many Journey websites over the years that he's Perry or close to Perry. Apparently, my ears are VERY different than everyone else's, because he isn't remotely close to Perry, AT ALL! To me, he's an okay singer, but has nothing special about his voice. The first time I ever heard Perry sing, I immediately had to know who the person was singing, because I had never heard anything like it before (or since)! As for "stage presence"...it's a complete non-issue for me, because I'm a man and heterosexual! I think women get a bit more caught up in "stage presence". Not to mention, I'm way too old to be schlepping off to concerts like I'm 14, so my music listening happens on my iPod, where stage presence doesn't matter one iota. It's music...not a dance competition. It's all about the voice for me.

[portland]

He is good...just not Perry by a long shot. I prefer his stage presence as I do JSS over AP, for me that's important.

Right, and that's exactly what I'm saying. Again, I know nothing about this guy, but have read on many Journey websites over the years that he's Perry or close to Perry. Apparently, my ears are VERY different than everyone else's, because he isn't remotely close to Perry, AT ALL! To me, he's an okay singer, but has nothing special about his voice. The first time I ever heard Perry sing, I immediately had to know who the person was singing, because I had never heard anything like it before (or since)! As for "stage presence"...it's a complete non-issue for me, because I'm a man and heterosexual! I think women get a bit more caught up in "stage presence". Not to mention, I'm way too old to be schlepping off to concerts like I'm 14, so my music listening happens on my iPod, where stage presence doesn't matter one iota. It's music...not a dance competition. It's all about the voice for
me.

Well I am not 14 either but I have schlepped to a few more concerts this year than I have in awhile...it keeps me young
I agree his voice is not to be compared to "THE VOICE" there is no comparison!

[Yoda]

He is good...just not Perry by a long shot. I prefer his stage presence as I do JSS over AP, for me that's important.

Right, and that's exactly what I'm saying. Again, I know nothing about this guy, but have read on many Journey websites over the years that he's Perry or close to Perry. Apparently, my ears are VERY different than everyone else's, because he isn't remotely close to Perry, AT ALL! To me, he's an okay singer, but has nothing special about his voice. The first time I ever heard Perry sing, I immediately had to know who the person was singing, because I had never heard anything like it before (or since)! As for "stage presence"...it's a complete non-issue for me, because I'm a man and heterosexual! I think women get a bit more caught up in "stage presence". Not to mention, I'm way too old to be schlepping off to concerts like I'm 14, so my music listening happens on my iPod, where stage presence doesn't matter one iota. It's music...not a dance competition. It's all about the voice for me.

Same here my Patriot faithful friend!
If you go back and listen to the Storm CDs, you might understand why so many wanted Chalfant in when Perry wasn't in. The first Storm CD is the best in my opinion. The earlier Two Fires albums would give you a pretty good indication on the Perry comparisons.

But still, like you said, there was just something about Steve Perry's voice that instantly had me hooked. Couple that if the cool 80's keys and the crunching guitars and THAT was Heaven to my ears! I think a lot of times you can have someone matching the range, tone, and even some of the vocal qualities such as phrasing and what not, but there is always something missing that sets the original apart from the replacement. Still I'd say for someone who can at least be compared to Steve Perry's vocals - at least in the smallest sense - is a huge compliment for that singer.

[kgdjpubs]

He wasn't coming close to Perry's range, anyway, so changing things up didn't help him one iota. Incidentally, him not coming close to Perry's range isn't an indictment on Chalfant, because almost nobody does.

I'd say he was pretty close in range to at least Escape-era Perry--at least up to the mid 90s. As with everyone, your voice lowers a bit as you age, and Chalfant isn't much younger than Perry is. If Chalfant was going to a Journey covers album, he should have done that ten years ago when he could do it in the original key without breaking a sweat.

Vocally, I've never heard Chalfant do any of the falsetto stuff that Perry would do some in the pre-Escape years (aka the note behind the guitar solo on Wheel in the Sky), but if you have the range to sing at a high tenor range in head voice, you have the range to hit that falsetto stuff. It's not THAT hard, so that's more of a stylistic preference. Chalfant easily has the highest natural range of anyone that Journey has had since Perry, which is the most important if you want to tour with the catalog.

I just don't get the Chalfant worshippers who think he's Perry.

I don't think he's Perry at all, nor do I think he ever tried to be Perry. Perry's at a level where there were very few in competition with him. Chalfant isn't there, nor is anyone else that I've ever heard try and sing Journey songs. If anything, Chalfant is a hybrid between Perry and Bryan Adams.

That said, I still maintain that if you were going to replace Perry in the 90s, Chalfant was the best option out there, and I'll rank The Storm's Eye of the Storm up with anything Journey ever did. He can sound close enough when he tries for it to work in concert, has a similar range but noticeably different style on original material, and is better than either Augeri or Arnel in songwriting ability.

[Enigma869]

I'd say he was pretty close in range to at least Escape-era Perry--at least up to the mid 90s. As with everyone, your voice lowers a bit as you age, and Chalfant isn't much younger than Perry is. If Chalfant was going to a Journey covers album, he should have done that ten years ago when he could do it in the original key without breaking a sweat.

Vocally, I've never heard Chalfant do any of the falsetto stuff that Perry would do some in the pre-Escape years (aka the note behind the guitar solo on Wheel in the Sky), but if you have the range to sing at a high tenor range in head voice, you have the range to hit that falsetto stuff. It's not THAT hard, so that's more of a stylistic preference. Chalfant easily has the highest natural range of anyone that Journey has had since Perry, which is the most important if you want to tour with the catalog.



I don't think he's Perry at all, nor do I think he ever tried to be Perry. Perry's at a level where there were very few in competition with him. Chalfant isn't there, nor is anyone else that I've ever heard try and sing Journey songs. If anything, Chalfant is a hybrid between Perry and Bryan Adams.

That said, I still maintain that if you were going to replace Perry in the 90s, Chalfant was the best option out there, and I'll rank The Storm's Eye of the Storm up with anything Journey ever did. He can sound close enough when he tries for it to work in concert, has a similar range but noticeably different style on original material, and is better than either Augeri or Arnel in songwriting ability.

Well, at least you didn't try feeding me some bullshit line that the guy had to adjust the lyrics to "Faithfully" to adapt to his singing style. If you're going to cover a band, you may just want to brush up on the lyrics. On, and one other thing...if the song you're singing is known by the masses, no brushing up should be required

[kgdjpubs]

Well, at least you didn't try feeding me some bullshit line that the guy had to adjust the lyrics to "Faithfully" to adapt to his singing style. If you're going to cover a band, you may just want to brush up on the lyrics. On, and one other thing...if the song you're singing is known by the masses, no brushing up should be required

well, that was a screwup, not an ad lib. There's a difference between the two. It happens to everyone--even Perry. Go out and perform and you'll screw up the lyrics eventually. If you're professional enough, you'll be able to cover it up where most won't figure it out. If you're lucky, it won't be posted all over youtube. If you're really lucky, it won't be found by insane Journey fans and discussed ad nauseum on a message board!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Sorry dude...not buying it, AT ALL. The guy simply fucked up the lyrics and in my opinion, looked like a complete jackass! My 5 year old son know the lyrics to "Faithfully"! If you don't know the lyrics, don't sing the damn song! He wasn't coming close to Perry's range, anyway, so changing things up didn't help him one iota. Incidentally, him not coming close to Perry's range isn't an indictment on Chalfant, because almost nobody does. I just don't get the Chalfant worshippers who think he's Perry.

During his tribute act, I wouldn't be surprised if Chalfant changed whole stanzas on purpose. Singers do it all the time. I have no personal stake in defending Chalfant. He didn't look like a singer caught in the headlights needing a teleprompter, and the crowd was obviously none the wiser. As for Chalfant worshippers...Herbie Herbert is included in the lot. He hand-picked picked Perry and also picked KC to replace Perry. Good enough for me.

[hoagiepete]

Yup. He just fucked up the lyrics. Period. However, this happens even to the songwriters on occasion so I see it as no big deal.

Chalfant's good, not great. When I first heard the Storm, I immediately thought... nasally imitation of Perry (albeit not as bad as first impression of Augeri). Both grew on me though once I got over the fact they were not Perry and I've enjoyed them ever since. Chalfant would not have been a bad replacement, but wouldn't have been that much better than Augeri. Pineda is solid, but I'm still having trouble getting excited about him.

[The_Noble_Cause]

He absolutely blew the lyrics on that one, TNC, you gotta admit that one .

Kev's a pro. I highly doubt it. Augeri's been changing the chorus of DSB at some of his recent live shows.

[Abitaman]

Yup. He just fucked up the lyrics. Period. However, this happens even to the songwriters on occasion so I see it as no big deal.

.

Dennis DeYoung of Styx has done this a few times. I have a boot of him messing up Castle Walls. I also have video's of him messing Lady up in 90 on the Arsenio Hall show. He sang the 2nd verse first. Good cover by him, no one seemed to notice. And he messed up a couple years back on tv again on the song. His 1st big hit. If you mess up it how you handle the mistake that makes the difference to keeping the song good or bad.

[Yoda]

Eh, all singers flub up on the songs every once in awhile. Perry did it at the Bill Graham Memorial, Arnel has done it, Kevin has done it.....I don't see any big deal about it.

[Abitaman]

Eh, all singers flub up on the songs every once in awhile. Perry did it at the Bill Graham Memorial, Arnel has done it, Kevin has done it.....I don't see any big deal about it.

same here

[Gideon]

He still has it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOV3mJk01xA

3:47, damn.

[jrnyman28]

What's with the introduction of "Kevin Chalfant formerly of Journey"? At what point was this guy in Journey? Did I sleep through a few years?

Serious?
He was in Journey with Gregg Rolie before Perry muscled back in for Trial By Fire. You forgot this?

[Joe Vana]

What's with the introduction of "Kevin Chalfant formerly of Journey"? At what point was this guy in Journey? Did I sleep through a few years?

He did a show with them once...right??? I sang with TOTO once, so am I now former lead singer of TOTO? And Survivor I guess as well????

I know Kevin well, but I would have clarified that right away....

As far as a Journey fit, I don't think the personalities would ever have made it...Kevin would have had way more demands than Arnel ever would....Augeri too for that matter.....

I think they did just fine with Steve A, and Arnel.....better said they could have done way worse.....

JMHO.........JV

[MrsPerry]

Yeah, Chalfant was the one true heir to Perry's legacy imho. Missed opportunity and quite possibly the biggest of Journey's many mistakes.

Agreed.

+1

[The_Noble_Cause]

He did a show with them once...right??? I sang with TOTO once, so am I now former lead singer of TOTO? And Survivor I guess as well????

The founder of the band, Herbie, made the case for Kevin repeatedly. He also chose Perry and was influential in almost every decision that made the band great. Kevin wrote with the band and Rolie shortly before the TBF reunion. He also was in The Storm, with Ross and Rolie. No comparison to your TOTO one-off, which you should be very proud of. But Kevin was the annointed one and they screwed it up. The Augeri era is pretty much a joke. One year into touring and he was majorly in the raw.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocbvi3woSFk

[Don]

What's with the introduction of "Kevin Chalfant formerly of Journey"? At what point was this guy in Journey? Did I sleep through a few years?

Serious?
He was in Journey with Gregg Rolie before Perry muscled back in for Trial By Fire. You forgot this?

There is a little bit of uncertainty with this part, especially after reading Steve Smith's interview. It sounds from this that Columbia was the one pushing it and Perry was the last to get on board with it.

http://www.cavemanproductions.com/REVS/ssmithiv.html



RF: How did the group get back together, and what was it like playing together for the first time?

SS: As far as I can tell, how we got back together started with Columbia first working towards reuniting Steve with Jonathan and Neal, and then including Ross and me in the mix. It was difficult to get it off the ground initially. Steve was happy doing a solo project, as were the other guys.

Eventually Steve got interested, and he really was the crucial piece. The rest of us had had some dialog about whether we'd be interested in doing something like this if the opportunity arose. The other members were into it. When he consented to get together with everybody, we went into a rehearsal hall in L.A. and just played.

[KenTheDude]

What's with the introduction of "Kevin Chalfant formerly of Journey"? At what point was this guy in Journey? Did I sleep through a few years?

He did a show with them once...right??? I sang with TOTO once, so am I now former lead singer of TOTO? And Survivor I guess as well????

I know Kevin well, but I would have clarified that right away....

As far as a Journey fit, I don't think the personalities would ever have made it...Kevin would have had way more demands than Arnel ever would....Augeri too for that matter.....

I think they did just fine with Steve A, and Arnel.....better said they could have done way worse.....

JMHO.........JV

I sang Happy Birthday with Journey to Lula backstage in Corpus one year. So that makes me a former band member! SWEET!

[jrnyman28]

Hey Don, I think that's more of the "party line".