OH MY WORD. I was a KID when Tramaine Hawkins’ Live album was released in 1990. But when it came out, I immediately memorized every lick, every riff, every line of it and have been a fan ever since. In fact, I was introduced to Walter Hawkins’ music by way of THIS album (backwards, I know, but it’s the truth). It may be one of my favorite live albums in the market.
On the album, she performs “Changed” as part of a medley among other classic Hawkins cuts. This performance is SOOOO incredible to me. We have RARELY seen someone clobber a song like this. I wish I coulda BEEN there… sometimes makes me wonder if I was born in the right generation.
Walter Hawkins’ “Thank You” is my favorite gospel song ever, and I think I’ve made that abundantly clear by now.
Several artists have re-made it, either on albums or at midnight musicals and what not, but there is nothing like the original recording, led by Yvette Flunder. NOTHING like it.
These clips are split in two parts– featuring Yvette on lead, followed by a reprise with Walter Hawkins, then the late James Moore, then Tramaine Hawkins, followed by the late Frank Williams, and finally, the late Thomas Whitfield. MAAAN! We’re not DOING gospel like this anymore!
Okay, people. Here’s the culmination of my chat with our vocalist extraordinaire, Melonie Daniels. If you missed Parts ONE and TWO, click here to catch up on what she’s had to say so far!
In this segment, Melonie shares a bunch of info about her vocal routine, what it takes to be a great background vocalist, her work at NYC’s Village Undergound, her transition from background to foreground as a solo artist, and what’s next for her. You don’t wanna miss it!
Ladies and gents, enjoy PART THREE:
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EJ: How do you prepare for a studio session? Like, how much rest do you get, what foods do you avoid, and all that?
MD: Well, that’s a biological thing and it’s an individual situation. There are those of us that are lactose intolerant, or allergic to citric acid, or whatever. You have to know what your body is capable of handling, what your allergies are…
EJ: And you don’t mean “allergies” like if you eat it, you have to go to the hospital, right? You just mean “allergies” in the sense that your body responds negatively in some way?
MD: Right. It’s not a blanket thing. I love the teachings of Lady Tramaine Hawkins, but her routine may not work across the board for everybody.
EJ: What does she do?
MD: She’s very protective of her voice. Wherever she ministers, she has to shut down the air in the entire place, she stays wrapped up. She can’t handle air conditioning. And there are several singers that do that. For me, I’m like “turn down the heat, turn up the COLD.”
EJ: Really?!
MD: I chew ice. I don’t have a problem with dairy products, but I can’t do orange juice because I’m allergic. So it really is dependent on the individual and knowing what your body can handle.
EJ: Know your instrument, people!
MD: Yeah, you have to really study yourself.
EJ: That’s funny cuz some people take themselves so seriously based on what they’ve heard… like “no, no… I can’t do dairy right now because we’re singing later,” when that may not even affect them in the same way.
MD: Right. When I’m ministering and they ask me if I want water, I’m like “yes, ICE COLD.”
EJ: Are you for real?
MD: *laughing* Yeah! I’m like “you got some ICE? Crack me up some ice!” But that’s just me.
EJ: *laughing* What does it take to be a great background vocalist?
MD: Be teachable. Be very studious. And be quick about it. Have good intonation, memorization, good pitch… Ear training has a lot to do with it because you have to pick up stuff so quickly sometimes. And you don’t get a second chance a lot of times. Rehearsal is the only place where you can fool up and get away with it, but when it comes to performance, you’ve gotta nail it.
And that’s why a lot of background singers are losing jobs– because a lot of people now are keeping Pro Tools nearby and aren’t using background singers. You’ll never sound like what they have on the record because artists will either hire session singers that don’t travel, or they’ll do the vocals themselves. So, there’s no way to sound just like that.
Most of my life, I’ve done live stuff. I don’t sound exactly like the record, but I try to come as close to it as possible– to do the same inflection, the same words, and the same tone quality, if possible. I have the advantage of being like a mimic, especially from growing up and watching cartoons, because I could mimic the characters’ voices.
EJ: So, watch your cartoons, folks! *laughing*
MD: That was my thing. And even people’s speaking voices. You have to study those things in order to be effective as a background singer. And that’s why people keep getting called– they can give the singer certain nuances, they can give the artist something familiar. You may have a great voice, but if you’re not able to conform VOCALLY to what someone requires of you for that moment…
That’s the hardest part of background singing for a lot of people– conforming vocally. You have to, though. They called me at the last minute to do something with Ricky Martin 8 or 9 years ago. That next morning, I was on a flight and I had to learn five or six songs, three of which were in Spanish. I took French.
EJ: *laughing*
MD: *laughing* So, I had to take a crash-course in learning how to phonetically pronounce the Spanish lyrics. And then, you know how some Spanish artists have the mariachi-type, nasal sound? I had to adapt to that as well. So, you have to be a chameleon of sorts as a background singer.
You know, the Bible says don’t conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… that’s the only place I conform! *laughs*
EJ: *laughing* Right! I ask most of the background vocalists this when I interview them– can you assemble a dream team of background vocalists for me?
MD: Ummm… Jerard and Jovaun Woods. Blanche McAllister-Dykes… ummm… well, that’s a soprano, alto and tenor right there!
EJ: Aaaaaand you’re DONE! *laughing*
MD: See, that would be a great session. Working with people like Donald Lawrence and Richard Smallwood, even with Mariah… I’ve had the opportunity to sing, coast-to-coast, with some great voices. There’s a girl named Sharlotte Gibson, she’s on American Idol now singing background. She used to sing with Mariah and she’s incredible, one of the L.A. crew. Umm… the late Olivia McClurkin was a wonderful person to sing with.
EJ: I know.
MD: Oh my God. Incredible voice.
EJ: For real! I miss her. You know, in these interviews, I like to ask about how lucrative session work can be. Do background vocalists need a day job or can they be alright?
MD: They can be alright if they have a certain work ethic. There’s no job too small, no job too big. Pride goes out the window. It can range from doing a demo session for somebody and getting $250 to do it, all the way to doing a performance and getting paid $5,000 to do background with Madonna.
EJ: For one show?!
MD: For one show. It can be very lucrative.
EJ: Am I on the wrong side of this business?! *laughs*
MD: *laughing* That’s why I’m sayin’… If Sting, Elton John, Madonna and Cher… if any one of them wanna call me to put me on the road and I get $5,000 a show, guess who’s goin’?
EJ: *laughing hard*
MD: Me and my Bible! *laughing* But, like I said, there are certain criteria that have to be met before I can do that.
EJ: Right. No matter how much.
MD: Yeah, no matter how much. I’ve been offered hundreds of thousands of dollars and said “no,” because it didn’t feel right. It didn’t sound right to my spirit to accept it.
EJ: I understand that. I wanna get to your solo artistry in a sec, but talk to me for a minute about the Village Underground in NYC on Sunday nights. For those who’ve never heard about it, how would you describe what it is?
MD: Basically, it’s an open mic– anyone that wants to come up and sing can sign the list and sing, accompanied by the band LIVE… no performance tracks. And it’s just somewhere to let your hair down and enjoy music without being threatened by what you believe or don’t believe.
There was a time that we did, one Sunday a month, a gospel night. But because we were in what people call a “secular” place (a bar), the owners complained because they were losing money. *laughs*
But there’s a responsibility involved in invoking the presence of God. We were literally changing the atmosphere. And they said they were losing money at the bar because we were singing gospel music. We were forced to discontinue the gospel night, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped singing gospel music. At any time, in that venue, someone may come up and sing a gospel song. If it’s true to that individual, spirit recognizes spirit, and whoever’s in there will hook into it and we will have a worship moment in there that’s better than what you can find at some churches.
EJ: Why do you think it’s become so popular? It’s even been featured on Bobby Jones Next Generation as the place to be in New York.
MD: It is an outlet for people, especially in this new generation, to be “in the world, but not of the world.” Because you can be in a place, and not be a part of what’s going on in the place. But that comes with a level of maturity in your walk with Christ.
I’ve heard people emphatically say “I will NOT” or ”I cannot be caught in a place like that.” Those were the words that were used.
EJ: Really?
MD: Yes. But on the flip side, Martha Munizzi comes down, Israel comes down, Lisa McClendon has called me to get information, Shari Addison and Crystal Aikin were there a month or so ago.
EJ: Yeah, I haven’t been in years, but it’s great. My wife and I are coming soon!
Listen, I wanna chat about your transition from background vocalist to artist. First, is it hard to do and, if so, why?
MD: Ummm… a lot of times, it’s an insecurity issue… not feeling adequate to deliver. Comfort zones– you feel safe in a group, in the back. I’m speaking all from personal experience. Not feeling like you have anything to convey to the general audience…
But mostly, it boils down to insecurity. Everyone has a purpose because God put us here with purpose. It’s up to the individual, in their walk, to recognize the purpose that God has placed in them and to walk in that purpose. And that can be difficult.
EJ: Amen. But you went for it… a coupla years ago you released your long-awaited solo project. Talk to me about your album,Live In Concert.
MD: It started as a conversation with my pastors. And the church invested in me. And September of 2006 was the result of that investment– we recorded a CD. They just sowed into my life.
EJ: That’s great.
MD: Yeah, so that’s how the record got done.
EJ: Who wrote and produced it?
MD: Stanley Brown produced the music with Nathaniel Townsend III, the drummer. I got to handpick everyone.
EJ: How do you describe your style of gospel music?
MD: The CD’s style is as eclectic as I am. You can hear “Glory After This,” which is straight churchy, or “My King,” with intricate harmonies and chord structure, kinda gospel-jazz. I’ve got a song on there called “Kingdom I,” which has a neo-soul kind of vibe.
EJ: You workin’ on another album?
MD: Umm… still planning stuff out. Not actively working on it yet, but just thinking. There are so many different directions I could go in, because of my musical influences. I would love to do a “big band” gospel CD… I would love to do a neo-soul set, unplugged… I would love to do alternative-sounding stuff, because I’m a student of music, not just gospel music. To me, all music is God’s music, honestly.
So, I have so many ideas that I have to narrow them down to get at least the NEXT project out.
EJ: I was gonna say “we will take all of the above, thank you!”
MD: *laughing* That’s enough material for three more projects. I would even love to do a CD of love songs for gospel folks who are uncomfortable buying Luther [Vandross], or Joe or Anita Baker… or Jill Scott.
But, then again, you have to contend with the critics who say that it doesn’t glorify God…
EJ: Ewww… well, please contend! I think that would be great. Either way, I’m looking forward to it.
MD: We’ll see.
EJ: Well, that’s it for me. I have REALLY enjoyed chatting with you and I appreciate you for taking the time to do this interview.
MD: Thank you!
EJ: No doubt. I’ll talk to you soon.
MD: Okay, bye.
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And, that’s THAT! You can learn more about Melonie (and buy her bangin’ album) at her website, http://www.meloniedaniels.com/.
Sooooo… what did you guys think of the interview series???
Oh, and as a parting gift, here’s the Melonie clip for this segment. It’s an audio clip of a KILLER track from her solo album, entitled “Glory After This”:
If you’ve never heard this song (and even if you have, maybe), you’re gonna wanna stop EVERYTHING and pay special attention to it.
Ever since Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration came out in 1992, this Mervyn Warryn arrangement of “And He Shall Purify,” led by Tramaine Hawkins, catapulted itself to one of my favorite performances. Like, EVER. Pay attention to her vocal and, also, to some of the most incredible background vocals you’ll find on record.
Who watched it? I LOVED it… like, practically every single moment of it.
Mary Mary opened the show performing their lastest single, “God In Me.” They looked great and the audience was bouncin’ like they had come STRAIGHT from the club. Then, Kierra Sheard came out and blaaaazed on the bridge. She, also, looked amazing. Good job, ladies! I did NOT care for the “contestant remix” of the song, but it’s whateva. They’re the reason for the show, so I don’t mind the inclusion.
10 of the 20 contestants performed last night and here’s my review of each, in order, along with the songs they sang.
1. Tammy Turner – “Look At Me”: I think Erica Campbell said it best– it’s a classic and you’ve gotta be careful to stick close to the melody on classics. First of all, the original was done perfectly by Tramaine Hawkins. Then, Coko brought her own flair and demolished it on her debut album a coupla years ago. Both are soooooaaaaaaring sopranos and Tammy Turner appears to be an alto, so the key was… way different. But she went first (which is hard), and she still sounded great, so good job!
2. Clifton Ross III – “Now Behold The Lamb”: What?! YES!!! An instant favorite. He chose a great song, TORE IT TO PIECES like a pro, was gracious and humble throughout. We like you, Clifton. You’re among my faves, no question.
3. Camille Betton – “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”: She looked like a GAZILLION bucks, but I was not a fan of the song or the arrangement. It didn’t go where I wanted it to, so she never really broke out and GAVE it to us. But, she’s a good singer and I like her.
4. Jeff Spain - ”Seasons”: The judges loved him, but I keep thinking that he borders on forgettable. It’s not that he doesn’t have a nice voice, he certainly DOES… it’s just that he’s kinda reserved and laidback, so the “artist” element isn’t really there for me. I think he mentioned that he recently came to Christ, which implies that he may not know what a typical “gospel audience” expects… perhaps he’ll learn as the show goes, though. Or perhaps we should change our expectations…
5. Jessica Reedy – “Just A Prayer Away”: Another ABSOLUTE fave of mine– I have LOVED her voice and her passion since the auditions. Tina Campbell said it well: “Powerful but light.” She reminds me A LOT of Jazmine Sullivan (maybe it’s the look, maybe it’s the voice)… I want her album NOW.
6. Jonathan Johnson – “God Will Make A Way”: It was a bit disconcerting for me, and I dunno why. I just didn’t know what to look at, listen to, or think. He’s a nice guy and I think he wants this. He’s got a nice voice, albeit very mature considering his age, and he’s kinda got the look… I just dunno.
7. Latice Crawford – “Peace Be Still”: When she came out, I said “you’re not gonna try THAT…” But she did more than try. She DID the doggone thing! The song was a great choice cuz her timbre is reminiscent of Vanessa Bell Armstrong. She doesn’t execute her riffs as well as Vanessa, but FEW do, so that can’t be a dealbreaker for her… I think she was great.
8. Kalind Haynes – “Center Of My Joy”: He’s got a smooth and passionate voice and a lovable personality to boot. He’s an all-around “nice” contestant to me– nice voice, nice guy, nice look… I kinda want someone more edgy, but he’s undeniably a great vocalist and someone who brings his heart for Christ to the forefront when he performs. Sidenote: Kirk Franklin is stooooopid for bringing out a box to stand on because Kalind is so much taller than him.
9. Audrey Lewis – “He Looked Beyond My Faults”: I just think the world of this woman! Another fave of mine. She’s ministers on stage like a seasoned pro and I feel like she’s already a part of the fabric of the industry. We’re gon’ put her right next to Dottie and ‘em. Go’n and take your place, mother! (And how much do we love the nickname, Mama Lew?!)
10. Zebulon Ellis - “God Is Standing By”: He’s a nice guy, with a nice voice and tons of energy, but I wasn’t as excited as the judges were. I thought the song choice was kinda weird, and I just kinda couldn’t get with it. I wanna hear him sing somethin’ else, though, cuz I think he’s got a good voice.
My predictions for the 5 that would proceed to the next round were: Clifton, Jessica, Latice, Kalind and Audrey. HOW-SO-EVUH… the show pulled a fast one on us and decided that NO ONE was going home, EVERYONE was stickin’ around.
How sweet.
Note to BET: We’re not so fond of talent competitions that don’t really have… the COMPETITION part in there. I felt like I watched one big concert, which you KNOW I don’t mind anyhow, but don’t prolong the inevitable… And the whole “everyone was just toooooo good for the judges to make a decision” thing…
I don’t wanna crush anyone’s dreams and, at the end of the day, it’s not a big deal at all– it just means more episodes for us. But I’ll tell you WHAT… I’ma need 5 folks on a plane come next Sunday.
Having said all of that, MAJOR KUDOS to BET and the Sunday Best producers– y’all are doing a DYNAMITE job. I’m really loving it!
I’m a bit late on this, but it’s not my fault. E’rybody’s got so many blasted inauguration gospel events, I couldn’t make heads or tails of ‘em. And I still don’t have a grasp, but I figure I’m supposed to say sumthin…
There’s a “People’s Inaugural Gospel Concert,” on the afternoon of Sunday, the 18th. That’ll feature Richard Smallwood. Plus, there’s the “African American Church Inaugural Ball,” later that evening featuring Shari Addison, Micah Stampley, Regina Belle and others. Simultaneously, someone’s doing the “2009 Inaugural Praise Ball,” featuring Tramaine Hawkins.
The “Celebration of Change” concert will be held on Saturday, the 17th, at Consitution Hall. It is slated to feature John P. Kee ‘n ‘em, Hezekiah Walker ‘n ‘em, Kim Burrell, Regina Belle and Angelo & Veronica. Colin Powell is even expected to make an appearance. Cuz, you know, when you think “gospel music”…
Why didn’t y’all just get everyone together on this one?
Tangentially, anyone going to the inauguration or any of the events? I know that a good friend of mine (and a musical BEAST– shout out to Damien Sneed) was asked to help with music at the actual inauguration. Anyone else, especially you DC-metro area folks, attending or participating in some way?
I could speak of both albums that this church choir has put out, but I’m gonna focus on the most recent one, released independently in 2007, cuz I listened to it a bit earlier today.
I dunno how many people really know of Bishop Eric McDaniel outside of New York, which is rather unfortunate cuz he’s done quite a bit. Aside from being for the Bronx what Hezekiah Walker has been to Brooklyn (he’s a local artist, turned pastor, turned bishop… and he’s also one of Bishop Walker’s closest friends), he’s written songs you’ve undoubtedly heard, like “Restore Your Joy” and “When We Get Over There” (recorded by Hezekiah Walker & LFCC), and “One More Chance” (Ricky Dillard & New G, but originally recorded by his church choir and led by his wife).
On Restoration, the choir’s sophomore album, Bishop McDaniel BRINGS it. In addition to the local radio hits, “Something Good” and “Thank You,” the album features stellar performances from regional and national giants. “A Closer Walk” is an awesome worship track led by Ayana George (a member of the church, known for backing vocals with Donnie McClurkin) before Karen Clark-Sheard blesses us on the reprise.
I also love to hear the choir modulate to the RAFTERS on “Nothing But Praises,” featuring choirmaster James Hall on lead vocals, but my favorite track is prolly their remake of the Tramaine Hawkins cut “Holy One.” It features a duet by Lucinda Moore and Melonie Daniels, and… ’nuff said!
I think that, in a time when a lot of choirs simply are not delivering, Bishop Eric McDaniel & The Lord’s Church Cathedral Choir provide some great stuff.
EJ: How do you prepare for a studio session? Like, how much rest do you get, what foods do you avoid, and all that?
EJ: *laughing* Right! I ask most of the background vocalists this when I interview them– can you assemble a dream team of background vocalists for me?
EJ: Amen. But you went for it… a coupla years ago you released your long-awaited solo project. Talk to me about your album, Live In Concert.
What?! YES!!! An instant favorite. He chose a great song, TORE IT TO PIECES like a pro, was gracious and humble throughout. We like you, Clifton. You’re among my faves, no question.
I just think the world of this woman! Another fave of mine. She’s ministers on stage like a seasoned pro and I feel like she’s already a part of the fabric of the industry. We’re gon’ put her right next to Dottie and ‘em. Go’n and take your place, mother! (And how much do we love the nickname, Mama Lew?!)
On Restoration, the choir’s sophomore album, Bishop McDaniel BRINGS it. In addition to the local radio hits, “Something Good” and “Thank You,” the album features stellar performances from regional and national giants. “A Closer Walk” is an awesome worship track led by Ayana George (a member of the church, known for backing vocals with Donnie McClurkin) before Karen Clark-Sheard blesses us on the reprise.
