Yamin is no lightweight

Tuesday, October 09, 2007
By Rachael Recker
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-2/1191937667151930.xml&coll=6

GRAND RAPIDS -- Walking into The Intersection Monday evening, I had one question. With one, self-titled debut album -- still so newly released (May 2007) you can hear the cellophane crinkling as fans fork over plastic for the now certified-gold record -- and just one successful single, "Wait For You," what can former season five "American Idol" contestant Elliott Yamin bring to the live performance stage?

With the first few measures of his opening number, I had my answer. Flanked by six top-notch musicians, including two keyboardists, a backing vocalist, bassist, guitarist and drummer, the seven, tightly knit musicians and vocalists proved Yamin is every bit a legitimate artist, who's taking his "American Idol" fame seriously.

His third tour date, with some 35 more gigs to go, brought him to The Intersection for a crowd of about 450. And it proved that Yamin does not mess around.

He came out swinging for his first number, producing what sounded like a full and rich, swinging blues/R&B band. The uptempo number almost seemed to be implicitly saying, "This is no mere processed pop act."

The gems of Yamin's set came in the form of hard-grooving, raw and soulful R&B tunes, which suit his double-layered voice: one-part crystalline, one-part gravely/breathy morning voice.

His 12-song set included his upcoming single, "One Word," another accessible love ballad, but featuring some nice harmonies, a more uptempo beat and more substantial love lyrics. Other songs performed off his album included the addictive "Train Wreck," "Free" and "Take My Breath Away."

Throughout his set, somewhat on the shorter side, Yamin did visibly and audibly belt vocals that were constantly giving 110 percent.

Maybe he should have given himself a rest at some point (it's OK to sing softly), because when it was time to sing the hot single "Wait For You," Yamin's voice was tired, flat and off-key.

He made sure to note as much when introducing the following song.

"Hopefully I won't sound too fried on this one, either," he said.

But he quickly recovered.

Ultimately, it was interesting to see the Yamin's vocal talent as he varied his styles, tempo and quality, displaying a talent at syncopation, scatting-like runs and free-styling groove.

Opening the show was a forgettable set by The Last Goodnight, known for single "Pictures of You." The lead singer struggled in higher octaves, eliciting barely audible vocals, which peaked in loudness with staccato-like "Whoo-hoos," reminiscent of a hyper Chihuahua.

Also opening was pop/southern soul, alt-R&B singer-songwriter Josh Hoge, who performed a six-song acoustic set and had a natural stage presence, talking and interacting candidly with the crowd. Songs included "Take It Or Leave It," showcasing his ability to move from smooth sweetness to searing, gravely soul, and a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone."

At the end of the cover, Hoge uniquely sang to the audience without his mic, showcasing some powerful lungs and a dirty edge.