The Art of Vocal Performance: Bette Midler's Peculiar Pitch
Is Bette Midler off key when she sings?
Not particularly. Very few people have perfect intonation, and some are far worse than others. However, Bette Midler is not on that negative list. Her singing can veer off key, but it's not always a flaw. There are numerous examples of instances where her vocal performance showcases a departure from perfect intonation, but these are not necessarily detrimental to the performance.
Out of Key Performances
Consider the song 'Do You Want to Dance.' Here, she sings sharp, then flat, and it can sometimes feel as though it has a bluesy touch. However, I do not mean a true bluesy touch. As an RB artist myself and the son of a church gospel singer, I understand the nuances of intonation. To me, being outright out of key, singing sharp, is an issue. In the context of someone hired to perform a song, her out-of-key vocals are a significant drawback. One has to wonder how she became a singer in the first place when one hears her singing off-key.
'Wind Beneath My Wings' stands out as one of the rare occasions where her performance is mostly in key. However, this out-of-keyness has to do with the origin of the song and its thematic content. Regardless, it is still highly unlikely that a hiring manager would choose someone drastically off key. The question remains: how did she become a singer without her performance initially being stopped?
Context and Art
It is important to remember that vocal performances are not always about hitting every note perfectly. Certain genres, such as blues, embrace deviation from perfect pitch, which can add a unique character to the music. However, when it comes to studio recordings or live performances intended for a general audience, being drastically off key can be jarring and detract from the overall performance.
Utilizing today's technology, we can isolate vocals and see exactly how far off pitch a singer is. While everyone will naturally be slightly off pitch from a digital reading, the context of the performance plays a significant role. For instance, being stuck between two notes is not acceptable, and this is something that Bette Midler frequently does. This is a stark contrast to other vocalists who strive for correct pitch.
Comparisons and Influence
Compare Bette Midler's performances to Anita Baker's. Baker is not much different in terms of pitch, but she mostly stays in key. The song 'Body and Soul' showcases Baker singing sharp, particularly during long-held notes. Nevertheless, she can pass most of the time, doing a bad imitation of Sarah Vaughan. However, Bette Midler's out-of-key vocals are more prevalent and noticeable. In a field filled with talented singers, it is remarkable that she was even given the opportunity.
As listeners, it's essential to separate the artistry from the personal attributes of the singer. While Bette Midler may be a lovely person and a kind neighbor, it is her vocal performances that often stand out. Despite her numerous successes and accolades, her off-pitch vocals continuously catch the attention of critics and listeners alike.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while Bette Midler's performance displays undeniable charm and unique style, her out-of-key moments cannot be ignored. Understanding the context and the art form helps us appreciate the complexities of vocal performance. However, when evaluating a vocalist for a performance or recording, precision in intonation is often a key factor in determining success.
In the ever-evolving world of music, both perfection and variation have their place. Bette Midler's off-key moments highlight the intricate balance between creativity and technical skill in vocal performance.