[Discuss] The Vocal Slide

We all know what a vocal slide is, right?

Also known as a glissando, it's the technique where a singer slides up (or down) the scale with a smooth and continuous sound. But I'm not an expert. Let's let a real singer- a "singer's singer," if you will- explain it to us laymen.

Brandy Performs Medley Of Hits @ Soul Train Music Awards 2016

Brandy was the recipient of The Lady of Soul Award at the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards. With such an accolade being bestowed, Brandy had to come out and represent her material. And that's what she did with a nine minute medley of her biggest hit.

The reviews said she slayed; I wouldn't go that far. Even though it was enjoyable, the choices she took when rearranging the melodies of some of her songs didn't work for me. It wasn't just that they were iffy to my ears, they sounded darn right dissonant at points. Also the lows didn't appear to come as comfortable to the Diva, which made some of her (usually flowing) runs end abruptly.

Aretha Franklin takes US National Anthem To Church @ NFL Game

You ever wanted to hear Aretha Franklin take 5 minutes-ish to sing The Star Spangled Banner? Me neither! But here we find ourselves.

To those of you with patriotism running through your veins, maybe this rambling rendition will have you waving those flags fervently in reverie. Either that, or you'll find this to be so entirely self-indulgent that it's tantamount to treason and will now be boycotting Aretha and pianos hence forth. After all, it wasn't just Aretha up on that stage. Piani gotta take some of the heat too.

JoJo Shines Bright @ Disney Holiday Special With "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

JoJo singing holiday classics and teaming up with Boyz II Men, all in one evening? Yes please!

Booked by Disney for their Holiday Special, the Diva gave a beautiful, piano-led rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Though full of big notes and fancy vocal tricks, it thankfully wasn't garish or overdone. Instead, it was imbued with the original's nostalgic magic and actually managed to give me that Christmassy feeling for the first time this year.

Kelly Clarkson Performs @ Disney's Holiday Celebration 2016

Kelly Clarkson's original Christmas song, Underneath the Tree, still hasn't grown on me, being all too derivative. But that didn't stop me enjoying her performance of it and Stronger at Disney's Holiday Celebration.

Sounding raspier than usual- which I liked- the Diva brought bags of energy to her mini set. Contrasting the edgy top notes was her mid range, which was strangely clear and lighter than normal. There was some dodging of notes in Stronger, but not enough to bother or concern me.

Can't beat a bit of (this) Clarkson!

Gaga amazes With "Million Reasons" @ AMA 2016

Looks like Lady Gaga is pushing the rock aesthetic with this era like I (and the blind man in the back) previously predicted. One point for me (and him)! But I can't complain when it sounds and works so well for her.

Ariana Grande Delivers a Tired Rendition Of "Side To Side" @ AMAs

The American Music Awards took place yesterday at the Microsoft Theater in LA and Ariana Grande was not only a performer, but the recipient of the Artist Of The Year award!!

With that to celebrate, you have to wonder why her performance ended up being so lethargic.