The Curious Case of Barry Manilow....

[annielove...@gmail.com]

Relative to the discussion here about age:

So I am watching Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State, on CNN's Fareed Zakaria program right now. Ms Albright is in her 80's and is an articulate, intelligent speaker with much to add to the political discussion going on these days.

Age and experience are a valuable attribute, not a liability. True for Ms Albright. True for Mr Manilow. I think we shouldn't focus so much on chronological age as what each individual can still bring to the table, whether that table be in politics or the arts or whatever. Experience is highly under-rated.


As one who has been fortunate enough to see Mr M perform a bunch of times in the past couple years, I can say that Mr M still has it. Looks great, sounds great.

Annie

[Astero...@yahoo.com]

If I had some constructive criticism for Barry I would say he could move slower. He cannot afford to make fast moves as it's hard on his body. Plus, fast movements don't look so good on someone his age. Walking slower with slow and steady arm movements in sync with the melody will improve his performance 100% and add it will add elegance as a crown on top of that. Faster movements looked great when he was younger. He's forgetting that he's not that age anymore. When you're older adding steady but slow movements actually makes you look younger and stronger. Also, it's about time that he lose the self-denigration, joking routine that he has. It was good for a time when the critics like to take aim at him, but that time is gone. Yes, and sitting down in no way detracts to his performance, and in fact, adds a variety in a very good way. If he wanted, he could even sit down at the piano for an entire song - that would throw the audience in a good way.

[Blintzy]

I agree but Barry's looks and the way he sounds have both had some help over the years.

[Blintzy]

Barry in noticeably slower on stage now but move better than he did when he had his hip problems. It is impossible for a musician to maintain a slow walking pace when the music is telling them something else. There are some songs that he does sit down for throughout, such as WINE, All the Time and I am Your Child, which he has done for years. Moving from the piano to the keyboard and standing in different places are well-known techniques to make up for a lack of other movement. I do agree he could do with a new script.

[Astero...@yahoo.com]

One thing he could do his study his own videos and readjust his movements using a mirror. Your points bring out the difference between a fan, yourself, and an outsider such as I.

[annielove...@gmail.com]

OMFG.

Annie

[Astero...@yahoo.com]

OB! SDUS!

[Astero...@yahoo.com]

Didn't think anyone would be flabbergasted. However, I do think it's a good idea for Barry to study his own movements. He's still in young mode doing what he's been doing for ages , but that doesn't work because he's older. My suggestion just comes out of my own personal experience. I'm into film making and I saw my own actions in a video and thought, you know, that wasn't so good.

Sometimes when you get to a certain level you need to go to reset. Barry needs to, in my humble and blunt opinion, (I don't know how to put this any nicer), to not look like a C-3PO on stage. Barry's a professional, and he's humble, and he'll understand. I looked at myself one time and thought, that was clunky, and so I modify. No biggie. Without taking someone's criticism in you can never get better.

[Jim UK]

Astero, what the hell is wrong with you? Leave him alone. Barry is a wonderful entertainer and we are lucky he is still performing for us. I do not understand why you are in this group, because all you do is criticise him. Fuck off.

[Brenda M]

Jim,

I don’t understand what this person is saying half the time, but you are nobody to tell ANYONE here to fuck off.

Everybody is allowed to post here.

So stop being a bully. Yes, Barry does get some criticism here from time to time. That’s okay.

Brenda

P.S. heard the new show was kind of a yawner ... but I still think he’s awesome!

[Astero...@yahoo.com]

On Monday, June 11, 2018 at 6:37:59 AM UTC-7, Jim UK wrote:
> Astero, what the hell is wrong with you? Leave him alone. Barry is a wonderful entertainer and we are lucky he is still performing for us. I do not understand why you are in this group, because all you do is criticise him. Fuck off.

I'm not sure as to why you're angry. What's wrong with constuctive criticism.