OK - Ya'll smack me down if I'm off base - but does anyone else think Elliott's band doesn't match up with his music or him?

He has this amazing soulful voice, no matter what song he's singing. There's nothing remotely (in my opinion) soulful or R&B inspired in their music. Am I hearing wrong? Elliott's interpretations of the songs are so grand, yet all I can hear is this band that doesn't seem to fit.

Thank you Linda. I've been feeling this way too. I think the musicians are dampening, and not enhancing the soulfulness of Elliott's sound. I don't think they're on the same page, and I hope he changes musicians quickly. Watching the AI show this year, I was struck that even though many complained about the AI band's arrangements, they were still better than what E is currently surrounded by.

At this starting point in E's career, it's essential that he find musicians that he really vibes with that brings his music out. It's not just about E's voice. Virtually all of the critiques of the CD had to do with the music surrounding him, and not his voice. In order for Elliott to really begin making the greatest impact, he needs the whole package to come together.

Think of Stevie Wonder. His best songs were the ones where the music, lyrics and voice synched so well that it made everything just soar. I want that for Elliott too!

I get the impression that these guys aren't much into true R&B and neo-soul. Why are they playing with him then? Elliott has made statements that he's all about the music. I'm hoping that we'll see changes soon that translate that idea into more of a reality on who he collaborates with in the near future.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! I'm concerned about him going out on tour with these guys and having them dampen his possible success. I'm sure they are talented musicians, but they just don't add up to Elliott Yamin to me.

I am still listening to the VA State Fair tape. Elliott and LiMBO sound fantastic! He needs a band like them.

Yes MiraBELL, I agree - Not necessarily LiMBO - because their comfort zone in music is not exactly what Elliott is doing either. But what they did do was inspire Elliott to let loose and fly and they made magic together. I want Elliott to perform with a band that goes with the flow - but R&B, Neo-Soul style. Some people he can play off of and inspire him not to hold back.

My son's reaction to the CD was that this was an amazing voice with uninspired music behind him. After he watched the video of ILYMTYEK from State Fair - he said Elliott ALMOST totally let go on that song and that's what he needs to do. To be the legend that he is destined to be - he's going to have to find that comfort zone with musicians that draw on each other . I just don't feel any connection with this band.

Sorry I guess I'm going to be the one to disagree. I thought the band was great on Ellen. Two of the guys actually co-wrote some of the songs with Elliott. Seems fitting that they be there with him. He has bonded with the band already as he said in the Q94 interview. He has to go with who he feels comfortable with. I trust his judgement.

Well Harley, you're right he needs to be comfortable with his band - and writing songs together surely created a bond. I guess I'm just not feeling the connection with him and the band when I see them perform. We'll see when they come to INNSBROOK on May 16 - I can feel you getting sick already ......You may have a tremendous allergy attack for that Wednesday.

I think the songs on the cd were recorded in different places with different musicians and different producers. They are not one in the same, so don't lump them together. I don't have a problem with the live performances I have seen with the band. I think the live Movin On sounds alot funkier than the one on the cd.

As far as his performance with LiMBO at the State Fair, I usually fast forward through the parts where its just LiMBO without Elliott singing. I'm not as enamored with them as alot of people seem to be.

Elliott definitely sounds a lot funkier in the live versions of Movin On and I really like it. I just don't hear anything the least bit funky from the band - but maybe that's just me. I don't think they're funky white boys, but hey - we all hear things differently.

Actually, I thought they all seemed a little stiff in both rehearsals and AT&T Blue Room, but on R&K and Ellen, they were really into it and enjoying it. Since the vids were done earlier maybe they're were some kinks to be worked out.

I will definately be sick that day. Hell with it, I'll just ask for leave. Can't wait. I told Amanda about Memphis earlier, she didn't know about it. Now she's all excited. Her voice was shaking when I talked to her.

PoorMe "As far as his performance with LiMBO at the State Fair, I usually fast forward through the parts where its just LiMBO without Elliott singing. I'm not as enamored with them as alot of people seem to be."

Agreed! I was cranky watching some of the state fair clips because the band seemed more about trying to show off their prowess rather than being a backup band. Enough with the solo spots -- we all just want to hear Elliott. While I love a good sax -- it doesn't compare to Elliott singing full out. But no matter who his band is, I want to see him live. I think Elliott feeds off the crowd more than he does his band. ILYMTYEK was fantastic despite the band.

I find this band a little bland -- though they certainly seemed to be more into "Moving On". The keyboard player was actually smiling!

I just had a thought (yes the first one today LOL). I think it was hard for them to really get into it when they were in a big room with no audience to feed off of. Ellen and R&K, they had the audience, much better.

I was at R&K. Oh was there a band there too???
jk, I thought they sounded fine that day, although, I probably wasn't paying too much attention to them. We were sitting in the first row and could only hear Elliott!!!!!

That would have been me too Chloe. I probably would have fell out of my seat. I liked the band on Ellen. I think they are "okay" nothing that makes me jump up and down though by any means.

I think these guys are doing a great job. I don't think Limbo is really in the same league of professionalism as these guys. They are definitely more hip and closer in sound to the cd on Movin On and Find a way. I would like to see him with a bigger band though. Backup singers and even a small horn section. Don't get me wrong. Limbo is good but more of a southern rock band and not as funky or as tight. The drummer in these videos is awesome. If it's the same guy I loved him on Ellen.

Just my opinion though.

I asked on a post somewhere else if Elliott is touring with additional band members and/or singers. The band sounded a little lame to me at rehearsals.com. Granted, Elliott doesn't need another Bandzilla, but there just wasn't any OOMPH behind him. There's nothing better than a great singer with a jammin' band!

Definitely not implying that LiMBO is THE band - but that there can be a magic connection with a jammin band that makes the band and performer compliment each other. While we only focus on THE VOICE, the general public sees the whole package and takes away an impression.

While Elliott's CD is definitely vocally driven - with not a lot of focus on music - it is fuller than the live performances I have seen. Maybe I'll see something different in the morning when I turn on my TIVO for the Jimmy Kimmel show - I'm just not feeling the connection yet.

I still think some of the problems with the vids was their environment. It actually looked boring and cold somewhat. There was more connection I think on R&K and Ellen. I'm thinking it's going to be even better on JK because they're getting more comfortable. We'll see in the morning. Man, I'm going to have to get a little earlier so I can watch it before I go to work.

I'm in the boat that likes the band. I also think they are doing a great job.

Well, I'm primarily a rocker, not an R&B person and think the band sounds pretty smokin' with huge potential and although they all need to learn to flow together a bit better (including and especially Elliott) when they DO connect it is pretty great--watch the Ellen show clip--I'm actually tickled to death E has a rockin' band. It would be funny if they ended up outrocking Daughtry--heeheehee. This band can play funky but they are able to play slow, keyboards of different kinds and rock out too which means Elliott can sing any style he wants. It isn't just people who will back him up while he does his own sweet soul thing but a band that will push him to grow to a different level in his musicianship and grow with him. These guys seem to be pretty good musicians already. The main thing is Elliott needs backup to sing some harmonies with him...even Bono doesn't do ALL the singing.

As much as I like LIMBO i would not want Elliott to have them or a similar band. Granted, I was not at State Fair but from all the recordings I've heard of State Fair and while they performed together on the road I feel like LIMBO is too overpowering for Elliott. Not that he can't keep up w/ them he can but his voice needs to be showcased and I found Limbo to take away from that. I had to strain to hear Elliott. I'm not in any way dissing Limbo I just don't think that their style compliments Elliott in the best way.

This was in Mrs. Jones interview, thought I'd bring it here. Elliott talks about the band. The other keyboard player that has been with them as well is Ely but he isn't mentioned below.

Tell us about your new band? Who’s in the band? How many are in the band? How were they chosen to be in the band?
*Susan*

The band - they’re great, man! We’re all around the same age group. The drummer, Alex, is from Australia – he’s an Aussie! He’s played with Nine Inch Nails - he’s been all over the world with those guys. He was actually recruited by my bass player, Ollie. Ollie and I worked on a bulk of the record together. I’ve known him for a while…since I came out here for the show. He’s a good friend of my cousin, Joshua. So he recruited Alex and he also recruited our guitar player, Russell – who is friends with the drummer. Those two kind of came as a package deal. (Laughing)

They both were in another band together. Ollie recruited those guys – he knows them, and I just fell in love with the way they played and how musical they are. Erin is our keyboard player and he’s Ollie’s brother.

And is this your permanent band?
*Mrs. Jones*

I think so. For now, it’s as about permanent as you can get!!

Thanks for posting this! I was wondering about the band. They're hot!

I wonder if they need a light tech? :lol:

Thanks Harley for posting this. I was looking for some info on the band.
Now I know that Russell is the name of that hot guitar player.
Had to show this to my 18 year old-- he kind of thought Elliott's band was lame.
When I saw that the drummer had played with Nine Inch Nails I flipped cos both of my sons (who are bass players by the way) revere NIN. So maybe Elliott
went up a notch in my son's estimation.

I'm in the boat that doesn't feel the band. Sorry, but a rock drummer for R&B, pop, neo-soul just doesn't mix for me. It's a crazy decision that I just don't get. It's a whole different vibe...a different feel. Your musicians must know your sound...your genre and I'm just not hearing that from this mix of people. Their interpretation of the genre is just coming off all wrong to me. I too would love to see him with an entirely new band. The fact that there's division on the topic let's me know that somethings off. Your band can't be hit and miss. Sorry, to have to be negative but I vote to fire the band. Mark my words...if a major label picks him up, the band is gone. Buy some live DVD's of pop, r&b, and neo-soul artists and I ASSURE you that you'll begin to hear the difference.

I'm sorry some are so unsatisfied with ELLIOTT's band...I guess i don't think he needs my advice on every part of his career.HE hired them and HE sings with them...I think i will trust HIM as the singer to handle this part of things..I think the piano player kicks ass and the others are also very good..i just figured musicians could adjust and play whatever style is called for....As long as he is comfortable with them and likes their playing...I also did not realize that there were catagories for drummers...So Elliott needs to find an r&b drummer...interesting....why woulde he be looking for a "major label"...he seems perfectly happy with the deal he has..

You know, I have a friend who drums for both a country band and a rock band. They do adjust to whatever music they are playing.

If Elliott's happy with them, that's all that matters. I wondered if his cousin had any involvement, and now we know that he did.

I guess the only thing that I've noticed about the band is the drummer. Since R&K, he's cracked me up because he's very animated. Sometimes to the point of distraction.

He seems completely into what he is doing. But it does seem like he's in rock concert "stadium mode."

I'm confident that Elliott will suggest tweaking wherever he feels it's needed.

Sk8888

This discussion is interesting to me. I don't know much at all about music. I know when I like something and when I don't. Right now I am usually so focused on Elliott's voice that I pay little attention to the background music. I like the sound of his live performances, so I guess that means I'm satisfied with his band. I'm hoping they stick together and work together for a long time and develop a sound that is Elliott's sound. He's just starting out here. I would be shocked if his sound didn't evolve over the course of his career.

I'm not sure what I'm trying to say here. I guess maybe I want to say that when an artist presents me with his work I'm not going to pick over what I liked and didn't like about it. I will accept or reject it as a whole. Let the professional critics do the microanalysis.

:rotfl: That would be funny, wouldn't it!

Here is why I feel the need to speak up about E's band. I was drawn to Elliott, not only because of his beautiful voice and spirit, but also because of his appreciation and elevation of music. When I listen to the current group of musicians that he has assembled, I'm not enjoying the result. It feels to me like a mis-match. I listen to alot of different kinds of music, and have been involved myself in the industry at various times in my life. The reason is because I love music and it's ability to allow the spirit to soar.

I don't see the band as just a background to Elliott. It is as integral to the music as E's voice. Sometimes you get a very interesting sound when you mix different cultures of music, like food. Other times, it is not as successful. Elliott's vocal gift and stated interest is in the arena of r&b, neo-soul, some blues and jazz - in stuff with 'groove'. These current band members are alt-rockers - that's where their sensibilities lie.

You can find countless, very talented professional musicians in Elliott's field of music. And no, any good musician cannot play any kind of music. Sure, they can play the notes. But we're talking about feeling the music - like E often talks about. Listen to a great jazz musician, for example. What takes it way beyond the notes, is the feeling of the piece.

Obviously I can't tell Elliott what he should do. I can express my opinion and my response to this current incarnation of his talents. Personally, I think its a very valuable thing for a fan to express their true feelings beyond loyalty, adoration and promotion. Because we're coming from a very loving place. We want to see them shine and when we think we can offer ideas that might help that come to pass, I think that's a healthy contribution to make.

The man is new to this industry. AI thrusts a person in with a ready-made fan base, but often very green about how to navigate through this world. In E's case, from zero to full throttle. There's no way you can expect him to go through this without having to go through some learning curves, like we all do when we're thrown into something new. My greatest hope for him is to find fulfillment and also to be able to hone his craft, learn the ropes of this world with as much grace as possible, and serve the world with his special gift for many, many years to come.

Geez folks, give the band and Elliott some time to get to know each other. A band and the singer aren't great right off the block. Even if they're a good fit, they still need to get to know each other and evolve their sound. Elliott and LiMBO worked together for some time during the AI tour with live audiences before his State Fair performance.

To me, the band provides a full, rich sound that Elliott seeems to like. Did you notice how he applauded the band after his song on the Ellen show? I'm sure he'll add whatever other musicians he feels he needs as time goes on.

It's up to Elliott to decide if HE's satisfied.

As Elliott has stated HIMself, HE is still learning the business AND HIS craft along the way. No, I'm not a music professional. But, my husband is and several of my friends and I'm around this stuff all the time. I don't have to agree with every decision HE makes or trust everything HE does. And on the topic of this band, I don't. And I didn't say he needed to be picked up by one, wanted to or whatever. I said, IF he gets picked up by one...

He doesn't necessarily need an R&B drummer...what he needs is a band who can play that style of music in a way that sounds authentic. And in my opinion, which I am entitled to have and post as you are, these guys don't cut it.

I hope we can agree to disagree on this. I respect your opinion and I ask that you respect mine.

I'm in TOTAL agreement!

First impressions are lasting ones. Unfortunately, the band doesn't have time to gel (they're doing national tv spots and about to tour)...I wish they did and I wish I believed it would make a difference. In spite of what I think, I hope it does make a difference and that in time, I can say that I enjoy them.

This will be my last post in this thread on the topic. I'll run back over to the MVS thread where differences in opinions are pondered and accepted.

The reason I started this thread was to invoke a thoughtful discussion about the band. I am one who doesn't feel the band. I wanted to see how they were being perceived by everyone else. I didn't expect everyone to be in agreement about it - but thought it was worth some conversation.

It remains to be seen how the music performed live is received by the public - those that are not so invested in everything Elliott. Sounds like he is being received well so far -

One thing I have always admired about Elliott is his incredible instinct about his music. He will be the first one to admit he is still on a learning curve - but if he gets out there and it feels wrong, I am counting on him to know it.

One of the main reasons Elliott went independent was so that he could keep the integrity of who he was as an artist. Because I care so much, I don't want that to be compromised. But - also - I recognize that I am not there with him and don't have a clue why he makes the artistic decision he makes - so I am not in a position to judge. That doesn't mean I am not in a position to wonder.

That is soooo true.

I am by no means a music professional, but I do know that I have loved Elliott's voice from the moment I heard it, and I continue to love it. However, it was very noticable on JK Live that the music style the band was playing did not match the song. Although Elliott sounded graat, as usual, there was something off about the music. Even on Rehearsal.com and AT & T Blueroom, they have a very amateur sound or something. JMHO.

I completely agree with the OP and the others. I would listen to Elliott no matter what was playing behind him, but if he wants to keep his soulful sound, he needs soulful musicians. Movin2thebeat said it best, I think.

We all just want Elliott to succeed so that his incredible talent does not go to waste.

For anyone that has heard Joe Cockers live version of 'You can leave your hat on' Thats the sound I hoped Elliott might run with after Idol. Thats a killer live band, but there are more musicians to pay. Maybe if he starts selling out larger venues. Bottom line for me is I agree the band isn't the best fit.

But I think they may be starting to come together, Moody. At least Elliott and Russell are great together.

You can't really pick out a qoute sometimes when everyone seems to be on the same paragragh but not the same page as you. Van Halen knows his way around a guitar neck and could play blues if he wanted to, but I get more joy listening to Clapton play the blues. It's not just about adapting all the time. It's about feeling the music. Thats why I feel the band falls short of what Elliott is all about. Does anyone understand what I mean?