In a recent concert at Japan’s legendary Budokan venue, super-hot pop star, diva Beyonce performed with a huge band (two keyboard players, a 4-piece horn section, backup singers, dancers, guitar, bass, a percussionist and two drummers. Oh yeah, it was an all female band. Her band was great, and Beyonce was fun to watch. This probably goes for the entire band, but I immediately noticed that the sound mix (broadcast on DirecTV’s The 101) was far from complimentary to drummers Kimberly Thompson and Carmalita Glaspie. These women, accompanied by percussionist Marcella Chapa, are great players. It made me a bit sad, not only for my ears, but for Beyonce’s entire band. A great drummer (or two) brings dynamics and excitement to the sound of any band . If this telecast was indicative of the sound mix at a live Beyonce show, I for one would be a disappointed member of the audience. Having participated in televised performances, though never any as grand as DirectTV’s The 101, I understand that it’s a completely different game than mixing for the typical live show. Still, I can’t resist the criticism. I love looking at Beyonce (what’s not to love), but unless you really love her music, I can’t highly recommend this show. I’m up for listening to any great band, but this band does not get equal sound-mix billing. I guess it’s intended to be all about Beyonce.
~r
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