(06-21-2012, 08:48 PM)Flask Man Wrote: I disagree with the fatigue theorists. Haley sang tenderly, meaningfully and with emotion that was truly connected to the lyrics. Her styling was subtle, so those with less trained ears may have presumed that since she didn't belt it out in full rocker mode she must be tired. Truth is, what she did took more focus, more attention to detail, and more skill than any full on belt. Finesse isn't for everyone, and I understand some here don't appreciate jazz vocal stylings, but I actually prefer it. It's where Haley's true brilliance lies, and this performance demonstrated just that. In fact, it may just be my favorite FREE performance to date.
Fatigue hadn't occurred to me -- I figured she had spent a few days off in Chicago prior to the Grand Rapids gig. It seemed that the interviewer was into jazz and had been talking with Haley about the genre prior to this segment. She perked up when he brought up Sarah Vaughan. When says how she needs to look up the song and she smiles, shakes her finger and says "I think I know it" (1:20). His genuine interest in music and his attention to her music seems to have taken their conversation earlier a little beyond the standard banter of these talk show and radio appearances. Talking to her about jazz influences on her style is way beyond the typical questions about Fano and other generic stuff.
My theory is that Haley was feeling some good vibes from the guy and was inspired to sing Free a little differently. She did sing the song in a way more emotionally connected with the lyrics. Tender and smokey. At 3:45 she looks up to the camera and does the thing with her eyes as she sings "you still wear me under your skin." She then holds When and We a bit longer than before and at 4:00 she looks to the side with a little raising of her eyebrows.
She was playing with the song, which she has now performed many times. I really liked what she did and Haley continues to grow as a singer.
