Beautiful experience from Bob Ratto, 28/03/11
Seeing Rumer in what (I believe) was her first major tour felt like being present at a momentous and unique occasion: either she will go on to become a huge megastar, where the possibility of sitting so close to her at a concert will be almost impossible or she may fade away like so many artists in which case we will be some of those lucky few that enjoyed a magical evening.
The support act was unassuming and led you gently into the main attraction. In retrospect they were an important addition because Rumer does not yet have the repertoire and superstar ability to hold the audience for a concert lasting any longer than 90 minutes so it is difficult to separate the Rumer concert from the whole event.
As for the concert itself, I didnt really want to go on (as everyone else has) about Rumer's wonderful voice because it's too predictable but unfortunately her voice IS the concert. Slow has already become a classic and will probably remain her greatest song and there are three or four other truly lovely songs but the point is that it doesnt really matter WHAT she sings as you never tire of her mellow sound that goes down to the soul.
The comparison to Karen Carpenter is obvious and I've seen some heated comments on YouTube proclaiming KC's greatness and how no one can ever equal her. Others say that Rumer is the best singer ever. And so on. The two main points that people miss in the debate is that firstly KC had some pretty incredible songs written by arguably the best song-writers of this genre that there is - Burt Bacharach, Paul Williams, etc. Imagine Rumer coming out with Rainy Days and Mondays? The second point is that there hasnt been anybody that has sounded remotely like Karen Carpenter since she died - and anyone who loved the Carpenters still mourn the death not just of Karen but of that distinctive sound.
I don't know if there are other Carpenters fans who ever asked themselves why nobody that had Karen's timbre ever came along again, I certainly did. To be honest the timing of Rumers emergence could not have been better; yes, she needed a great song to do it but the voice has been around for a long time and only now has she made it straight to the top. Why? I believe people may be tiring of the big Beyoncé (no disrespect, she really can sing) voice which every X-factor or Britain/Americas got Talent churns out like an assembly line. You need all types of music and to sit back in my comfortable seat being sung to by the best soft pop female artist was rather special.
Part of Rumer's charm is her simplicity and modesty which makes you think that anyone could get close to her without the risk of her being stand- offish. The band and backing vocals were absolutely spot on, again making this performance so perfect. Apart from their musical ability they all looked as if they enjoyed being there but mostly that they enjoyed each others company; they oozed mutual respect. A concert is also this and this rapport made this concert one of the best Ive been to. The warmth was contagious and I could feel it amongst the people around me where I felt the audience really loved the person on stage and the sound she produced. Rumers voice haunts you for days after - and you dont mind. Rather than just a good musical event this was a beautiful experience.
