Ruben Studdard and Others @ Central Park Summerstage

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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 12:23

American Idol’s 2003 winner, Ruben Studdard, kicked off the proceedings for this energy-fueled afternoon following a sound bite from his win, opening his short set with Westlife's neo-soul ballad “Flying Without Wings,” a tune that has become a signature for him after the show's finale half a decade ago.

One of the best moments came with his cover of The Carpenters' “Superstar.” Studdard ad-libbed a lot throughout the tune, cleverly adding “New York” to the original words “I Love You, I Really Do.” Another highlight came during a funky number that showcased his guitar player's chops – the only solo played by any of the musicians during that performance.

The impression that we have with Studdard is that his music is too all over the place, going from neo-soul to jazz, funk and back – probably something left over from his Idol days (he is one of a few former contestants who has not distanced his career from the show). By doing this mix of genres, he might be risking the loss of his core Gospel and R&B following – what he really needs to do is find his true voice.

Studdard was followed by Byran Cage, who took the stage with a 7-piece band that included a pitch perfect vocal group and a high-energy set that included plenty of funk and R&B-inspired moments that captivated the audience at one – a tough act to follow by the next act, Gospel
singer Smokie Norful, who came on with a smaller (but still very talented) band, delivering an inspired set of devotional music that ended with “Celebrate,” a 20-minute tune on the need to live with happiness.

Closing the evening was Tye Tribbett, who came on with an impressive 22-piece band that included ten vocalists, who added a lot of theatrics to the music, with lots of running around and dancing. One could say that the singer does Gospel music for the hip-hop generation. It was a breathtaking, emotional show that included a sermon on the need to defeat temptation with prayer and faith in the Lord. Some in attendance were driven to tears by the experience.

photos & article by Ernest Barteldes