David van Vuuren - and a lot of him

 As I've already demonstrated in my recent blog My Parents = Awesomeness, my Mom enjoys good variety of rock and pop musicians. So I thought it would be a fabulous idea to buy David van Vuuren's album "Free the Animals"  for her. Of course, before giving the CD over to my Mom, I had to check it for scratches, which required me to have a good listen to it. (Of course!) And of course, I was just salivating over the possibility of a good topic for a blog.

 Now, as you may know from a previous blog of mine (Oh, go on - read another one), I was a huge fan of Dave's during his competing in SA Idols last year. So as you may imagine, it was exciting to finally get my hands on this. To be honest, I'm somewhat befuddled by the album entirely. Completely befuddled actually.


  I heard the following three things:


1. A little bit of Coldplay: 
 This is undoubtedly a compliment; there is a significant trace of Chris Martin in Dave's voice and style. It's subtle, but definitely there, and while I personally feel that this style is a bit too "safe" for Dave's amazing voice, it does work for him, as far as being "commercial" goes.


2. A little bit of Johnny Cash:
 Yes, this is a surprise. In some of his slower tracks, David's low gravelly voice is strangely reminiscent of Johnny Cash. Now this, as far as I'm concerned, is both a compliment - because Johnny Cash was a legend in his own way - and a bit of criticism, because too much Johnny Cash can be... well, sobering, for lack of a better word. (actually, the better word is 'depressing', but that's hardly respectful to the legend himself) One can therefore be thankful that David injects enough life and soaring vocals into his songs to counteract and compliment the Johnny-Cash-effect. 

3. A lot of David van Vuuren:
 Simply put, David's got something unique that can not be compared to any other musician. There's something about his raw, emotional presentation of song that makes you feel like this beautiful stranger has just spilled his heart out into your soul, through his music. Despite the small musical flaws - of which there are a few - one can not help but feel touched. The exciting thing is that musical flaws can be improved upon... and then.... Greatness. 

 David van Vuuren was previously the lead vocalist in a metal core band called "Freedom For Your Life", which he started with a high school mate in Grade 11. To be frank - and perhaps I'm biased because of my love for hard rock - I would love to hear David get back to this genre, and it is my personal hope that in time he tries it. Even if he just dabbles in it. I guess I'd just love to hear him scream. 
 As SA's voted Idol, perhaps he is somewhat committed to 'play it safe' for a while...? Either way, my prayer is that he follows his heart, because that's where the music is. I have a feeling that no matter what David chooses to do, he will always have South African's behind him. 


 From what I've heard of the CD, I liked it. I think I could love it. I may even be having one of those sad "Aw-I-gave-it-away" moments.  This may call for another trip to Look and Listen.  Of course, the question remains: what did Mom think? Hmmm. 


Listen to some of David's tracks on his band's Facebook page here.

SA Idols 2011: Dave Van Vuuren on fire!

I've never been particularly interested in previous Idols contests - I find most of the musicians to be a bit too 'poppie' for my tastes... Talented, of course, but far too 'safe'. If anything, the best thing to come out of any Idols contest so far has been Adam Lambert, and he is anything but safe.


At last, South African Idols contest has yielded something extraordinary... The overall calibre of musicians that has emerged this year has been astounding in itself, in comparison to previous years - I have actually watched a few episodes, and found myself stuck to the screen. 


However, few will argue with me that one of the finest and most unique artists to grace our screens with his presence is Dave Van Vuuren. If you listen with a 'musical ear', you might observe that he doesn't have the purest voice of this year's contestants. But whatever Dave may lack vocally - which is not much in the first place - he makes up for in so many ways, that I wouldn't trade him for the purest voice on the planet. 

What is also so refreshing is the sense of humility with which Dave presents himself, and his willingness to acknowledge God on stage. He has a down-to-earth, child-like gentleness, that one can not help but adore. 


Which makes it almost impossible to believe that this same timid puppy-eyed 'boy' can do what he does when handed a microphone! There is an electricity that exudes from Dave when he is on stage, he almost shivers with some inner nervous energy source that can not be contained. The intensity of the glittering in his eyes almost makes me want to take cover behind my living room couch, in case he explodes at any moment. One seldom finds a musician that has the ability to induce a miniature adrenalin rush, or reduce one to tears... And I love it. 


Dave Van Vuuren turns music into a spiritual experience.. and that is what it should be. 

Poor-quality uploads of Dave's Idol performances can be viewed on YouTube... Whether he wins Idols or not, he will 'make it' - and I intend on being a fan. 


Peace Out...