Karin Bergquist, Over the Rhine and the Power of Authenticity
Adele was amazing at the Grammys the other night. What is so great about Adele is that beautiful, powerful voice. Did you notice that she was really the only performer without a set? The Foo Fighters had a garage. Taylor Swift had a porch. There was fire and trapeze antics with other performers. But not Adele. She didn't need any stage dressing. For modern music, the performance is sometimes more important than the substance. Therefore, the modern airwaves are clogged with music that is performed by not so talented singers who cover up their flaws with Autotune, bizarre outfits and swarms of dancers and energetic choreography. On stage, many hide behind lights, fire and scantily clad dancers. Madonna had her cheerleaders, for example. And what better way to hide a flaw than with a "wardrobe malfunction?" A few weeks ago, we lost a legend. Etta James was one of the rare singers who really knew how to sing, how to carry...