Rachelle Ferrell

I want to say I have never written a review for a concert, but after last night’s performance and the response from Birchmere management, I am compelled to share my experience.

Heads up for fans of looking forward to a good show on this tour - get a refund now or don’t buy the tickets. All the comments provided in reviews before this one are consistent with my experience last night. I went to the second show at the Birchmere (Sat. March 3). In the first 90 minutes of her show, she did 3 ‘songs’ of improv ‘singing’. I used quotes because like previous shows she made noises and not words. We joked that she was speaking Wakunda (Black Panther) and we needed more drinks to be able to translate. At times, I thought she was the guy from Police Academy - she did the Lamaze breathing at end of one ‘song’. In between these ‘songs’, she talked about being a true musician and morals. The 4th song was sung from the piano. After which she cried and had to blow her nose. She thanked the audience for allowing her to be her. At some point, someone asked her to sing. She responded that she is not a public servant and continued with soapbox talk. And it got ugly, because she felt disrespected.

Thinking I wasn’t going to see Rachelle Farrell sing, I left and a waitress asked me why. I told her about the 4 ‘songs’ in 90 minutes. She said that it occurred the night before and many people left as well. As I passed a Birchmere employee, who I believe was the manager, I brought up her performance and the fact that it occurred the night before. He said “she is an artist and he can’t dictate how she performs”. The disgusting part of that conversation was his answer to my next question: would he have her back? His response was “Of course. We have worked with her for 15 years”. She said opening the show, “y’all can be anywhere on Saturday, and you chose to be with me”. Well we went to MGM and ran into 5 people from nearby table at our show. They said it didn’t get better when we left.

I see she is heading to Pennsylvania. Until she gets her act together, you might want to hold off on buying tickets. Or prepare yourself for disappointment. I am going to say it: WORST show I have seen in my life - 46 years old.

I was sincerely hoping that what I experienced last night at the Rachelle Ferrell concert was an anomaly!! I left there saying to my friends that she has lost her mind and embarrassed because I had told them how wonderful she was live. To my dismay, I discovered that what I witnessed last night is the norm for her live shows these days and not the exception. The concert last night was in a word "Awful". I've never before left a concert before the main act left the stage but she gave me no choice. It was clear she was not there to perform for "us" but rather there to exorcise whatever demons she appears to be struggling with. She preached and talked more than she sang and 45 minutes into the show, she had only made it through 3 songs. The rest of the time was spent, talking, preaching, he back to the audience. I finally had enough when she started chanting in Hebrew and when the audience began to vocalize the restlessness and impatience, she said "I need to sing for me right now". I knew at that point I was sitting there listening to someone who could care less that people spent their hard earned money hear her actually sing the songs we've loved. My advice would be to save your money because she is obviously not interested in giving you what you believe you paid to hear.

Rachelle Ferrell has one of the catchiest names in the business. They say that ‘cellar door’ is one of the most linguistically pleasing turns of phrase in the English language. The four gliding syllables by which she introduces herself have an effect that is something similar.

She’s a charmingly humble character, addressing the audience with a gratifying friendliness. Her voice sounds like it was made to be recorded and she hasn’t even started singing yet.

She has amazing vocal range. She peaks with I Can Explain off her 2000 LP, Individuality (Can I be Me), sustaining a wavering falsetto. In Waiting, off her 1992 debut, she lows like a holy cow. It’s fascinating hearing just how long she can hold a single note, like watching Sean Connery hold his breath in the shark-infested swimming pool in Thunderball. She warbles across the modal voice register with awe-inspiring audacity. As a striking stage presence, she is comparable to the late Whitney Houston or Aretha Franklin.

She’s a rare kind of diva, with a voice that can hypnotise. Seeing her perform is certainly a treat.

I was beyond excited to see Rachelle Ferrell in concert in Atlanta, GA. She has always been one of the most talented artists in the industry. However, I am beyond disappointed in her performance here in Atlanta. Words cannot describe the level of disrespect fans had to endure to sit through this concert. She literally blew her nose on stage (I mean blew,cleaned, and wiped for at least 2 minutes). This after she gyrated around the stage for 45 minutes singing incoherent bursts of melodies. It was not until there was eight minutes left in the show before Ferrell sang the most cherished songs that made us fall in love with her artistry. Eight minutes!! It saddens me to see the queen come to this point, so if time is needed to heal oneself, I ask Rachelle Ferrell, please STOP! We fans spend our hard earned money to see you perform and deserve a well orchestrated and heartfelt program. At this point, I still love Rachelle Ferrell, but I would not waste time to see her again, even if the concert were free!

Wow Sis, what is going on? Life sometimes deals us hard blows and taking a stand to recoup can sometimes be difficult but you have to remember your fans and why you are a favorite artist. Everyone knows by now the shows are not the normal you! We experienced it on March 3rd. We waited and attempted to understand your place. However we paid to hear your songs..you shared your pain and we could feel it. Pain does not give a good show. We are sorry for whatever it is you are going through. We Pray instant healing down to the core of your soul.I wanted to run up and Pray with you instantly when I could feel what was going on...The show was not as expected..and you know this because you said this show is not for us but for you...so, not sure if they are cutting your pay short, maybe you signed a bad contract, your man is cutting up or what but please don't lose fans over it...I"m Done! I'm going to Pray your Victory over this because real fans stick by the artists they truly Love.

From the very first note to the next wail and the final funk, Rachelle did not disappoint. Ms. Ferrell brought an onslaught of new material as well as improvisation to show off the musicality and technical proficiency that makes her a leader in the industry and a maverick. She even presented familiar songs such as her classic "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This" and her late night reminisce of past love "Sentimental." Her band was equally as tight and supported her every wisp, squeal, and rhythmically nuanced banter. She has nothing to prove vocally, and her performance in a small venue highlighted the magic we have all come to love. Last night she played to us and sang for us. An unforgettable delivery from a true vocal master that despite a new album release for over a decade, still continues to mesmerize and raise the bar for singers and musical audiophiles alike. Well done Ms. Ferrell!

I Love me some Rachelle Ferrell. I enjoyed this concert because the venue provided a really intimate atmosphere. My girl still sounds good, flawless vocals. The band was awesome. BUT, as much as I love Rachelle, my girl did not give us any of the good stuff we already know and love. She did a beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne, but I was looking to hear "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This", but did give us "Sista". That was the only tune we got. It felt more like a jam session, although a very good jam session. Will I see her again, "Yes", but Rachelle, sang my song next time! I loved the spirituality, had some church moments!

My love for her grows deeper I didn't know that was possible until I seen her persevere through her pain and still Bless us with her presence and her gift. Just to witness how the love of music can get you through some tough and trying times. I have seen her many times but was the first time for my spouse which she has always wanted to see her and Rachelle kept her in tears with the beauty of her voice. She is a phenomenal woman, artist and musicians. She was as always Awesome I pray for continued Blessings to come her way.

Rachelle Ferrell is ushering the New Year in at Catalina Jazz club in Los Angeles, CA on Sunset Blvd. The dates are 12/29-12/31. Rachelle's first 2 night have left the audiences speechless. This is why I am attending all of her performances this week. Rachelle is a music genius,along with her band mates. Billy Odum on guitar, Sharay Reed on bass, and Eric Brown on drums. Rachelle's performances have all been incandescent!!

I went to her show at the Keswick Theatre in Willow Grove Pa what ever Rachelle is going through she may need to stop touring until it's resolved. The performance was not what I have witnessed and enjoyed from this amazingly talented artist all these years. I hope she gets back to what she is capable of or retire with her fans still singing your praises. God bless you Rachelle