Life > November 1, 2007

By Jermyn Davis | Contributing writer

“It’s all about the music” said singer/songwriter Rudy Currence; however, on Oct. 26 it was all about Currence. Though the attendance in Wait Chapel was sparse, Currence performed as if it was standing room only.

I have to admit I was a bit nervous going into this concert.

Researching Currence, who I had never heard of before, I found a couple of clips of him on YouTube. These clips displayed Currence as a singer with a scratchy voice and a tendency to go sharp when moving from his natural voice to falsetto.

Luckily, he proved me wrong.

The fast-rising, multitalented musician began playing the piano at age 7. When asked how long he has been singing, Currence said, “I’ve been singing for as long as I could remember.”

His passion for music culminated with his graduation from Furman University with a degree in music. Currence listed Sheryl Crow, the Clarke Sisters, James Taylor and Donny Hathaway as musical influences.

Currence also said that he draws inspiration from a number of genres including country, R&B, gospel and pop, which was displayed throughout the concert as his performances using many styles.

Currence started with an original song entitled “Message in the Music.” This piece was a misnomer because the message was definitely in the lyrics.

The piece involved simple chord transitions as he chronicled life from childhood until present.

Currence amused the audience when he smoothly transitioned from the song to the Pink Panther theme and back again.

During his next selection, an R&B ballad entitled “Sweetest Sacrifice,” Currence displayed his impeccable intonation.

His effortless and fluid transition between his natural voice and falsetto left the crowd amazed.

Not only was his vocal performance fluid during the song, but the transition into his own rendition of Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” was seamless.

Currence turned toward the personal for the next number, a rendition of James Taylor’s “Carolina on my Mind,” which he dedicated to senior Melissa Lyle, student coordinator of Family Weekend.

Currence sang the song with sheer brilliance as he displayed the lower, softer range of his voice.

Continuing to show his incredible artistic talent in both singing and even more in his piano playing, Currence began singing songs constituting a wide array of different genres.

He started this concert-within-a-concert with the songs of Stevie Wonder and later moved to the work of Lauryn Hill.

He later wowed the audience as he moved unnoticeably from R&B to pop with selections by Sheryl Crow.

With Sheryl Crow he got the entire audience to participate by singing “Lean on Me.” His finished this segment by singing the chorus of Rhianna’s “Umbrella.”

After singing the popular songs, Currence sung a number of self-written and self-produced songs. During these songs the quality of the music and melodies was impressive.

Currence displayed his uncanny songwriting ability by simple yet powerful lyrics that described every facet of his life.

The highlight of the show was when Currence teamed up with local artist and friend Shameia Gardin.

The team performed a jazz-influenced gospel piece. As Currence played behind Gardin, her soprano voice screamed excellence.

Currence continued with the genre of jazz/R&B influenced gospel as he performed Zion, his version of the hymn “I am Bound for Mt. Zion.”

This was by far the most well-balanced song in terms of vocals, music and lyrics.

Currence finished the concert with two songs entitled “Song for You” and “Superstar,” respectively. “Song For You” proved that Currence definitely saved his best for last.

His intonation and vocal range went to another level.

During his last song, Currence validated why he is definitely a superstar in the making.

If you missed the concert and would like to find out more, you can find him at myspace.com/rudycurrencemusic.