Los Angeles, CA Show

Review from MJ's...

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Matt Giraud- Hard to Handle by: The Black Crowes, Georgia on my mind by: Ray Charles, and You found me by: The Fray. To quote Kara “Matt’s a true artist”, he sounded incredible, piano playing was amazing, and he looked so good. I hope he get’s a deal, because this guy is so talented, it be shameful if he didn’t.

Group medley: Beggin, and other fun numbers. It was great. Matt and Scott did a bit from a Billy Joel number, both of them on the piano very good.

The standouts for me were Anoop, Lil, and Matt. That’s not saying much though, because they all were amazing.

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Matt’s set was simply fantastic. He had energy to burn and seemingly improvised on the spot both vocally and on the keyboard like an accomplished showman. I was thinking he could never have been a hotel-lobby pianist and then he bantered a little while tinkling the keys and I felt like I was down the road at the Hyatt. His performance of Georgia was stunning and felt a little loungey or sleazy - but like a high-class sleazy lounge! He was wearing a black armband (for Michael Jackson?) over long-sleeved shirt, vest, and proper tie, and looked stylish no matter how manic he became. He went all out to close his set and got a little splashy and sloppy on piano, but it was intense – why can’t they play this way on the show?!

I'm still not understanding the splashy and sloppy comment especially during You Found Me. This is obviously the same girl from twitter.

What does she mean by splashy and sloppy??
Just ignore these silly reviews Matt killed it in LA

Splashy and Sloppy??? Oh come on... The girl obviously had something else on the mind...

Jenna wrote:

Review from MJ's...

Quote :

Matt Giraud- Hard to Handle by: The Black Crowes, Georgia on my mind by: Ray Charles, and You found me by: The Fray. To quote Kara “Matt’s a true artist”, he sounded incredible, piano playing was amazing, and he looked so good. I hope he get’s a deal, because this guy is so talented, it be shameful if he didn’t.

Group medley: Beggin, and other fun numbers. It was great. Matt and Scott did a bit from a Billy Joel number, both of them on the piano very good.

The standouts for me were Anoop, Lil, and Matt. That’s not saying much though, because they all were amazing.

Quote :

Matt’s set was simply fantastic. He had energy to burn and seemingly improvised on the spot both vocally and on the keyboard like an accomplished showman. I was thinking he could never have been a hotel-lobby pianist and then he bantered a little while tinkling the keys and I felt like I was down the road at the Hyatt. His performance of Georgia was stunning and felt a little loungey or sleazy - but like a high-class sleazy lounge! He was wearing a black armband (for Michael Jackson?) over long-sleeved shirt, vest, and proper tie, and looked stylish no matter how manic he became. He went all out to close his set and got a little splashy and sloppy on piano, but it was intense – why can’t they play this way on the show?!

I'm still not understanding the splashy and sloppy comment especially during You Found Me. This is obviously the same girl from twitter.

I read that entire review, and needless to say, this person was a very biased Adam fan. I appreciate her few compliments on Matt, but I think everyone who has watched Matt play the piano knows he is not "splashy and sloppy". I think she confused the word "splashy" with "energetic" or something. And how is Matt being "manic"? So Matt goes from an uptempo song to 2 slower songs on his set. Almost all the Idols have changes in tempo, like Lil, Anoop, Adam, etc. If Matt sang only one type of song, then people would accuse him of being a one-note performer.

Also, I don't think this reviewer understood Matt at all. She wondered why he was wearing a black arm band? Sorry, but is she really that dense? The black arm band was not for MJ (I don't think so), but it was part of the retro look (like Matt wanted to dress like a piano player in a saloon from the 19th century). But I guess it's not obvious to anyone who is too busy thinking thinking about Adam! The worst part was when she said she felt like she was in a hotel lobby, listening to Georgia on My Mind. This is the one song from Matt that everyone (including non-fans) universally loves. Anyone who covers an older song on the piano is automatically a hotel lobby singer?

AND "SLEAZY"? There is nothing sleazy in Matt's set; everything is classy and appropriate for all ages! LOL If you ask me the ones who are pushing the "sleazy" envelope are Adam (with his gyrations, rubbing his crotch, fondling the mic stand,etc.) and Anoop when he sings My Prerogative (he does a couple of pelvic thrusts). I guess "sleazy" has a different definition, according to a die-hard Glambert! [SARCASM] Matt has world class skills on the piano, and there's nothing sleazy, slimy, or cheesy about Georgia on My Mind. I know, I know, I'm preaching to the choir here! HA-HA!

Comments on a review from MJs:

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Hey, here’s an interesting game: who do you think is gaining the most from the tour, in terms of fan and critical perceptions?

I’d say MATT (who is much better in person than I remember him being on TV) and KRIS (who is proving that he can hold his own up there, in his own way, following Adam).

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@colette, I went last night and I agree with you. Matt is proving himself not just way better than the show, but worthy of a professional career (which even though the others in the bottom 6 were also better, I’m still not convinced they have true career potential).

http://mjsbigblog.com/tatianas-los-angeles-american-idol-tour-re-cap.htm

crys7 wrote:

Comments on a review from MJs:

Quote :

Hey, here’s an interesting game: who do you think is gaining the most from the tour, in terms of fan and critical perceptions?

I’d say MATT (who is much better in person than I remember him being on TV) and KRIS (who is proving that he can hold his own up there, in his own way, following Adam).

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@colette, I went last night and I agree with you. Matt is proving himself not just way better than the show, but worthy of a professional career (which even though the others in the bottom 6 were also better, I’m still not convinced they have true career potential).

http://mjsbigblog.com/tatianas-los-angeles-american-idol-tour-re-cap.htm

LOL! I put in a little comment on that as well. I also included Scott and Allison so as not to sound too biased

Here's what I wrote:
I’d say Matt as well, Colette (and not just because I love him so) But he seems to be getting alot of praise from critics and fans alike. ALOT of people are coming around to him, and see how he could have been had he been less nervous I guess on Idol. I think the tour is also working for Allison and Scott. Scott especially seems to be changing a lot of people’s minds and some alot of people are saying that they were surprised he was so good. Allison always rocked in my book, but seems a lot younger and more free performing on this tour.

I love Danny to pieces, I really do, but this tour just confuses me more about where he is going musically. is it Soul, Country, Latin, Christian/inspirational?? I mean What?? He is doing to much, in my opinion, and would go over much better if he just picked a style and stayed with it. If he can convince me of that then I may just pick up his CD. But right now, his whole set on this tour confuses me…

One more from MJ's

Well, I enjoyed all of Matt’s set, which I thought was the surprise highlight of the concert (which I saw at Staples). After all the Justin Timberlake comparisons during the show, Matt at his best turns out to be less pop and more gritty and soulful. He reminded me of New Orleans pianist/vocalist Dr. John (of “Right Place, Wrong Time” fame) with that soulful Southern growl in his voice. But to get on the radio, Matt’s going to have to write or find a song as good as say “Walking In Memphis”…

Matt signing at the buses


http://twitter.com/AnastasiaVanite





Double viewing pleasure here...

http://community.livejournal.com/ontd_ai/1240474.html

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Matt was the standout performer of the night. His "Hard to Handle" and "Georgia on my Mind" blew me away.

Jenna wrote:

http://community.livejournal.com/ontd_ai/1240474.html

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Matt was the standout performer of the night. His "Hard to Handle" and "Georgia on my Mind" blew me away.

Same sight, different reviewer. She was an Adamfan (natch):

"Matt G was FUCKING SICK. His voice kicks ass, his piano playing kicks ass,
his fedora kicks ass. Totally stole the first half of the show."

That's our boy!

macigirl wrote:

Jenna wrote:

http://community.livejournal.com/ontd_ai/1240474.html

Quote :

Matt was the standout performer of the night. His "Hard to Handle" and "Georgia on my Mind" blew me away.

Same sight, different reviewer. She was an Adamfan (natch):

"Matt G was FUCKING SICK. His voice kicks ass, his piano playing kicks ass,
his fedora kicks ass. Totally stole the first half of the show."

That's our boy!

Yay for Matt G.
I am tellin ya...I am sure he will be approached by labels if he hasn't already.
Can't wait till the day we celebrate.

http://grammycampblog.blogspot.com/

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Piano Idol Matt Giraud by Sarah Tither-Kaplan


After being escorted through Staples Center’s VIP entrance, my fellow campers and hurriedly reviewed the questions we had prepared for the Idols, trying our best to keep our nervous excitement at bay. One by one, seven of the top 10 finalists were led into our own private press room and each of the campers got a chance to put our newfound professional reporter skills to work. One of the last Idols to make his way over to us was fifth-place finisher Matt Giraud - one of the few Idols to have previously released original material, two CDs, 2003's Perspective and 2006's Mind Body and Soul. The smiley singer offered a charming humility and self-effacing sense of humor during our interview that made it clear why even Simon Cowell was willing to make him the first Idol ever to be given a second chance on the show and “saved” from elimination in the top seven round and ultimately make it all the way into the top five.

A few hours after our interview, “piano man” Matt took the Staples Center stage and delighted the audience with his captivating energy and musicianship, which included a Black Crowes-inspired cover of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” and a duet of dueling pianos with Scott MacIntyre.

Sarah Tither-Kaplan: Has anything surprised you about this tour so far?
Matt Giraud: "So far everything’s been going pretty smoothly. [But] we’ve had a few big laughs -- my fly was down for ten minutes on stage, one night I forgot my microphone, so just a few embarrassing things. But you work it all out and everything’s coming together."

STK: In what ways is the experience of performing live as part of this huge tour different from the made for TV Idol performances, and what is it like to perform in front of the massive crowds every night?
MG: "The crowds have been amazing, really responsive; I’m actually way more comfortable now than I was before. You would think it would be more nerve-wracking, but I love it. This is the thing that I’m supposed to do, it’s what I’m meant to do, just giggin’. I was never the best TV star, I didn’t have like the sexy eyes, I tried to have Adam teach me, I just couldn’t get it. I love doing this every night, and not having judges or cameras is great."

STK: How does it inspire you as an artist to be able to work so closely with such a diverse group of talent?
MG: "It’s a very talented bunch, and we all want to have the good set, the set that moves you out of your seat. We’re not really competing, but you don’t want to be the weak link. We all just try to bring it. Personally I just try to think of interesting things I can put in my set to get a response out of people, and be entertaining, more than just a singer and a piano player. I try to put some comedy in there and try to connect with the audience."

STK: If you could create your own tour with anyone on it, who would you bring out and what would you call it?
MG: "I’d love to have One Republic, or the Fray, I’d love to play with one of those guys, I’d call it “The Piano Men Strike Back” and I’d wear a Darth Vader helmet on stage."

[quote="macigirl"]

mattyfan wrote:

Wow, the whole set (almost)!






Matt really did have his MOMENT!

I THINK MATT definitely had his moment!! I think he was SO SPOT ON with every song he did!! I LOVED YFM...I personally think this was the BEST YFM he did to date! (it sounded like the studio version the most) ...There is no way Matt could have done any more perfect then he did in LA...no way no how!! so proud of him! (sniff, sniff) .. And did you hear the crowd roar when he was done with YFM...NO WAY did he lose them on this song!! They loved it..anyone who says that he did is definitely smokin some crack! lol

Jenna wrote:

Georgia...amazing sound!

I think the thing that blows my mind about him singing on this tour is you know how when you hear some people sing "live" and in concert they just sound like S**T ...doesn't even sound like the studio recording...when you listen to Matt in that big arena he sounds just as "pure" and smooth as on any studio recording..it just still simply amazes me that he never had any formal Voice lessons OR piano lessons..this is just soooo crazy to me that he can be this good!! Someones got to snatch him up!!...they would be absolutely insane not too!!

Georgia...damn the sound is amazing on this video! Need MP3 of it!

Beggin...MP3 please Jessica or Cecilie when you get back? Thanks!

If someone can tell me how to make youtubes into MP3's I will start doing this for the high quality videos.

Jenna wrote:

If someone can tell me how to make youtubes into MP3's I will start doing this for the high quality videos.

I'm making them into MP3s Jenna Give me one sec!

Here is the MP3 of "Beggin'" :
http://www.sendspace.com/file/6wknqy

Here is the MP3 of "Georgia" :
http://www.sendspace.com/file/dhnyps

Enjoy!!
Ps: Jenna, the site I use to make the MP3's is "www.mediaconverter.org"! Very quick but you can only do 5 a day.

Thank you Jessica! I'll check out media converter!

Georgia...holy shit amazing quality

Thank you, jessica! I love the MP3 of Georgia. I can't believe how clear the sound is from this recording! Luckily, "Bandzilla" doesn't drown out Matt's voice and his beautiful piano playing on this song! (Other people have complained that the band is too loud, especially during Michael, Megan and Lil's sets!)

http://www.fancast.com/blogs/interviews/adam-lambert-unofficial-headliner-of-american-idols-live-2009/

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Finally, there was Matt Giraud, who hands down had the most confidence, best vocals, and arguably the most fun. That is, except for Adam Lambert.

Couldn't help but put in a few of the posts on YT - I just love it when he gets praised

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His voice is just SO beautiful... (those falsettos...) I am another wishing he gets signed soon. He has way too much talent to not have that opportuinity to share more of it with the world!

Is it me or I have a feeling that he is going to get signed by diddy and take over the part Donnie klang was suppose to fill. This dude Matt is a gold mine a serious talent and smile to peoples faces when he sings. Can't wait to see more of him

First rate singer and piano player. His voice is unique; I wouldn't compare him to JT. I can't wait to buy his new music!

I find it so endearing how everyone is still waiting for Matt to be the next signed.
We are going to throw such a huge party when that day finally arrives!

I have a feeling it will happen soon it's just taking some time!
This is proof he deserves it so much.

I can't wait for Matt to get signed!!! I'd scream when that day comes!

JT better watch out! When i first heard him on idol i said he was very similar... but you can't compare the two. Matt Giraud is going to take over!!!

What a talent. His vocals and soul in his voice and way beyond JT.
IMO he is very marketable and very talented. With the right songs and/or maybe fronting a piano rock band, he could be huge.
I hope he gets signed soon. What is taking so long? *scratches head*

btw, this boy is 100Xs better than Justin Timberlake

Matt Giraud can sing circles around JT... there's no doubt about that!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VSXmK24kRQ&feature=related

Whoa, matt did had a moment..