Susan, Today while I was out on my smoking break (that quiet time where I sometimes ponder about topics on the list), I was running through my head the jmdler singers who smoke but who have not seemingly been affected by the awful habit and I swear you were right at the top of my list. (I've heard your absolutely amazing performance from the last J-Fest). I have an impressive list of members in mind but will not name them so as to not embarrass them.
I've had the Joni smoking discussion with a couple of jmdler singers and they say, like you, that the problem is with her breathing - or lack of strong lung capacity probably due to the smoking. I would never disagree with that. What doesn't add up to me as far as blaming it completely on the smoking is that I heard her voice change significantly so many years ago - back in the 70s. The change to me seemed kind of sudden - that is why the smoking rationale doesn't add up 100%. And for many years, I was also very upset with it because I loved her early voice so much. I've thought for the past few years that she has consulted a vocal coach. I think she has had to do this. It also occurred to me, sadly, that maybe she is all too aware of how much her voice has changed and that may be one of the real reasons she keeps saying she is going to retire. I'm at the point where I don't care anymore what she sounds like - I'd just be happy for her to continue. T-Log sounds pretty good to me, all things considered. I also thought she sounded a lot like Peggy Lee. When BSN came out I played it for my parents to get their take on the remake of all their old fave songs, and my mother, who has heard the constantly playing of Joni's songs from the beginning, said very authoritatively "Now that is GOOD, she has FINALLY learned how to sing!" Go figure! Kakki
