Jordan Smith at The Birchmere. Photo provided by the Birchmere.
Calling all Voice Gods, there is a new ultra-phenomenon who is being introduced to the universe and he goes by the name of Jordan Smith. On June 14th, 2016, Season 9 winner of the hit Reality TV Singing Competition, The Voice, (on Team Adam Levine), vocalist/pianist extraordinaire Jordan Smith took The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA by storm, wind, and lightning following his opening act, an eccentric and free-spirited Crys Matthews. Inspired by Macy Gray, Matthews’ brings a rather refreshing and lively spirited hipster vibe to the music industry, with a simple, yet elegantly woven voice accompanying her acoustic guitar enlightening a focus in paying homage to her wife. A native from North Carolina, Matthews is a bubbly and sweet breath of fresh air with a few highlighted originals up her sleeve including, “Statues,” “The Imagineers,” and “Written in the The Stars.”
Look out universe, and get ready for something stunningly beautiful.
And now for the moment we’ve all been waiting on the edge of our seats for. Casually walking on stage with a full, humbled confidence of his own, following his lead guitarists, Jordan Smith wisely opened up his performance with the very signature move cover song, Sia’s “Chandelier,” that so effortlessly turned all four judges’ chairs on the Blind Auditions of The Voice. Introducing his performance with dynamite, explosive energy topping a magically awesome vocal range very well soaring straight through the stratosphere, Smith knows exactly who his audience is and how to capture their full hearts and attention with finesse. Segue smooth transitioning into a cover of Sam Smith’s, “Love You Like I Can,” Jordan Smith begins to showcase a perfectly delicate yet powerhouse balance blend between the electric guitars and his ultra-ethereal voice.
If any sound in the universe can soar along with two electric guitars by his side, you will know that it’ll definitely come from Smith. According to People Magazine, Jordan Smith is currently known as “The Best-Selling Artist in The History of The Voice.” This triple threat talent brings anything to the table from personality with loving grace to stand-up comedian with a side dash of charming unicorn quirkiness. Born and raised in Harlan, Kentucky, Smith began his singing days in his local church choir and traveled onto his college career at Lee University where he was a member of The Lee Singers. Shortly after, Smith wowed America with his authentically groundbreaking vocal chops leading an entire pop-gospel spiritual kingdom of his own on The Voice.
Cue introduction into Smith’s breathtakingly stunning original, “Stand In The Light,” in its rare entirety from his brand new debut album, “Something Beautiful.” If ever a voice were able to sound even more crystal clear, and pristinely powerful live in full stage performance than the actual recording, it would definitely gushingly pour out from Smith himself. And his backup vocalists certainly know how to harmonize with him in a perfectly serene blend, showcasing the angelic and spiritually moving force.
Another cover highlight he premiered on the show so effortlessly and brought back to the stage within his own element included, “I Lived,” by One Republic segueing into his own angelic rendition of “Amazing Grace,” highlighting his faith and introducing it as his fundamental guideline representing his full spirituality.
Debuting another new tear-jerking song, showing off his vocal range and flawlessly brilliant vocals runs unlike any other, from his album, “I Gotta Be Me,” Smith magnetically engages the audience with a profound after statement, “while I am is more than enough…isn’t that line so good?” Why yes, Jordan, yes it is. And what better way then to introduce his next original, “Settle,” than to connect with us all. “Since we are all close friends, I’m gonna share this one with you….Don’t ever settle for less than what’s meant for you. You are better than that…just spread your wings and fly.” What can I say? Every song Jordan Smith covers is outstandingly groundbreaking, and every original he produces is phenomenally soul invigorating.
Add in a super fun, energetically upbeat rendition of Jess Glynne’s “Ain’t Got Far to Go,” followed by a compellingly moving Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful,” accompanied by himself on the piano and you’ve got one heck of a line-up leading into Chris Rice’s gorgeous spiritual “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” once again showcasing Smith’s true spiritual roots he first introduced to us on The Voice.
And as if we couldn’t all get enough, Smith throws in the ultimate highlighted number of the night that lead him into his leading title on The Voice, “Somebody to Love,” a song by Queen. Talk about epic 11’oclock, bring-the-house-down leading into an epic bring-the-house-down standing ovation towards the end of the number from the audience. Throw in a full-blown gospel choir prerecorded in the background and you’ve got it perfectly made for the perfect seal the deal number.
Jordan Smith has the full package potential to lead his own trailblazing musical genre of pop-gospel/rock infused spirituals with artist comparisons to none other than his original, authentic self. It’s no wonder the kindred-spirited once in a lifetime dream team between Adam Levine and Smith took over Season 9 and won the hearts and souls of America as a partnership like this is almost impossible to match. Look out universe, and get ready for something stunningly beautiful.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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