Jason Brown

[Arriba627]

Enjoyed Jason's SP yesterday. There were a lot of positives, and I still just love the way he seems to "float" across the ice. I'm not sure I understand the fuss about the music. I enjoyed Appasionata but was concerned that it had such a similar feel in comparison to the FS music. I'm not too big of a fan of music with lyrics, but a different style is good for him. Too bad on the fall, but then lots of the men fell! Enjoyed seeing him in a simple costume. Won't be surprised if he has something different for Skate America. White never looks that good against the ice. All in all, a good first outing. He and Kori seemed to feel positive afterwards in the K & C.

 

[shmay]

When I first saw the program I thought there was some weird mistake with the audio track, as I was expecting Apassionata.

I must say that I agree with the criticism that it is not the best musical match for this skater. His long program really distinguishes him from the rest, and suits his lyrical qualities. But I don't see a significant difference in his style of movement or expression between the short and free, and there should be, given the vast differences in the music.

Anyway, we'll see how it evolves.

 

[skylark]

What struck me was how "grown up" Jason seemed yesterday. He is a young adult now and has he grown taller? Granted he was in skates but walking to the K&C Kori had to look up at him.

I am not familar with Sam Smith (I am a classic rock fan and only listen to contemporary music when skaters force me to) so to me this was a new song. I thought it fit Jason's skating perfectly. And is a nice contrast to the free.

I also noticed the difference between his height and Kori's. And we're accustomed to seeing him in skates and Kori without. Overall, it seems to be a year when he grew up in a number of ways. He's always known who he is and what he values in skating, but he seems even more grounded than before.

 

[Tavi...]

Hmm. I think I just assumed Kori was in flats yesterday instead of heels.

She isn't in this Team USA picture, but Jason, Max, and Grant are. They're standing on cobblestone so it's a bit hard to assess their relative heights accurately, and as usual Jason isn't standing up straight, but to me he doesn't look hugely taller than Grant (who is listed as 5'5" to Jason's 5'7"). On the other hand, Max ( also supposedly 5'7") seems to be towering over everyone.

https://twitter.com/grant_hochstein/status/773851437923233792

But it is kind of amazing to see how much he's changed in the past few years:

http://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/jasonbrown5.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=780

 

[StitchMonkey]

I decided to play with the numbers again and look at "what could Jason's score be".... again.

So he got a total of 81.58 here.
His 4T attempt earned 2.20 points. A clean one with .5 GOE would be 10.8 points or 8.6 more. Adding that to his score at Lombardia and you get a new score of 90.18.

He could also fix his 3F+3T. I am going to be lazy and use his 11.34 he got at 2015 4CC, as that is his only example of second half SP combo. The base value is now higher... but i am just going to use what was earned to avoid squabbling. He earned 10.42 here, and 11.34 would be an additional .92 or a new score of 91.1.

As for PCS his new score here, plus his ISU personal best would be 92.51, with his TCC it would be 94.1.

Edit... i forgot to factor the 1 point deduction for the fall. So his scores would be 92.10/93.51/95.10 actually not what i have above.

 

[Tavi...]

Jason in Lake Como. Literally.

https://twitter.com/jasonbskates/status/774729226935296001

https://instagram.com/p/BKMPBZ9heYG/

 

[Heleng]

Just watched Jason's SP at Lombardia. I don't think the music does his skating justice. Sorry to Sam Smith fans, but I dislike his nasaly tinny vocals and the song itself sounds like musak to me. Still, I thought Jason's choreography, skating, and expression were beautiful, despite the music. With all the wonderful music out there, he could do so much better!

 

[karne]

Okay, so I've watched it again this morning (with a slightly less distracted brain, I will admit), and I like it a little better. So I guess this is one program that will have to grow on me, instead of being immediate love. He certainly looks a lot stronger and faster.

As to his more mature look this season - I'm not so sure that he's grown upwards any, but I do think he's put on weight, in a good way. He's filling out into his more adult shape. In turn, as he's building muscle, he's increased his power. I think this has been a progressive thing, so I'm glad.

But I will say this - there is absolutely no way he is shorter than Max.

 

[Mrs. P]

Just watched Jason's SP at Lombardia. I don't think the music does his skating justice. Sorry to Sam Smith fans, but I dislike his nasaly tinny vocals and the song itself sounds like musak to me. Still, I thought Jason's choreography, skating, and expression were beautiful, despite the music. With all the wonderful music out there, he could do so much better!

I feel you Heleng! I really dislike the song too and I'm dreading the prospect of having to hear that song more often than I would like.

I'm hoping that perhaps over time, his skating will be such that I'll forget the fact I'm having to listen to Sam Smith AGAIN.

 

[polenka84]

I'm no expert, but it looks like a variation on a sit spin to me, except he's not all the way down in the sit, torso and head are crossed to left, and arms are also crossed - right at waist crossing left and left overhead crossing right. Not sure if it has a name - perhaps Karne knows? I agree it's very cool looking.

Common sit spin variation around here...only you're probably more used to seeing it on a back sit vs. front sit. Spin variation names kinda change from coach to coach...but I believe it's called a twisting sit spin!

 

[Tavi...]

I find it so funny how many people dislike this song, because I actually really like it a lot - and I find the rest of Sam Smith's music really, really boring. This song is actually kind of operatic in a weird way, which may be why I like it. So enlighten me - what is it you guys don't like - the music itself? The orchestration? The fact that he sings a lot in falsetto (eg high, in a woman's range)? Something else? All of the above? I'm really curious!

 

[elbkup]

I find it so funny how many people dislike this song, because I actually really like it a lot - and I find the rest of Sam Smith's music really, really boring. This song is actually kind of operatic in a weird way, which may be why I like it. So enlighten me - what is it you guys don't like - the music itself? The orchestration? The fact that he sings a lot in falsetto (eg high, in a woman's range)? Something else? All of the above? I'm really curious!

I like the song - it was perfect for the film. Not generally a Sam Smith fan; wonder if he had some countertenor training which would explain singing at higher octaves. I have a favorite CD that features folk songs from medieval Iceland sung by a gentleman who is Icelandic native and a countertenor but some of my friends get freaked out by the high voice.

 

[Tavi...]

I like the song - it was perfect for the film. Not generally a Sam Smith fan; wonder if he had some countertenor training which would explain singing at higher octaves. I have a favorite CD that features folk songs from medieval Iceland sung by a gentleman who is Icelandic native and a countertenor but some of my friends get freaked out by the high voice.

Yeah I was wondering if it might be the "unnatural" counter tenor range that puts people off more than anything. I actually think he's quite expressive, phrases very well, and has a lot of interesting colors to his voice, but clearly a lot of people don't appreciate him! I think I read that he sang in a children's choir and has had some kind of voice training, but not quite sure what.

 

[Mrs. P]

First of all, Radiohead was originally going to do the Spectre theme song and actually recorded it: https://play.spotify.com/album/6xEJ4AkNz1FFNmDT2rbEjM

Can you imagine if Jason skated to this instead? It's haunting and actually more of a contrast from his Piano FS. It's also more layered, which would all for some creative choreography.

Sam Smith is sort of a let down -- to me anyway-- after hearing Radiohead's take on it. My husband feels like the song lacks a power that is typical of a Bond theme and is especially a let down compared to Adele's Skyfall. And for it to win the Oscar over some other other really good Oscar-nominating Bond themes is sad. At the Oscars he also made this big deal about how he was the first gay person to win the Oscar when that wasn't true AT ALL (Elton John, his countryman did, for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight heaven's sake!). And when he was asked his thoughts that Thom Yorke was going to write Spectre originally, he asked "Who's Thom Yorke?" Again, the front man of Radiohead. It's OK if you don't listen to the band's music, but this is one of the top bands of all time.

So it's a mix of not liking the song and not liking Sam Smith's antics.

That said, I don't deny Sam Smith has a great voice and actually my first exposure to him was through Disclosure, the electronica duo, who featured him in "Latch." His vocals really work here and it's not DOMINEERING like he tends to be with his solo stuff. This was my running jam for quite a while. Jeremy Abbott actually has a really nice exhibition to this song. And many of you know Meryl did a DWTS piece to this song.

Jason is a huge fan of Sam Smith -- learned that during my interview when I worked on the GS article -- and when he talked about working on the exhibition, he mentioned how excited he was about doing a program to mainstream music. So it wouldn't surprised me if he wasn't feeling the Apassionata program after a while and made the switch.

 

[elbkup]

First of all, Radiohead was originally going to do the Spectre theme song and actually recorded it: https://play.spotify.com/album/6xEJ4AkNz1FFNmDT2rbEjM

Can you imagine if Jason skated to this instead? It's haunting and actually more of a contrast from his Piano FS. It's also more layered, which would all for some creative choreography.

Sam Smith is sort of a let down -- to me anyway-- after hearing Radiohead's take on it. My husband feels like the song lacks a power that is typical of a Bond theme and is especially a let down compared to Adele's Skyfall. And for it to win the Oscar over some other other really good Oscar-nominating Bond themes is sad. At the Oscars he also made this big deal about how he was the first gay person to win the Oscar when that wasn't true AT ALL (Elton John, his countryman did, for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight heaven's sake!). And when he was asked his thoughts that Thom Yorke was going to write Spectre originally, he asked "Who's Thom Yorke?" Again, the front man of Radiohead. It's OK if you don't listen to the band's music, but this is one of the top bands of all time.

So it's a mix of not liking the song and not liking Sam Smith's antics.

That said, I don't deny Sam Smith has a great voice and actually my first exposure to him was through Disclosure, the electronica duo, who featured him in "Latch." His vocals really work here and it's not DOMINEERING like he tends to be with his solo stuff. This was my running jam for quite a while. Jeremy Abbott actually has a really nice exhibition to this song. And many of you know Meryl did a DWTS piece to this song.

Jason is a huge fan of Sam Smith -- learned that during my interview when I worked on the GS article -- and when he talked about working on the exhibition, he mentioned how excited he was about doing a program to mainstream music. So it wouldn't surprised me if he wasn't feeling the Apassionata program after a while and made the switch.

The Radiohead song is definitely more traditional Bond but the Bond character has had an evolutionary arc through the years.... In Spectre Bond is older, wiser, more contemplative and, yes, a bit sad, so, for me at least, the Sam Smith song fits well.
Also, Virtue/Moir are using Latch in their Free Dance this season... something to look forward to!
In a few short hours this thread will be discussing The Piano!!

 

[elbkup]

Yeah I was wondering if it might be the "unnatural" counter tenor range that puts people off more than anything. I actually think he's quite expressive, phrases very well, and has a lot of interesting colors to his voice, but clearly a lot of people don't appreciate him! I think I read that he sang in a children's choir and has had some kind of voice training, but not quite sure what.

Bet he did pick up that technique in the children's choir and retained it into adulthood.. I rather like the high vocal parts of the song.... unique.

 

[Ross74]

Jason in Lake Como. Literally.

https://instagram.com/p/BKMPBZ9heYG/

I want Kori's body.

I'm not getting up super early, so I'll wish Jason well now, and look forward to catching up in about 8 hrs

 

[Mrs. P]

The Radiohead song is definitely more traditional Bond but the Bond character has had an evolutionary arc through the years.... In Spectre Bond is older, wiser, more contemplative and, yes, a bit sad, so, for me at least, the Sam Smith song fits well.
Also, Virtue/Moir are using Latch in their Free Dance this season... something to look forward to!
In a few short hours this thread will be discussing The Piano!!

I agree that Bond has evolved, but still think that the Radiohead song is a better fit. It's brooding but still mantains power. Anyway ymmv.

 

[TMC]

For me, it's the falsetto that bothers. I keep feeling like his voice is going to crack any second now, even though I know that it won't of course. I also find the song disappointing as a Bond theme. Somehow it doesn't "go anywhere"; there's no grandiosity, it just builds excitement but then doesn't reward it. Lol I don't know how to explain it. But in comparison with other Bond tunes, like Skyfall, it's kind of a letdown.

I don't actively hate it though, like I don't groan when it comes on and I will in fact sing along in the car or shower I don't think it's so terrible that it distracts from Jason's skating, it's more like Jason's beautiful skating distracts me from the song.

 

[LRK]

Well, I suppose I have a sort of middle stance on this whole thing.

I'm in blissful ignorance of Sam Smith (I'm guessing Mrs P in particular will envy me this happy condition). I think I was browsing Deadline or something when I came upon a link to the new James Bond movie song (have never seen a Bond movie in my life), and in idle curiosity I gave it a listen. I didn't hate it, but it felt just... what I'd term... blaha. I'm not sure I even listened to it all the way through.

So, seeing Jason skating to it the first time, I doubt I even recognised the song, but I was left feeling... indifferent.

That's why, when he did that summer show, and I heard that he wasn't skating to Canned Heat, I at first was just disappointed, and didn't even bother immediately watching the vid, until Tavi mentioning seeing something different about his skating. So I watched it. And rewatched the thing endlessly.

In the process the song began to grow on me. I don't know if it will ever reach a level of liking that I'll actually listen to it without having it accompanied by Jason's skating - but with Jason's skating, I'm enjoying it.

Sadly, I cannot say the same for The Piano. But since so many just love that, I shan't repeat how I feel about it.