How to Learn Singing “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” by Ella Fitzgerald
Learning to sing a specific song can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore how to master the iconic song “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” performed by the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. We’ll delve into the unique vocal technique showcased in this song and also mention other popular songs that utilize similar techniques.
The Unique Vocal Technique
“Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” beautifully demonstrates Ella Fitzgerald’s mastery of scat singing. Scat singing is a vocal improvisation technique where the singer uses nonsensical syllables to create melodic lines and rhythmic patterns. It adds an element of playfulness, creativity, and virtuosity to the performance.
To learn scat singing and perform “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” effectively, you can follow these steps:
- Listen and Analyze: Start by listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s original rendition of the song multiple times. Pay attention to her phrasing, tone, and rhythmic embellishments. Analyze how she incorporates scat singing seamlessly into the melody.
- Practice Vocal Techniques: Before diving into scat singing, it’s important to have a solid foundation in vocal techniques. Warm up your voice using Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training exercises and improve your pitch accuracy with the Pitch Accuracy Test.
- Master Rhythmic Patterns: Scat singing involves intricate rhythmic patterns. Start by practicing simple scat syllables, such as “doo-bah” or “skat-dee,” to get comfortable with syncopation. Singing Carrots’ How to Twang Exercise video can also help you develop control over your vocal resonance and agility.
- Experiment and Improvise: Once you feel confident with the basics, experiment with different scat syllables, vocal embellishments, and improvisations. Singing Carrots’ article on Contemporary Vocal Techniques provides additional insights and exercises to expand your skills.
- Record and Evaluate: Record yourself singing “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” with scat improvisations. Take note of areas for improvement and continue practicing until you feel satisfied with your performance.
Other Songs Utilizing Scat Singing
Scat singing is a popular technique utilized in various jazz and contemporary songs. Here are a few examples:
- Louis Armstrong – “Heebie Jeebies”
- Sarah Vaughan – “Shulie a Bop”
- Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
- Al Jarreau – “Spain (I Can Recall)”
By exploring these songs, you can further develop your scat singing skills and gain a deeper appreciation for this unique vocal technique.
Useful Singing Carrots Resources
Singing Carrots offers a range of resources to support your singing journey. Here are a few that can complement your learning of “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”: