How to Learn Singing “Cry Me a River” from Diana Krall

How to Learn Singing “Cry Me a River” by Diana Krall

Learning to sing a particular song can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to learn the iconic jazz standard “Cry Me a River” by Diana Krall. This song showcases a unique vocal technique called the “belting” technique, which adds power and emotion to the performance.

Understanding the Song

Before diving into learning the song, it’s important to listen to different renditions of “Cry Me a River” to gain a deeper understanding of the style. Diana Krall’s version is known for its smooth and sultry interpretation, highlighting the emotions expressed in the lyrics.

Vocal Technique – Belting

The belting technique is crucial for capturing the essence of “Cry Me a River.” This technique involves singing with a powerful and resonant tone in the middle to high range. It gives the song a sense of intensity and helps convey the raw emotions within the lyrics.

To develop your belting skills, Singing Carrots offers a useful video on Mixed Voice, which helps you transition smoothly between your chest voice and head voice. This video will teach you how to find the right balance and consistency in your belted notes.

Practical Steps to Learn the Song

Here are some practical steps to help you effectively learn “Cry Me a River”:

  1. Start by analyzing your voice using Singing Carrots’ voice analysis article to understand your vocal range and identify areas for improvement.
  2. Learn about your voice type and how it affects your singing through the Singing Carrots article on voice types.
  3. Master the basics of breathing and breath support by following the Singing Carrots article on breathing basics and breath support.
  4. Focus on opening your mouth and throat while singing, as explained in the Singing Carrots article on open mouth & throat.
  5. Utilize Singing Carrots’ interactive Pitch Training tool to improve your pitch accuracy and overall vocal control.
  6. Practice vocal warm-ups and exercises that enhance your range and agility with the Singing Carrots Pitch Training module.
  7. Search for songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference on Singing Carrots’ song search.
  8. Explore the vocal ranges of famous singers, including Diana Krall, on Singing Carrots’ artist vocal ranges page.
  9. Create your performance set using Singing Carrots’ song-book feature, which provides linked lyrics, sheet music, chords, karaoke, and YouTube audio for a seamless learning experience.

Other Songs with a Similar Vocal Technique

The belting technique used in “Cry Me a River” is also employed in other popular songs. Some examples include “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone and “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. Exploring these songs will not only enhance your belting skills but also expand your repertoire and stylistic range.

Monitor Your Progress

As you practice and learn “Cry Me a River,” it’s essential to monitor your progress. Singing Carrots offers progress statistics, allowing you to track your singing improvement over time.