How to Learn Singing “Round Midnight” by Carmen McRae
If you’re a fan of jazz and looking to expand your singing repertoire, learning Carmen McRae’s iconic rendition of “Round Midnight” is a perfect choice. This hauntingly beautiful song composed by Thelonious Monk showcases McRae’s unique vocal style and interpretation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning and performing this timeless classic.
Analyzing Your Voice and Song Structure
Before diving into learning the song, it’s essential to analyze your voice and understand the song structure. Singing Carrots provides a valuable guide on how to analyze your voice. Familiarize yourself with the different voice types to determine which category your voice falls into. This knowledge will help you tailor your singing approach.
The Unique Vocal Technique in “Round Midnight”
“Round Midnight” requires a solid grasp of pitch accuracy, emotion, and vocal control. Carmen McRae’s rendition is characterized by her impeccable phrasing, expressive storytelling, and tasteful embellishments. To master this particular song, focus on the following techniques:
- Phrasing: Pay attention to the delicate nuances and pauses in the song. Highlight the emotional impact of each phrase, allowing the music to breathe.
- Expressive Storytelling: Convey the lyrics with sincerity, bringing depth and meaning to every word. Understand the song’s narrative and connect with its emotions.
- Embellishments: McRae’s performance is embellished with subtle vocal ornaments such as slides, scoops, and trills. Study her interpretation to incorporate these embellishments tastefully into your own rendition.
Songs That Share Similar Vocal Techniques
The unique vocal techniques employed in “Round Midnight” are also used in several other popular songs across different genres. By mastering this song, you’ll gain valuable skills applicable to these songs:
- “God Bless the Child” by Billie Holiday: This classic jazz ballad requires a similar expressive storytelling approach and phrasing.
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: This iconic song demands powerful emotion and skilled vocal interpretation.
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston: Known for her emotive rendition, Whitney Houston’s performance of this ballad showcases exquisite vocal control and storytelling.
Practical Advice and Singing Carrots Resources
To effectively learn “Round Midnight,” incorporate the following practical advice:
- Breathing Basics: Develop proper breath support by practicing breathing techniques explained in this Singing Carrots article.
- Voice Registers and Vocal Break: Understand the concept of voice registers and how to navigate the vocal break by reading this informative Singing Carrots article.
- How to Learn a Song Effectively: Follow the tips given in this Singing Carrots article to efficiently learn and memorize “Round Midnight.”
Maximize your learning experience with Singing Carrots resources:
- Vocal Range Test: Assess your vocal range and compare it with famous singers.
- Pitch Accuracy Test: Improve your pitch accuracy with simple melodies.
- Vocal Pitch Monitor: Visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano.
- Pitch Training: Enhance your pitch control and agility with interactive exercises and vocal warm-ups.
- Search Songs: Find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference.
- Vocal ranges of famous singers: Discover the vocal ranges of renowned artists to gain inspiration.
- Educational singing course: Enroll in a comprehensive singing course designed for beginners.