Learning to Sing “The Wang Wang Blues”
The Wang Wang Blues is a classic song by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra. One of the unique elements of this song is the extensive use of jazz-specific phrasing and stylings. Through mastering this song, you’ll gain a better understanding of jazz singing techniques. Here we will guide you on how to approach it.
Analyze Your Voice
First of all, understand your own vocal characteristics. Familiarize yourself with our Vocal range test and Pitch accuracy test to understand your vocal range, including highest and lowest notes and how accurately you can sing in pitch.
Practice Jazz Phrasing and Stylings
The Wang Wang Blues employs a lot of jazz slang and rhythmic patterns. Grasp these by listening to the original song repeatedly. Focus particularly on the bouncy rhythm, playful embellishments, and the emotive quality of the delivery. These techniques are also prevalent in songs like “It Don’t Mean a Thing” by Duke Ellington and “Minnie the Moocher” by Cab Calloway.
Understanding & Using Vocal Techniques
The song entails using a heavy modal voice technique that gives your voice a rich, full-bodied sound that carries well. Learn more about it and listen to examples in our blog post about the heavy modal voice. Besides, having a strong breath support is necessary to maintain the energy throughout the song.
Practice
Break the song into sections and practice each separately. Our Vocal Pitch Monitor helps you see your sung notes on a virtual piano, useful for learning melodies. Also, check our How to learn a song effectively for further tips. Listen to your recorded voice and check for pitch accuracy, rhythm, and emotive delivery.
Perform the Song
Finally, when confident enough, perform the song in front of others. Use our guide to overcoming stage fright and these performance tips to help you.
Remember, learning to sing a song like “The Wang Wang Blues” is not just about mastering the notes, but also understanding the style, emotion, and nuances of jazz. Have fun exploring!