Artie Shaw was one of the most renowned big band leaders of the 1930s. He was a clarinetist, composer, and bandleader who may not have had the same level of popularity as his rival Benny Goodman, but was widely admired for his innovative arrangements and virtuosic clarinet solos. Known for his clean articulation, subtle vibrato, and impeccable taste, Shaw's music has a timeless quality that is still appreciated by jazz lovers today.

Learning from Artie Shaw's Unique Technique

To learn to sing like Artie Shaw, it's worth taking a close look at his signature playing style, particularly the way he used his clarinet to produce a sound that was both smooth and expressive. Some specific techniques that could help you get closer to his sound include:

• Paying attention to your articulation: Shaw had an extremely precise and clean articulation that helped his melody lines stand out from the ensemble. Paying close attention to the way you tongue your notes could help you achieve a similar clarity of sound.
• Working on your vibrato: Though it was subtle, Shaw's use of vibrato helped to give his solos a distinctively "saxy" quality. Practicing a controlled vibrato can help to give your playing a similar sense of depth and warmth.
• Developing a flexible embouchure: One of the keys to Shaw's sound was his ability to produce a range of timbres on his clarinet, from pure and sweet to gritty and raw. Working on your embouchure flexibility can help you to replicate this aspect of his style.

Songs to Study

To study Shaw's unique style, it's worth listening closely to some of his classic recordings. Some tracks to focus on include:

• "Begin the Beguine": This is perhaps Shaw's most famous recording, and is a great example of his ability to create a moody, atmospheric atmosphere with his music.
• "Stardust": Shaw's version of this Hoagy Carmichael classic is a masterclass in emotive phrasing and control.
• "Frenesi": If you're looking to study Shaw's articulation and precision, "Frenesi" is a great place to start.
• "Traffic Jam": This upbeat number showcases Shaw's playful side, with lively call-and-response arrangements and virtuosic solos.

Relevant Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots has a variety of resources that could help you on your journey towards mastering Artie Shaw's style. Some of the most relevant include:

• The Vocal Range Test: This tool could help you identify your vocal range, making it easier to find the keys that allow you to best replicate Artie Shaw's melodies.
• The Pitch Accuracy Test: This test could help you work on your pitch accuracy, a key ingredient in creating the smooth, expressive melodies that were such a hallmark of Shaw's style.
• The Vocal Pitch Monitor: This tool could be useful for helping you improve your phrasing and control, both of which are crucial for replicating Shaw's subtle and nuanced playing style.
• The Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game: This game could be a fun and engaging way to work on your pitch accuracy and phrasing, with a range of exercises designed for singers of varying skill levels.
• The Singing Course for Beginners: If you're new to singing, this comprehensive course could be a great way to build your skills from the ground up, with lessons on everything from breathing basics to vocal health and performance technique.