Singing Guide: Ben Vereen
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Ben Vereen is a legendary performer known for his versatility on stage and screen. His distinctive style blends elements of jazz, tap, gospel, and Broadway into a seamless whole. If you want to learn to sing like Ben Vereen, then there are a few tips and techniques that you can try.
One of the key elements of Vereen's singing style is his use of scatting. Scat is a form of vocal improvisation that uses nonsense syllables and sounds to create melodies and rhythms. This technique was first popularized in jazz music, but Vereen has taken it to new heights. To learn to scat like Ben Vereen, try some of the exercises in Singing Carrots' pitch training section. They include interactive vocal warm-ups, pitch visualizer, and exercises for range and agility.
In addition to scatting, Vereen is known for his powerful and expressive voice. He is able to convey a wide range of emotions in his singing, from joy and exuberance to sadness and longing. To develop this kind of emotional range in your own singing, it's important to pay close attention to the lyrics of the songs you're singing. Think about the story you're trying to tell and try to convey that emotion through your singing. Singing Carrots has a section on how to learn a song effectively that can help you with this.
When it comes to technique, Vereen is a master of breath control, phrasing, and dynamics. He is able to sustain long notes, vary his volume, and create subtle variations in his vocal timbre. To develop these skills, check out Singing Carrots' articles on breathing basics and breath support. In addition, you can use their resources for vocal range, pitch accuracy, and pitch monitor to perfect your technique.
Finally, to really capture the essence of Ben Vereen, it's important to study the songs he's famous for. Some of his most iconic performances include "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries," "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, and "Bye Bye Blackbird." These songs showcase Vereen's scatting skills, emotional range, and technical ability all in one. Once you feel comfortable with Vereen's scatting techniques, try to incorporate them into one of his songs to really make it your own.
In conclusion, learning to sing like Ben Vereen takes time, dedication, and practice, but with the right resources and techniques, you can get there. By exploring the Singing Carrots platform, trying out the scatting exercises, mastering your technique, and studying Vereen's famous songs, you are sure to develop a voice that is uniquely your own.