Singing Guide: Blackbirds of 1928
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Blackbirds of 1928 was a highly-acclaimed Broadway musical revue that showcased several of the greatest African American vocalists of that time, including Adelaide Hall, Aida Ward, and Bill Bojangles Robinson.
One of the standout performers of the show was the legendary jazz singer and songstress Ethel Waters. Throughout the production, Waters showcased her unique vocal style, characterized by a thrilling mix of sharp articulation, dynamic range, and an emotive, blues-influenced timbre that set her apart from her peers.
Anyone looking to learn how to sing like Ethel Waters should start by studying her signature songs, which include "Stormy Weather," "Heat Wave," "Harlem on My Mind," and "Dinah." These classic songs all require a combination of technical precision, emotional depth, and a strong sense of rhythm to execute them effectively.
To sing like Ethel Waters, it's important to master concepts like breath control, vocal resonance, and phrasing, which can all be developed with the help of the Singing Carrots platform. The Vocal Range Test is a great tool to help determine your own range, while the Pitch Accuracy Test can help you work on hitting the right notes with precision.
The Pitch Training module offers a wealth of resources, including interactive vocal warm-ups, pitch visualizer, and exercises for range and agility. Singers looking to improve their breath control can explore some of the platform's resources on Active and Passive Breathing, while those looking to improve their vibrato technique can take a look at the Singing with Vibrato article.
Finally, singing enthusiasts should review the Singing with Intuition, Skills, Emotion, and Thinking article. This resource offers valuable insights on how to perform with authenticity, emotional depth, and a strong connection to the music you're singing.
By incorporating these concepts into your practice routine, and studying the songs and singing style of Ethel Waters, you can take significant strides toward developing your own unique and powerful vocal style.