Singing Guide: Claude Thornhill
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Claude Thornhill, born in 1908 in Ohio, USA, was a distinguished bandleader and pianist, notable for his rehearsals and sophisticated arrangements. Thornhill led one of the most original and innovative bands in the swing era, known for its dreamy, relaxed, and polished sound, blending big band jazz with classical music elements. He was a master of "mood" music and the pioneer of the "cool" jazz style.
If you want to learn singing like Claude Thornhill, you must master the use of your vocal range. Thornhill's music is characterized by smooth and lush harmonies, and mellow tones which are a result of his band's instrumental and vocal arrangements.
To learn how to sing like him, begin by taking the vocal range test on Singing Carrots. Once you have identified your vocal range, select a song that matches your range. An excellent example of Thornhill's music style and piano work is the song Snowfall, a piece full of melody and awe-inspiring harmonies, that showcases the lilting swing of the 1940s that would later mature into the early "cool" jazz sound.
The performance of Harlem Chapel Chimes undoubtedly illustrates Thornhill's talent in arranging music. He composed the song by adding jazz harmonies to a pre-existing song's melody, modifying the chords to make them unique.
To perfect Claude Thornhill's "cool" sound, enroll in Singing Carrots' educational singing course. It features 21 lessons, providing you with a theoretical and practical learning experience covering the fundamentals of music and vocal techniques.
The breathing exercises and resonance techniques highlighted in the blog articles on open mouth and throat will also assist you in mastering the "cool" style of jazz. Additionally, the tips on singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking, as well as singing with Vibrato, will help you to deliver subtle and intricate songs that Claude Thornhill was renowned for.
Thornhill also experimented extensively with unusual sounds, and this is seen in his use of the piano in providing the band's rhythm section. Take the opportunity to use Vocal Pitch Monitor, an online tool that enables you to see your sung notes on a virtual piano, and mimicking his techniques.
For more of Thornhill and other famous singers' vocal ranges, check out Singing Carrots' Artist vocal ranges and search songs by their vocal range. Through Singing Carrots, you will find very detailed information about his music and techniques, helping you develop the skills necessary to sing his pieces.
Finally, don't forget to practice daily. It takes time to hone the techniques and skills required to sing and perform like Claude Thornhill. However, with Singing Carrots, it is possible to master the unique and elegant jazz style of one of the greatest band leaders of the swing era.