Singing Guide: Dave Koz
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Saxophonist Dave Koz is a contemporary jazz giant with a smooth and soulful sound that's immediately recognizable. But his style isn't just limited to jazz - he also incorporates elements of R&B, pop, and funk into his playing and singing. If you're looking to learn how to sing like Dave Koz, here are some tips and resources to get you started.
One of the key elements of Dave Koz's sound is his tone. To achieve this, try incorporating breath support exercises into your vocal warm-ups, like the ones offered in the Singing Carrots article on breath support. Another helpful resource is the vocal range test, which can help you determine the perfect key for your songs so that you're not straining your voice. Utilize Singing Carrots' vocal range test to get started.
Koz's style incorporates both smooth and percussive elements, giving his playing and singing a lot of dynamic range. To work on your dynamics, try practicing with the pitch accuracy test, which can help you hone in on specific notes and intervals. Additionally, the pitch training module provides interactive warm-ups, pitch visualization, and exercises to help with range and agility.
When it comes to technique, Koz is known for using overtones and harmonics in his playing. To learn more about harmonics and how to incorporate them into your playing/singing, check out the Singing Carrots article on resonance. You can also try out the vocal pitch monitor to see your sung notes on a virtual piano and fine-tune your pitch and overtones.
Finally, it's important to listen to Koz's music to really get a sense of his style and sound. Try singing along to some of his hits, like "You Make Me Smile" or "Together Again," to get a feel for his phrasing and timing. The artist vocal ranges module can also be helpful for finding more of his songs in your range.
With these resources and practice, you'll be on your way to singing like Dave Koz in no time!