Singing Guide: Dizzy Gillespie
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Dizzy Gillespie was an iconic jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer whose virtuosic technique and boundless creativity influenced generations of musicians. Gillespie's distinctive sound, characterized by his use of harmon mute and his penchant for high-register playing, has made him a legend in the world of jazz.
To learn how to play like Dizzy Gillespie, you must first master the foundational skills of jazz trumpet playing. This includes developing a strong sense of rhythm, mastering the blues scale, proper breathing, and understanding jazz harmony. Singing Carrots offers a comprehensive course on singing theory and practical tips that can help aspiring trumpet players master these fundamental skills.
One of Gillespie's most famous songs is "Salt Peanuts," recorded in 1945. This song showcases Gillespie's ability to play lightning-fast bebop lines with pinpoint accuracy. The pitch accuracy test and pitch training offered by Singing Carrots can help aspiring jazz musicians develop the ear training necessary to play complex melodies like those found in "Salt Peanuts."
Gillespie was also known for his pioneering use of Afro-Cuban rhythms in his music, blending the traditional rhythms of his African heritage with the jazz sounds of his time. The Vocal Pitch Monitor offered by Singing Carrots can help aspiring trumpet players develop a sense of the complex rhythms that Gillespie utilized.
Finally, it's important to note that Gillespie was a consummate performer, known for his infectious energy and showmanship on stage. Singing Carrots offers a vast library of songs with karaoke tracks, lyrics, sheet music, chords and more, that you can use to create your performance set list. Additionally, the Singing Carrots resources on stage performance and overcoming stage fright can be invaluable for those who want to captivate an audience like Gillespie did.
In conclusion, to learn how to play like Dizzy Gillespie, you must master foundational skills of jazz trumpet playing through Singing Carrots' courses. You can then hone your skills by practicing complex songs, incorporating Afro-Cuban rhythms, and creating a strong stage presence through Singing Carrots' vast library of songs and resources.