Singing Guide: Erroll Garner

Singing Guide: Erroll Garner

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

Erroll Garner was a pianist and composer known for his distinctive, playful style of jazz piano. He had a unique talent for improvisation and his music was characterized by rich harmonies, melodic inventiveness, and a rhythmic drive that made people tap their feet.

  • Focus on storytelling

    Garner's music is like a story, with each note carefully chosen to convey a specific emotion or idea. To sing like him, you need to focus on telling a story with your voice. As you sing, think about what emotion you are trying to convey and try to match that with the melody and lyrics.

  • Experiment with pitch

    Garner had an incredible ear for pitch and his music often played with unexpected harmonies and key changes. To sing like him, try experimenting with pitch and play around with different harmonies to see what sounds good. Sing along with one of his piano solos or a recording of his music to get a feel for the notes he played.

  • Study his phrasing

    Garner's phrasing was one of the hallmarks of his style. He played with a rhythmic drive that kept the music moving forward, but he also knew how and when to pause for effect. To sing like him, study his phrasing and try to replicate it in your own voice. Pay attention to the way he accents certain notes or pauses between phrases to create tension and release.

Songs showcasing Garner's unique technique include "Misty," "Fly Me to the Moon," and "On Green Dolphin Street." These songs are great for studying his improvisational style and the way he accents certain notes or phrases.

To improve your singing, Singing Carrots provides various resources such as:

By taking advantage of Singing Carrots' resources and incorporating practical advice, you'll be well on your way to singing like Erroll Garner, with your own unique twist.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.