How to Sing Like Esperanza Spalding - Vocal Techniques and Songs

Esperanza Spalding is a singer, bassist, and composer gifted with one of the most distinctive voices in modern jazz music. Her soaring and playful voice is effortless, full, and highly expressive, and she seamlessly weaves together melody and rhythm to create unique and captivating compositions.

If you want to learn how to sing like Esperanza Spalding, there are several techniques you need to master, as well as some of her signature songs you should consider working on. Here's what you need to focus on:

Techniques to Emulate Esperanza Spalding

Scatting

Spalding's ability to scat is one of her signature techniques. She scats with incredible dexterity, using her voice as an instrument to create intricate patterns of sound unlike anything you've ever heard. To emulate this technique, try listening to her scatting on her song "Crowned & Kissed" and practicing with a similar melody.

Falsetto

Spalding's falsetto is smooth, soulful, and precise - it's one of the key elements to her sound. Incorporate falsetto into your vocal warm-ups and try practicing singing "Precious" using your falsetto voice.

Rhythm and Timing

Spalding's command of rhythm and timing is what makes her music so engaging. She is a master of polyrhythmic structures and often plays with unusual time signatures that keep listeners on their toes. To improve your own rhythm and timing, practice playing with different time signatures and focusing on syncopated rhythms.

Improvisation

Improvisation is at the heart of Esperanza Spalding's music. Whether she's scatting, soloing, or playing complex basslines, she is always pushing herself to improvise and create something new. To improve your own improvisational abilities, practice singing along with recorded solos you enjoy, or try improvising a melody over a simple chord progression.

Songs to Showcase Your Skills

"Black Gold"

"Black Gold" is a beautiful duet by Esperanza Spalding and Algebra Blessett that highlights her ability to blend styles and genres effortlessly. It's a great song to practice your falsetto, timing, and improvisational skills.

"Crowned & Kissed"

As mentioned, "Crowned & Kissed" is a song where Spalding showcases her incredible scatting ability. Practice singing along with the melody and work on emulating her improvisational style.

"Little Fly"

"Little Fly" is a beautiful and haunting composition that showcases Spalding's range and ability to convey emotion in her singing. It's a wonderful song to practice your breath control and sustain.

Relevant Singing Carrots Resources

• Vocal Pitch Monitor: Use this tool to practice your pitch accuracy and visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano.
• Pitch Training: This interactive tool offers vocal warm-ups, pitch visualization, and exercises for range and agility, perfect for improving your falsetto and scatting techniques.
• Search songs: Use Singing Carrots' song search function to find songs within your vocal range, genre preference, and difficulty level.
• Vocal ranges of famous singers: Discover the vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers, including Esperanza Spalding, and practice singing their songs to improve your voice.
• Singing course: This educational singing course covers singing theory and practical tips, providing a structured approach to improving your vocal skills.

By mastering the vocal techniques and songs showcased in this article, and utilizing Singing Carrots' resources, you'll be well on your way to singing like Esperanza Spalding. Remember to keep practicing and experimenting with new techniques, and soon you too will create music that is uniquely your own.