Singing Guide: James Morrison
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
James Morrison is a British singer and songwriter known for his soulful voice and emotional lyrics. Learning to sing like James Morrison requires a deep understanding of his unique style, which combines elements of blues, jazz, and rock. In this article, we'll explore the key aspects of Morrison's vocal technique and share some tips and resources to help you sing like him.
Vocal Techniques of James Morrison
One of the most notable aspects of Morrison's vocal technique is his use of vibrato. Morrison employs a wide, slow vibrato to give his vocal performance a soulful, emotional quality. Additionally, he uses a lot of dynamic variation in his singing, moving between soft, intimate moments and powerful, expressive sections.
Morrison's vocal range is also a defining feature of his style. He sings in a smooth, mid-range voice that is capable of conveying a range of emotions. He also has an impressive falsetto register, which he uses to great effect in many of his songs.
Another key element of Morrison's style is his use of phrasing. He often uses long, drawn-out phrases to build tension and emotional intensity. He also uses melodic variation to keep the listener engaged and to create a sense of progression throughout his songs.
Tips and Resources
If you want to learn to sing like James Morrison, there are several resources and tips you can use to improve your technique. Here are a few:
- Focus on vibrato: Practicing vibrato is key to developing the emotional depth and soulful quality of Morrison's style. Use Singing Carrots' pitch training exercises and watch the Vibrato video to learn more.
- Work on breath control: Morrison's style requires a lot of dynamic variation, which means you need to be able to control your breath effectively. Singing Carrots' Breath Support article is a great place to start.
- Learn Morrison's songs: To fully understand Morrison's style, you need to study his songs. Pick a few of his most iconic tracks, like "You Give Me Something" or "Broken Strings," and study his phrasing, dynamics, and emotional delivery.
- Experiment with phrasing: Morrison's use of phrasing is a defining feature of his style. Try experimenting with long, drawn-out phrases in your own singing to create tension and keep the listener engaged.
- Take an online singing course: Singing Carrots offers an educational singing course that covers a range of topics, including breath control, vocal range, phrasing, and more. This course is perfect for anyone looking to improve their singing in Morrison's style.
Singing like James Morrison requires a lot of practice and dedication, but with the right tips and resources, it is definitely achievable. Use the resources and techniques presented above to develop your own soulful, emotional style and start singing like James Morrison today!