Singing Guide: Jeri Southern
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Jeri Southern is considered one of the most underrated jazz singers. Though she never achieved the commercial success of her contemporaries, Southern's unique voice and phrasing make her a standout.
One of her defining techniques was her use of vibrato. Southern had a very controlled and subtle approach to vibrato, often only adding it on sustained notes. This created an almost haunting quality to her performances.
Another notable aspect of her vocal style was her ability to convey emotion. She was able to infuse every note with a deep sense of feeling, which was particularly effective on ballads.
If you're looking to learn to sing like Jeri Southern, it's important to understand the importance of control and subtlety. While other jazz singers may have relied on scatting or a more ostentatious vocal style, Southern's approach was more restrained.
To develop your own sense of control, it's important to work on breath control and support. Singing exercises like the Farinelli Breathing technique can be incredibly helpful in this regard.
When it comes to getting an accurate assessment of your own vocal range, be sure to take Singing Carrots' vocal range test. This will give you a good idea of what range you're working with and how it compares to the ranges of famous singers, including Jeri Southern.
To work on your pitch accuracy, the pitch accuracy test is a valuable tool. This test will help you refine your ability to sing in tune, an essential skill for any singer.
Southern was also known for her ability to connect with and interpret lyrics, so working on your song interpretation skills is key. Singing Carrots' song search can help you find songs that match your vocal range and difficulty level, and can be a great starting point for practicing your interpretation skills.
When selecting songs to work on, pay attention to Southern's own repertoire. Some of her most iconic performances include "An Occasional Man," "I Get Along Without You Very Well," and "You Better Go Now."
Finally, be sure to check out Singing Carrots' singing course. This comprehensive course covers everything from singing theory to practical tips, making it an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their voice.
Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into Jeri Southern's unique vocal style and how you can work on developing your own singing skills in a similar fashion. With practice and dedication, there's no reason you can't start to incorporate some of Southern's techniques into your own singing.