Learning to sing like Kurt Elling: A complete guide

Kurt Elling is a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and composer known for his multi-octave range, improvisational skills, and unique interpretations of standards and originals. He has been called "the standout male jazz vocalist of our time" by The New York Times. In this article, we'll look at how to learn to sing like Kurt Elling by examining his vocal technique, song selection, and approach to performance. We'll also highlight some relevant Singing Carrots resources to help you develop your own skills.

Vocal Technique

Kurt Elling is known for his strong, clear, and agile voice. He has a wide range and often sings in an upper tenor or high baritone range. To sing like Kurt Elling, you should work on the following techniques:

• Breath Control: Elling has excellent breath control, allowing him to sing long phrases and hold notes for extended periods. Singing Carrots' Breathing Basics and Breath Support exercises can help you develop your breath control and support.
• Vocal Range: Elling's multi-octave range allows him to sing high and low with ease. To expand your range, Singing Carrots' Vocal Range Test can help you determine your current range so you can work on expanding it.
• Vocal Registers: Elling is skilled at using different vocal registers, including falsetto and head voice, to add color and variety to his singing. Singing Carrots' Voice Registers & Vocal Break and Chest Voice Explained videos can help you understand and use different vocal registers.
• Articulation: Elling's precise and clear articulation allows his lyrics to be easily understood. Singing Carrots' Articulation article provides tips and exercises for improving your articulation.

Song Selection

To sing like Kurt Elling, it's important to choose songs that showcase his unique style and vocal techniques. Some of Kurt Elling's notable songs are:

• "Nature Boy": A standard that Elling often performs in his live shows. The song features a simple melody and allows for improvisation.
• "Dedicated to You": A slow ballad in which Elling's vocal range and control are on full display.
• "Stepping Out": A more energetic and upbeat song that showcases Elling's improvisational skills and ability to scat.
• "A New Body and Soul": A soulful ballad featuring Elling's voice in a lower range.

Approach to Performance

Kurt Elling is known for his interactive approach to performance, often engaging with his band members, and the audience. To mirror this approach:

• Practice with live musicians: Elling is known for performing with live musicians and often improvising on stage. Singing Carrots' Search Songs by Vocal Range and Artist Vocal Ranges can help you find tracks and musicians to practice with.
• Study Improvisation: Elling's improvisational skills set him apart from other vocalists. Singing Carrots' Pitch Training and Contemporary Vocal Techniques articles and exercises can help you develop your improvisation skills.
• Perform in front of others: Elling is known for his dynamic and interactive performances. Singing Carrots' Tips for Performing on Stage and How to Overcome Stage Fright articles provide tips for improving your stage presence.

With these techniques, song selections, and approach to performance in mind, you can begin your journey towards learning to sing like Kurt Elling. Singing Carrots offers a wealth of resources, including pitch training, vocal range tests, and song selections to help you develop your vocal skills. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to sing like one of the best jazz vocalists of our time!