Singing Guide: Sacha Distel
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Sacha Distel was a talented French singer, guitarist, and actor. His suave style comprised intricate guitar playing, great range, and an irresistibly smooth voice. Distel was well known for pop/jazz and bossa nova genres, with hits like "Scoubidou", "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", "La Belle Vie," and "The Good Life." Here are some tips on how to sing like Sacha Distel:
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Breath control & technique: Sacha Distel was known for his great breath control, and you can hear it in his easygoing, laid-back style. To achieve such breath control, focus on diaphragmatic breathing, and avoid shallow chest breathing. Singing Long sustained notes, like in “The Good Life," can also help with breath control.
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Phrasing: Sacha Distel's trademark sound came from his ability to make the songs his own, by phrasing them in his unique way. To learn phrasing skills, listen carefully to young Sacha Distel songs while following his breathing, pauses, and lyrical focus. This kind of listening helps you add a personal touch to the song and also develops inner rhythm.
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Intonation: Sacha Distel was a master of pitch. For instance, in "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," he hits the notes perfectly. To improve your intonation, try vocal exercises like Singing Carrots' Pitch Accuracy Test. The test gives you instant feedback on whether you’re flat or sharp, so you can improve your pitch by adjusting your vocals.
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Vocal range: Sacha Distel had great vocal range, stretching from baritone to falsetto. To develop a broad range like him, Vocal Range Test is the perfect Singing Carrots tool. It analyzes your voice and compares it with that of great singers like Sacha Distel. You can then work on expanding your range by practicing higher and lower registers.
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Guitar playing: Sacha Distel was an excellent guitarist who combined rhythm with melody seamlessly. Acoustic guitar is a big part of his sound, so try learning some chords and playing along with his songs. Consider checking out Singing Carrots' Song Search tool to find songs with guitar accompaniment in the style of Sacha Distel.
In conclusion, to sing like Sacha Distel, you will need to pay attention to his breath control, phrasing, intonation, and guitar playing. With the help of Singing Carrots' Vocal Range Test, Pitch Accuracy Test, Song Search, and Guitar Book, you can master Sacha Distel's style. Practice regularly and stay committed to your singing journey.