Singing Guide: Sophisticated Ladies
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Sophisticated Ladies is a Tony award-winning revue showcasing the music of Duke Ellington. The show features multiple vocalists, and their unique styles make this performance an excellent choice for studying complex vocal techniques. One of the featured vocalists, Phyllis Hyman, is known for her rich and sultry voice. In this guide, we'll explore how to learn to sing like Phyllis Hyman and showcase some of her signature songs.
Hyman's technique is unique in how she uses vibrato and phrasing to create a smooth, luxurious sound. To begin learning to sing like Phyllis Hyman, it's important to warm up your voice before singing. Try the Farinelli Breathing exercise to relax and increase your breath support. Once you're warmed up, try to focus on breath control, and emulating her signature smooth, rolling vibrato.
When learning to sing like Phyllis Hyman, one should study the phrasing of her performances and try to imitate the long, languid lines. She often sings from the back of her throat, which creates the "smokiness" in her voice. Practice opening your mouth and throat while singing to create a fuller sound.
One of the standout songs from Sophisticated Ladies is "In a Sentimental Mood," where Phyllis Hyman's rich, smooth voice soars in a beautiful rendition. Another excellent song to practice and emulate her vocal technique is "Betcha by Golly Wow." These songs showcase her signature style of singing from her chest voice and using a rolling vibrato.
Using Singing Carrots, you can practice and enhance specific vocal techniques. For example, the Pitch Training provides interactive vocal warm-ups and pitch visualizer exercises that can help you perfect your pitch. The Vocal range test helps determine your vocal range, which can help you pick which songs showcase and enhance your vocal abilities.
In summary, to learn the unique and sultry vocal technique of Phyllis Hyman, it's crucial to warm up your voice and focus on breath control while driving. Open your mouth and throat while singing to achieve a fuller, richer sound. Study her phrasing style, and begin practicing with her signature songs, such as "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Betcha By Golly Wow." With Singing Carrots, you can enhance and practice your vocals with their interactive exercises and vocal training programs.