Singing Guide: Stan Getz
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Stan Getz was one of the most influential jazz saxophonists of the 20th century, known for his warm and fluid style of playing. His sound was characterized by a smooth, airy tone and an impressive command of dynamics and phrasing. Here are some steps to emulate Stan Getz's vocal technique and enhance your singing using Singing Carrots resources.
Step 1: Improve your breathing technique
Breathing is a crucial aspect of any singing performance, and in jazz, it's particularly important because of the genre's emphasis on improvisation. To better understand your voice and improve your breathing and phrasing, you can analyze your voice with the help of Singing Carrots' article on how to analyze your voice. To deepen your knowledge of breathing techniques, you can read the articles about breathing basics and breath support.
Step 2: Learn to hit the notes with accuracy and vibrato
The next step is to work on your pitch accuracy and vibrato, which are essential elements of Stan Getz's style. To test your skills, you can take Singing Carrots' pitch accuracy test and practice with the vocal pitch monitor, which shows you the notes you are singing in real-time. Singing Carrots' vibrato exercise provides a good starting point to develop this technique.
Step 3: Explore vocal range and dynamics
Stan Getz used his vocal range and dynamics to great effect, creating a beautifully nuanced sound that stands out on any recording. To determine your vocal range and compare it with famous singers, try Singing Carrots' vocal range test. Once you have an idea of your vocal range, you can use Singing Carrots' song search tool to find songs that match your range and genre preferences.
Step 4: Study Stan Getz's style and technique
To truly emulate Stan Getz's vocal technique, it's helpful to study his playing style, listening closely to his recordings to hone in on his nuances. Pay attention to his phrasing and dynamics, and how he creates a feeling of flow and continuity throughout his solos. As you study his style, you can incorporate Singing Carrots' resources to enhance your technique, such as the articles on open mouth and throat, contemporary vocal techniques, and singing with emotion and intuition.
Step 5: Polish your performance skills
Stan Getz was a master not just of saxophone technique but also of performing. To emulate his seamless transitions and perfect timing, you can read the articles on how to learn a song effectively and tips for performing on stage. You can also use Singing Carrots' song-book tool to create a personalized set of songs, complete with linked lyrics, sheet music, chords, karaoke, and YouTube audio. Additionally, Singing Carrots' 21-lesson course covers singing theory and practical tips, providing a wealth of knowledge to improve your skills.
By following these steps and using Singing Carrots' resources, you can refine your vocal technique and emulate the unique style of Stan Getz. Singing like a jazz saxophonist might seem challenging, but by practicing consistently, analyzing your voice, and incorporating new techniques, you can develop a powerful and nuanced singing voice.