Singing Guide: Steely Dan
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Steely Dan is an American Rock-Jazz band known for its complex harmonies, jazz-influenced solos, and finely crafted lyrics. The band's co-founders, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, achieved their fame for their unique blend of the jazz and rock genres. Their music emphasizes the importance of minor and major seventh chords, extended chords, and the elusive chord changes that characterize the Jazz style.
If you're looking to learn how to sing like Steely Dan, you need to focus on developing your Jazz singing skills, particularly in terms of harmony and rhythm. The ideal approach is to study Jazz, and in particular the great Jazz vocalists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Billie Holliday.
Start by honing in on your voice type; this will help you to develop a vocal range and tone that will allow you to sing with confidence. Next, work on your breathing technique using Singing Carrot's "Breathing Basics" article to help you establish good habits. Once you have achieved good breathing technique, start to practice controlling your voice to hit precise notes with the Pitch Accuracy Test and the Vocal Pitch Monitor offered in Singing Carrots' platform.
One of the most important elements of Steely Dan's music is its dense harmonies, which are achieved through a sophisticated use of vocal arrangements. To achieve this, you should learn how to harmonize effectively by taking Singing Carrot's Pitch Training course and learning Basic Music Theory.
Steely Dan's discography showcases one song that specifically stands out as a piece where their vocal technique is highlighted - "Do It Again." This song's verses rely on a unique harmonic technique characterized by tight vocal harmonies stacked on top of each other. The Bridge features an unusual break in the traditional song structure, a Jazz breakdown with its intricate piano melodies and trumpet fills.
Once you have developed your Jazz singing style, you can then focus on singing Steely Dan's songs like a real pro with the help of Singing Carrots' Song Search tool. You can search for tracks that showcase their Jazz-Rock style, like "Kid Charlemagne" or "Bodhisattva."
In conclusion, learning how to sing like Steely Dan requires an understanding of the advanced harmonic techniques and Jazz-influenced elements in their music and the Jazz genre in general. With the help of Singing Carrots and its resources, you can elevate your singing ability and begin to master Steely Dan's unique sound.