Singing Guide: The Canton Spirituals
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're looking to learn singing like The Canton Spirituals, you're in for a treat! The Canton Spirituals are a renowned gospel group with a unique blend of traditional gospel roots and contemporary gospel sound. Led by Harvey Watkins Jr., they have been producing music since the 1940s. Here are some practical tips to help you learn singing like The Canton Spirituals:
- Analyze Your Voice: To start with, it's important to analyze your voice and determine your vocal range. You can take Singing Carrots' vocal range test here to determine your highest and lowest notes. This will help you in selecting the songs that suit your voice. Also, knowing your vocal range can help you determine the best harmonies to sing if you want to sing in a group.
- Study Their Unique Vocal Technique: The Canton Spirituals have a unique vocal technique that is heavily influenced by traditional gospel music. Their music is characterized by powerful, soulful vocals, with smooth vibrato and rich harmonies. To learn this technique, consider taking Singing Carrots' singing course, which covers singing theory and technique.
- Practice Breathing Basics: Good breathing techniques are essential for any good singer. The Canton Spirituals' music demands a lot of power, and the ability to control your breath is critical. Practice Singing Carrots' breathing exercises to strengthen your diaphragm and improve your breath control.
- Learn Their Songs: Learning the songs of The Canton Spirituals is the best way to understand their unique style. Some of their popular songs include "Heavenly Choir," "Clean Up," and "I'm Coming Lord." Once you've determined your vocal range (as mentioned earlier), you can search for and find songs on Singing Carrots that match your voice. Remember to practice with the original recordings to develop the right rhythm, tone, and timing.
- Pay Attention to Their Lyrics: The Canton Spirituals' songs often contain deep and meaningful lyrics. To truly sing like them, you need to understand the message and emotion behind their lyrics. Pay close attention to the words and take the time to analyze them. This will help you sing with more emotion and power.
- Use Singing Carrots' Resources: To improve your vocal technique, Singing Carrots offers various resources that can help you. The vocal pitch monitor visualizes your pitch on a virtual piano, giving you real-time feedback on your accuracy. You can also try Singing Carrots' pitch training game to help you with intonation. Additionally, the vocal ranges of famous singers can help you find songs to cover that match your vocal range.
Learning how to sing like The Canton Spirituals requires a deep understanding of their unique style and vocal technique. By using Singing Carrots' resources, practicing regularly, and paying attention to their lyrics, you can start to develop your own style and perform like the greats.