Singing Guide: Wilbert Harrison
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Wilbert Harrison was an American singer, pianist and guitarist, famous for his 1959 hit "Kansas City". Wilbert's music is bluesy and soulful, reflecting his passion and deep understanding of the genre. In order to sing like Wilbert, one must master his unique style of combining blues, gospel and soul together.
To start, it's important to understand the basics of blues music. A good place to start is by learning how to analyze your voice. This article offers tips on how to identify your voice type, which is essential in singing blues music. After identifying your vocal range, use the Singing Carrots vocal range test to compare it with Wilbert Harrison's range. Knowing which songs are within your range will help you to choose the right material to practice with.
When it comes to Wilbert's unique vocal technique, he often used a technique called the melisma, which is singing several notes by changing the pitch of a single syllable. A perfect example of this technique is demonstrated in his song "Let's Work Together". However, don't forget to practice songs like "Kansas City", which showcases his traditional blues style.
In terms of practical advice, breathing is key to any good singing technique. Learn the basics of breathing, including active and passive breathing, from this Singing Carrots article. In addition, resonance is another important aspect of singing Wilbert's style. Try to open your mouth and throat to allow for better resonance, as explained in this Singing Carrots blog post.
Finally, for more in-depth learning, enroll in Singing Carrots' educational singing course which covers singing theory, practical tips and exercises for beginners. Also, use the pitch training tool in the Singing Carrots platform to work on your pitch accuracy.
With dedication and practice, anyone can develop their singing voice in the style of Wilbert Harrison.