Singing your solos?

**Mark Wilson** · #1 10-02-2007, 06:40 PM

Good, or Bad?

I've never done it before, until today while trying to solo over "Au Privave" by Charlie Parker. I was having HUGE troubles, and I can hear solos better than I can play them. So I started singing what I was thinking, and I played along, and lo and behold, I had a decent solo!

For those who AREN'T sure what I mean, I'm talking like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHZCTz9E4mo

This is Janek Gwizdala. Some hack.

Brad Johnson · #2 10-02-2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Wilson

Good, or Bad?

I've never done it before, until today while trying to solo over "Au Privave" by Charlie Parker. I was having HUGE troubles, and I can hear solos better than I can play them. So I started singing what I was thinking, and I played along, and lo and behold, I had a decent solo!

For those who AREN'T sure what I mean, I'm talking like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHZCTz9E4mo

This is Janek Gwizdala. Some hack.

I do. It makes my solos sound more musical and less chance of getting an "autopilot" type feel.

RobinBetton · #3 10-02-2007, 06:51 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZh7tNsyCuw

ras1983 · #4 10-02-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

I do. It makes my solos sound more musical and less chance of getting an "autopilot" type feel.

Same here. I find that if i don't sing my soloes, i fall into the same patterns and sounds - which becomes very annoying as a musician.

My teacher first suggested this to me last year, and it has done wonders for my soloing (and even my ordinary bass playing).

Interestingly, i notice that many of the pros move their mouths when they are taking a solo; almost as though they singing their solo quietly.

stealth51 · #5 10-02-2007, 09:42 PM

If you can sing it you can play it.

shostkontrabass · #6 10-02-2007, 09:47 PM

I sing my solos all the time, I find it very helpful! I've got a bunch of jazz albums where you can hear the pianist or guitarist singing their solos. Have you guys seen any of the Richard Bona videos where he does this?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iimMKWF7SK0

(he actually only does it briefly in this video, but it's an amazing bit of improv between him and Bobby McFerrin)

Grueber · #7 10-02-2007, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Wilson

Good, or Bad?

I've never done it before, until today while trying to solo over "Au Privave" by Charlie Parker. I was having HUGE troubles, and I can hear solos better than I can play them. So I started singing what I was thinking, and I played along, and lo and behold, I had a decent solo!

If it helps your soloing, then I would definetly do it.
Just be careful if your standing near a mic

cough...Oteil...cough

**SoComSurfing** · #8 10-03-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grueber

If it helps your soloing, then I would definetly do it.
Just be careful if your standing near a mic

cough...Oteil...cough

I think it helps Oteil create a little more interest in his solos. His voice singing along with his fingers' singing fills out the sound and creates some interesting tones.

Lorenzini · #9 10-03-2007, 09:27 PM

Grueber.. I think Oteil sounds awesome when he sings his solos.
I sing a lot when soloing. It brings something extra to the solo, whether you hear the voice or not.

Grueber · #10 10-03-2007, 11:46 PM

Yeah, I actually do like his singing bass solos.

He does seem to do it A LOT though

Foxworthy925 · #11 10-04-2007, 04:11 AM

that's a good idea- singing your solos. too bad I can't do it in the right octave though. ever since a couple years after puberty, I can't do a falsetto any more. I just hit this massive dry spot and my voice loses all volume. hope it'll come back again...