Description
Book SynopsisSo You Want to Sing the Blues: A Guide for Performers shines a light on the history and vibrant modern life of blues song. Eli Yamin explores those essential elements that make the blues sound authentic and guides readers of all backgrounds and levels through mastering this art form. He provides glimpses into the musical lives of the women and men who created the blues along with a listening tour of seminal recordings in the genre's history.The blues presents many unique challenges for singers, who must shout, slide, and serenade around the accompanying music. By offering concrete explanations and exercises of key blues elements, this book guides singers to create authentic self-expressions informed by the style's rich history and supported by strong technique. Teachers and singers of all levels will find this book a welcome guide to participating in this culturally diverse and uplifting style.The So You Want to Sing series is produced in partnership with the National Association of Te
Trade ReviewBlues was born in the United States but many people don’t know how important it is to our musical and cultural heritage. Eli Yamin’s book is a perfect guide for teachers of singing and singers, introducing them to an authentic understanding of blues and of singing it in a healthy way straight from the heart. -- Jeanie LoVetri, The Voice Workshop, Singing Voice Specialist
This wonderful book takes a comprehensive and informative look at the blues, serving as a guide to singing the blues and keeping a healthy voice. And it’s fun to read! Thank you, Eli Yamin, for your love and vast knowledge of this important American art form. -- Catherine Russell, Grammy-winning Contemporary Jazz & Blues vocalist and recording artist
If you want to sing the blues, this is the first book I recommend. Along with detailed notes on technique and vocal health when singing the blues, Eli Yamin’s depth of knowledge and passion brings the rich history of the blues to life for the reader. -- Sharon Burch, Managing Director and Education Consultant, Jazz Education Network
Table of ContentsChapter 1 – Origins of the Blues Chapter 2 – Singing and Voice Science, Scott McCoy Chapter 3 – Vocal Health for the Blues Singer, Wendy LeBorgne Chapter 4 – The Magic and Mechanics of Blues Singing, Darrell Lauer with Eli Yamin Chapter 5 – Developing Authentic Style Characteristics: Early Blues Women Chapter 6 – Developing Authentic Style Characteristics: Early Blues Men and Another Woman Chapter 7 – Developing Authentic Style Characteristics: Chicago Blues and the Modern Blues Vocal Sound Chapter 8 – Making a Soulful Sound and Writing Your Own Blues Chapter 9 – Using Audio Enhancement Technology, Matthew Edwards
