Let it Be

[Quincy]

I’ve been working on a lighter voice in and around my first bridge. The “cry” voice or this may even be neutral or Metal Like Neutral MLN, not really sure. This song really tests my ability to keep the right cords/breath pressure and vowels freed up. So I’m trying to make it through without any wrong tension but still haven’t managed yet. I also lowered it a half step from the original.

I was curious of how obvious some of the tension is coming from an outside perspective. But any observations for improvement would be great.

http://www.box.net/shared/c4qgbtvbk8k4x635ibjc

[ronws]

I'm not hearing any tension, though you may be feeling it. What I am hearing is a really light tone on the higher notes, which is fine, stylistically. And you are really lightening the tone by cutting your breath almost in half. At least, that's what it "sounds" like.

I like the smooth, almost velvet timbre of your voice.

[Mr Bounce]

I see what you're saying about trying to get rid of tension as you ascend, because you are definitely lightening up a lot. You have a nice voice, and a great tone, especially as you attack each phrases, yet I feel that you are "throwing away" the end of the phrases by slipping into this gentle tone. So, artistically, I would prefer more resonance and richness to the higher notes, but technically, I totally understand what you are doing because I'm doing the exact same thing at the moment; trying to lighten up, no matter how it sounds, and then build from there. I think that is the way to do it... Pushing doesn't get ya anywhere! Nice clip.

[Quincy]

Thanks Ron. You are right about hardly using any breath pressure on a lot of the higher stuff. Actually a lot of those parts start to stabilize and it is then easier to maintain. The parts that are causing the most problems are like the part, speaking “words of wisdom”. I just haven’t found a good balance on “words”. The “w” and “oe” sound creates the most tension and then I’m kind of lost finishing off the phrase.

[Quincy]

Bounce, thanks for your ideas. I think we are on the same wave length. If I can ever get through the whole part with acceptable tension, I want to beef it up some. Sometimes I will drop it down 3 half steps, which feels totally different. Then I add more tone in the higher places and it doesn’t create the same tension.

I will keep a closer monitor on the phrase endings also. I do have a tendency to not finish off a phrase with consistent breath pressure (falls off). Geno has told me the same.

[Mr Bounce]

Bounce, thanks for your ideas. I think we are on the same wave length. If I can ever get through the whole part with acceptable tension, I want to beef it up some. Sometimes I will drop it down 3 half steps, which feels totally different. Then I add more tone in the higher places and it doesn’t create the same tension.

I will keep a closer monitor on the phrase endings also. I do have a tendency to not finish off a phrase with consistent breath pressure (falls off). Geno has told me the same.

The point on lowering the key hits close to home. Singing is not a thing when you can "lower" it and then "work it higher." At least, that doesn't work for me. It's not about reaching, but about being comfortable in each part of the voice. And even sometimes, you will sing a song too lightly when it needs more energy, because you think you need to start lightly... What a bugger this singing thing is

Yes, the breath pressure falling off is a common thing. I had a choir teacher once tell me to imagine that when you're singing a long note, imagine it is getting louder (even though it isn't). I think this is because the tendency is to lose the support, and it applies for phrases, not just single notes.

Nice work though man, keep it up!