Please critique - Josh Groban / My Confession (Cover)

[gilad]

Hey Guys,

I recorded myself singing Josh Groban's my confession. Powerful song in my opinion. Its not the usual genre of this forum, but still hope to get some feed back. To be clear, i think its far from being perfect, I am just wondering if there are any tips on either vowel modifications etc...

Thanks

[Slow Start]

Very interesting take. Are YOU satisfied with your sound color you produced in the recording? It was pleasing to me, but definitely a different approach than Groban. If you're fine with that, then you're good. :)

[gilad]

Very interesting take. Are YOU satisfied with your sound color you produced in the recording? It was pleasing to me, but definitely a different approach than Groban. If you're fine with that, then you're good.

Thanks for the reply Slow Start. Yes, I am no Bel canto singer, that's for sure. As for your question if I am fine with the style, I think I was more trying to make it mine, in my sound. I do have some issues with words here and there, pronunciation, and I think some vowel modifications might help. Like I said, its far far from perfect.

What do you think I can improve on ?

Thanks.

G.

[ronws]

Actually, and I am not saying this just to disagree with Slow. I think you are as good a singer, if not better than Josh Groban. Yet, he's the one with albums, tours, groupies, etc. C'est la Vie.

What I admire about you is that you have one voice. An even tone all the way throughout. You have that one voice thing that fellow member Chavie has. Way cool. There are some people who still don't have that yet, in spite of working so hard at it.

Your 'g' is a little prominent but that is a style thing. I liked this version because, and I may be totally off and just don't care, it had a mediterranean feel and I liked that very much. This is the kind of song to which my wife and I could dance as part of a romantic evening. Keep this one.

And whatever it is you are doing, stay with that. In humble opinion, you are doing it right, whatever "it" is.

[gilad]

Actually, and I am not saying this just to disagree with Slow. I think you are as good a singer, if not better than Josh Groban. Yet, he's the one with albums, tours, groupies, etc. C'est la Vie.

What I admire about you is that you have one voice. An even tone all the way throughout. You have that one voice thing that fellow member Chavie has. Way cool. There are some people who still don't have that yet, in spite of working so hard at it.

Your 'g' is a little prominent but that is a style thing. I liked this version because, and I may be totally off and just don't care, it had a Mediterranean feel and I liked that very much. This is the kind of song to which my wife and I could dance as part of a romantic evening. Keep this one.

And whatever it is you are doing, stay with that. In humble opinion, you are doing it right, whatever "it" is.

Ronws, Thank you very much man! I really appreciate the compliments!

I am no Bel-Canto singer, far from it, I think I took it more towards pop/opera.. I think...

I would love to get the beautiful bassy voice with nice and strong high pitches like Groban and Andrea Boccelli. But that probably takes years and years and years of training.

When you say one voice, you mean the color or the bridging? or ?

Also, you said the "g" is a little prominent. I am assuming you mean the letter G and the not the note. What does prominent mean?

Last but not least, you Mediterranean comment. Interesting view. I don't think I sound middle eastern when it comes to accent, and or style. In fact, its far from it. At least when we talk about Israel because that is where I am from.

Just for the record, this is the song my wife and I chose for walking down the isle. a few years ago. It worked perfectly, and I really like Groban. :cool:

[Basso Profundo]

Hi Gilad,

I think you have a very "pure" voice. Very nice. When I started singing Italian and German arias, I noticed that my tongue somehow navigated the English language in a much smoother way. I consider it a by-product of the extra work it had to do in pronouncing those foreign words. Since then, I can hear that same smooth fluidity in the voice of anyone who speaks or sings English as a second language such as yourself. I've actually developed a couple of exercises singing Italian or German phrases in preparation of singing an English song.

Anyway...I encourage you to keep singing just as you are and "not" try to achieve a "perfect" English sound. Your natural accent is what makes it uniquely yours. Concentrate on the basics...breathing, etc.. My only critique is that in a few spots, it sounded like you were reading. Even if you were, you don't want it to sound like you are.

That's my take, hope it helps.

peace

E

[gilad]

Hi Gilad,

I think you have a very "pure" voice. Very nice. When I started singing Italian and German arias, I noticed that my tongue somehow navigated the English language in a much smoother way. I consider it a by-product of the extra work it had to do in pronouncing those foreign words. Since then, I can hear that same smooth fluidity in the voice of anyone who speaks or sings English as a second language such as yourself. I've actually developed a couple of exercises singing Italian or German phrases in preparation of singing an English song.

Anyway...I encourage you to keep singing just as you are and "not" try to achieve a "perfect" English sound. Your natural accent is what makes it uniquely yours. Concentrate on the basics...breathing, etc.. My only critique is that in a few spots, it sounded like you were reading. Even if you were, you don't want it to sound like you are.

That's my take, hope it helps.

peace

E

Wow Basso, thanks for the comments.

I watched/listened to some of your youtube videos. Man, what a range youve got! It would be interesting to know what is your lowest singing note, and what is your highest? I think you have a spectacular voice, and very unique!

Now to my cover:

What part did you say sounded like I was reading? I am interested to hear it myself. I did have a page in front of me just in case I forgot the lyrics here and there. :)

[Basso Profundo]

Thank you Gilad! I really appreciate your kind words. I do have a video of my "Basso" range just to give people an idea of my abilities. I started at a low F (can hit a lower E on some days) and worked up 4 octaves to a high F.

I think that gives me plenty of room to justify my claim of having a 3 octave singing range. I plan of showcasing my higher registers in future videos so feel free to subscribe and YouTube will always notify you when that occurs.

As for the reading parts I heard...I'd rather not point those out because in the end, it's really irrelevant although I was obviously right (smile). Let me just say that when you know- that you know- that you know the lyrics to a song...you have unlimited freedom to express it and dress it any way you so desire and it will never sound like you're reading. Never.

peace

E

[Will-Sing-For-Supper]

Hey Guys,

I recorded myself singing Josh Groban's my confession. Powerful song in my opinion. Its not the usual genre of this forum, but still hope to get some feed back. To be clear, i think its far from being perfect, I am just wondering if there are any tips on either vowel modifications etc...

Thanks

I have never heard this song before, but you have a professional level voice, no doubt about that. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

I think I know why you asked about vowel modification. There was one high note that was (and hardly even noticeable) that sounded a teensy bit like a yell at the close of the note. A slight darkening of that note would completely fix it, but you probably already know that, and that's why you asked; to see if some goober like me actually noticed. An engineer could fix that in the studio, or you could do another take, and, in my opinion, it is practically ready to roll out the door to finer music stores everywhere!

Edit: OK, I just listened to Josh Groban sing this, and you compare nicely. However, the little run you do that starts at the 4 minute 21 second mark is out-of-control which seems due to the fact that you keep changing the vowel instead of a barely perceptible modification (in this case a slight darkening is appropriate). You start the phrase with "my confessiouhhhh". That part is fine, but then you switch to "ehhh" at about 4:22 for a second, then switch back to "uuuh", then back to "ehhh" to connect to the final consonant, "n". Why? The word that you are singing is pronounced con-fe-shun. The run must must maintain the "uuuh" vowel from "sh" to "n". There is no "e" or any other vowel in there. If you were attempting a vowel modification here, then I must first say that it is unnecessary. However, if you think you sound like you need it, then use the correct vowel. The correct modifying vowel "uhh" is "aaah" and should be mostly visualized in your mind, and lightly allowed to slightly color the vowel.

In the lower notes, you can apply this technique to give some body to the note. If done lightly, it will help. Do it too much, and you sound like Creed.

Hope this helps.

[ronws]

Gilad, is not Israel in the middle east? I meant the sound of the music made me think of the mediterranean.

One voice means there is no detectable bridge or flip. You've been in the forum a while, so don't act like you don't know what I am talking about.

The letter G is prominent, or a little more noticable than I like, stylistically. Don't get me wrong, good articulation, just go a little easier on hard consonants like G.

[Validar]

Even though Josh is a technically good singer, I have never been able to warm up to his voice. However, I decided to give this a listen out of curiosity.

Though you may not be at his level (currently) from a technical aspect, I like your voice better from a tonal aspect.

[forest_gimp]

I am going to agree with what has been said above. You have a distinct vocal signature and it is very valuable.

I am going to listen to it again to provide some tecnical feedback but overally, it sounds great.

[gilad]

I have never heard this song before, but you have a professional level voice, no doubt about that. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

I think I know why you asked about vowel modification. There was one high note that was (and hardly even noticeable) that sounded a teensy bit like a yell at the close of the note. A slight darkening of that note would completely fix it, but you probably already know that, and that's why you asked; to see if some goober like me actually noticed. An engineer could fix that in the studio, or you could do another take, and, in my opinion, it is practically ready to roll out the door to finer music stores everywhere!

Edit: OK, I just listened to Josh Groban sing this, and you compare nicely. However, the little run you do that starts at the 4 minute 21 second mark is out-of-control which seems due to the fact that you keep changing the vowel instead of a barely perceptible modification (in this case a slight darkening is appropriate). You start the phrase with "my confessiouhhhh". That part is fine, but then you switch to "ehhh" at about 4:22 for a second, then switch back to "uuuh", then back to "ehhh" to connect to the final consonant, "n". Why? The word that you are singing is pronounced con-fe-shun. The run must must maintain the "uuuh" vowel from "sh" to "n". There is no "e" or any other vowel in there. If you were attempting a vowel modification here, then I must first say that it is unnecessary. However, if you think you sound like you need it, then use the correct vowel. The correct modifying vowel "uhh" is "aaah" and should be mostly visualized in your mind, and lightly allowed to slightly color the vowel.

In the lower notes, you can apply this technique to give some body to the note. If done lightly, it will help. Do it too much, and you sound like Creed.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Guys!!

Will sing, thanks for the long and detailed reply. You have definitely got me thinking. Heard Josh sing it and it is indeed sung Coon-fe-Shun and not Con-fe-shen like I thought its suppose to be. That would most likely make it easier to sing the run. Thanks again ! :)

[gilad]

Gilad, is not Israel in the middle east? I meant the sound of the music made me think of the mediterranean.

One voice means there is no detectable bridge or flip. You've been in the forum a while, so don't act like you don't know what I am talking about.

The letter G is prominent, or a little more noticable than I like, stylistically. Don't get me wrong, good articulation, just go a little easier on hard consonants like G.

Ronws: Indeed Israel is in the middle east, but... I don't sing the Middle eastern style of singing. It has a lot of runs and I am far from it. You are probably more thinking about Middle-Easter Arab style music, or Greek. That being said, if that is how you hear it, its not a bad thing. I just dont fit into that genre is all.

Wow, thanks for that. I do think my bridging is pretty UN-noticeable, but I would like a slightly higher range. The reason I want a higher range is so I would be able to sing freely from C5 - E5. I dont want to sing higher, but if I can reach higher, it would make those notes easier to sing. At least that is my assumption. Might be wrong..

Regarding the letter G. I tried listening a few times, I cant place what you mean about the G. Do you mean the little pop you hear at the end of giving, blessing, confessing?

Thanks again for your constructive criticism. I really appreciate it!

:cool:

[gilad]

I am going to agree with what has been said above. You have a distinct vocal signature and it is very valuable.

I am going to listen to it again to provide some tecnical feedback but overally, it sounds great.

Looking forward to it Forest! :)

[Felipe Carvalho]

Its pleasant man, still has work to be done I agree.

You are not fully using the margin for dynamics this music has. Comming a bit linear do you follow? Some softer spots and going strong on open vowels would help, where relevant of course. Listen to the original and try to notice where he does it.

When going high technique is giving up a bit, at 3:00, "belive", you have mainly two choices, round the ee and make it top-down, or you spread it horizontally and define a bit more into eh.

You are in a mid way, and it reflects when it goes higher later on. Covering would be my choice in this song, you figure what is best for you. As it is, the result is compromised because of the ending, it brakes the nice quality you are comming from.

[ronws]

Yes, Gilad, the 'g' pop. Stylistic, mainly. Nothing technically wrong. I just like a softer 'g'. You did fine.

[Onacor]

Gilad : just listened to it again... actually.. you did a great job on it man... well done..

the more I listen to it, the more I like it as I can hear the subtle nuances in your voice (unique characteristics) ... ... nice.. Humm. interesting why I didn't hear it the first time...

[MDEW]

:) That doesn't quite say enough. That's better.

[gilad]

That doesn't quite say enough. That's better.

Say what?

Quick question. Is it you in the profile photo? And if not, who is it?

[MDEW]

Yes that is me. (I'm old ) means I like it. means I REALLY like it. :cool:

[gilad]

Its pleasant man, still has work to be done I agree.

You are not fully using the margin for dynamics this music has. Comming a bit linear do you follow? Some softer spots and going strong on open vowels would help, where relevant of course. Listen to the original and try to notice where he does it.

When going high technique is giving up a bit, at 3:00, "belive", you have mainly two choices, round the ee and make it top-down, or you spread it horizontally and define a bit more into eh.

You are in a mid way, and it reflects when it goes higher later on. Covering would be my choice in this song, you figure what is best for you. As it is, the result is compromised because of the ending, it brakes the nice quality you are comming from.

Thanks.

Yes, I agree with you. I noticed Josh actually ends words sometimes instead of pulling it a bit like i do. That might change the feel a bit.

Forgive me, but I didnt quite understand what you meant when you said the result is compromised because of the ending.

Thanks!

[gilad]

Yes that is me. (I'm old ) means I like it. means I REALLY like it. :cool:

Thanks buddy! I really appreciate it!

Looks like you have a lot of experience on your hands then , sorry. :D

[gilad]

Gilad : just listened to it again... actually.. you did a great job on it man... well done..

the more I listen to it, the more I like it as I can hear the subtle nuances in your voice (unique characteristics) ... ... nice.. Humm. interesting why I didn't hear it the first time...

Thanks for taking your time to post again brother. Its interesting to hear what you said about the subtle nuances. Never thought about it that way.

[MDEW]

Thanks buddy! I really appreciate it!

Looks like you have a lot of experience on your hands then , sorry.

A lot of experience doing things wrong. If I had found a site lite this when I was 17 you may have been trying to learn by imitating me. :P