I Wanna Be Bobby’s Girl*
I was so wrapped in tackling the
BBHoF that I forgot to tell you …
I met Bobby McFerrin!
Now, I’m not much into star-chasing,
but Bobby McFerrin is one of my improvisation inspirations and I was excited at the prospect of getting to meet him. (He sings a duet with another of my vocal inspirations — Judi Donaghy! — in the video above.)
Since I knew any introductions/conversations would likely be brief (and I was proved correct), I was maybe more excited to attend his Q&A session/performance at my alma mater last Friday.
He sang and chatted with us (er … I mean the audience) for about an hour. I particularly enjoyed hearing about how he created this identity he calls a solo vocalist (I wanna be a solo vocalist!) and the story, which includes a date and time, of how he decided to become a singer. (He’d been a pianist up until then.)
He talked about challenging himself to stay on new musical edges … which is why he opens all his performances with an improv.
Big and profound for me was his definition of improv. So obvious and useful. If you’re nervous or unsure (or just plain scared) about improvising or scatting, you should listen to Bobby’s practical and simple definition of improvisation.
…
*The song “Bobby’s Girl” was made famous by Marcie Blaine and written by Hank Hoffman and Gary Klein.
What a treat! Thanks for posting that video.
I promise, one of these days I’m going to reply with a more thought-provoking comment (specifically, about improvisational vocals in genres other than jazz/pop); in the meantime, I hope these little one-liners are okay. 😉
09 Feb 2009 at 2:29 pm
Jawshoowah — I love the one-liners (and the fact that they always compliment my blog!).
singingly,
sg
09 Feb 2009 at 9:31 pm
Hey girl! This was fabulous to watch. I love their exchanges during the song…body language and subtle cues on singing. Thanks for posting. What a thrill to meet such an amazing artist. I heart him too.
13 Feb 2009 at 8:09 am
Yes, I find them both … awesome.
It was a treat to meet him (and I didn’t stammer or pass out or anything (c; )
Thanks for reading! We need to get together … soon!
singingly,
sg
13 Feb 2009 at 3:59 pm
[…] admit I was a teensy bit apprehensive. (She was my teacher! She sings with Bobby McFerrin!). But I needn’t have worried, Judi’s generous and thoughtful (and did I mention a […]
31 Aug 2009 at 10:35 am
[…] admit I was a teensy bit apprehensive. (She was my teacher! She sings with Bobby McFerrin!). But I needn’t have worried, Judi’s generous and thoughtful (and did I mention a […]
31 Aug 2009 at 10:35 am