Andrew Dubber writes in his ebook that “A friend of mine once made the very sensible observation that making a webpage, putting it online and expecting people to read it is a bit like writing a book, sticking it in the library — and then coming back a year later only to wonder why nobody had ever checked it out.”
Stephen King said “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot … reading is the creative center of a writer’s life … You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.”
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Well, you have to listen to sing. You have to hear others produce new sounds, manipulate tone color, caress phrases, sustain notes and communicate emotion to assist you in learning how to produce new sounds, manipulate tone color, caress phrases, sustain notes and communicate emotion. (You also have to spend at least as much time — and probably more — singing!)
One of the duties we have as creators of song is to listen. (As duties go, this is pretty swell. *smile*)
So as I worked on this blog design, I decided to include links to a few of my favorite improvisers in the sidebar at right (see Improvisational Vocalists). Soon I realized if I was going to mention everyone who thrilled, inspired, delighted, challenged or taught me, I’d need more space.
Here are some folks that’ve got me humming …
• Oscar Brown Jr. – singer, songwriter, playwright, poet, and civil rights activist – using music to change his (and our) world
• Andrew Sisters (from Minnesota dontcha know?) – Amazing harmonies with a side of sass
• Kurt Elling – his spoken word improvs are CRAZY good
• Amos Lee – Love, Love, LOVE this man’s easy approach AND beautiful voice
• Peter Mayer – Local folksinger (that’s Minnesota) who writes eminently harmonizable melodies
• Nina Simone – Last only because this list is alphabetical …
I listen to her over and over (and over and over…) No two versions of any song she sings are alike. An amazing player and interpreter of song. Check out “Ne me quitte pas.” Sure it’s in French, but you’ll know exactly what she means.
To which crooners are you tuned? Drop me a note so I can add your faves to my listening list.
Imagine trying to plan an improvisational event. It’s kind of like trying to study for a class for which you haven’t registered yet.
The recurring problem I have in trying to live an improvisational life is my need to make plans. Deep in my heart of hearts, I’m a planner; organizing things calms me. I like schedules and lists; I like to know what’s coming. And when it will get here. And if I have to sign for it.
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Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive about coordinating A’s birthday session. I mean it had seemed like a good idea at the time, but what should I plan? How would I plan? I liked the idea of creating spontaneous music to celebrate A and her landmark birthday, but what exactly should I prepare?
I resolved to trust my intuition and improvisational skills and show up – mentally and spiritually, as well as physically (c;.
I made a list of singing activities I thought I could guide. I reviewed the list a couple of times and discussed it with some friends and listened for the “click.” (More on the “click” later.) I knew my audience would be playful and willing to participate. I had more ideas than I could possibly present, so I could feel out the group for what would fit best. Most important, I had my love of spontaneous singing to guide me.
The event was a success. I had a great time and we created a special and unique celebration for the birthday girl. I learned (once again) that some things can’t be planned or scheduled; they can only be given a space and time in which to grow and become.
Remember. Life is an improvisational event. Sure, we make plans and set goals, but we don’t control everything. In order to be successful and happy in our lives, we have to develop our improv skills and learn to trust our intuition – to listen for the “click” of things falling into place.
Gloria Steinem said, “Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”
Ah, how that comforts me.
