Thursday, October 16, 2003
This Monday, I am taking my vocal student to a "vocal jam session".
I know, I know.
The very idea of a "jam session"
brings back memories of
horror and dread.
But this "jam" session is limited to aspiring vocalists.
My friend Kei Ishida over at Bossa Nova/Jazz Club Kei
has this event most Mondays.
It is a good opportunity for my student to get accustomed
to using a microphone,
and performing in a live situation,
without the pressure of drawing in the customers.
When I did it, it was called "working in a piano bar"
But the times they are a changin'...
I perform at Club Kei on occasion-
My next time there will be Dec. 12th, Friday.
I'll post more info on that on my website next week...
In any event, my student has been preparing and rehearsing for this,
and I think she'll do well.
I offer her tips on proper breathing exercises for vocal power,
diction, phrasing and timing.
I've had to learn these things the hard way,
over time and experience-
but I'm not opposed to sharing a few tips...
When I was starting out,
they had a place called "UPSTAIRS on GREENE STREET"...
It used to feature showcases for up and comers.
I remember it well, the angst of performing for a true
listening crowd,
as opposed to the piano bar scene,
where clinking glasses and loud merry making
made it necessary for me to belt out a tune,
or not be heard.
The days of winging it...
You can't teach that.
But I can assist one who has the inclination...
And just let me say for the record that I am a fervent
YANKEE fan!
Kick some bean-town butt, OK?
Till next time... 'Mela
11:28 PM
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Photo: Michio Yves Ueda
