Looking for feedback/comments
Don't know if this is legitimate or not (and if not David just pull it off), but with Share! being for original stuff, I didn't feel it was fair to put this there.
I'm trying to get some covers together for the local jam and am realizing the value of adding vocals when it comes to being asked up. One I've starting working on is Stormy Monday and was hoping to get some feedback/comments on the vocals, harp, and recording, mix etc. I'm really hoping this is OK because on this site we are all about learning. If any of you feel this is not right, please let me know and I'll pull it.
Background info - Db Seydel, RE10 mic for vocals and harp, Garage Band for recording with some echo and delay added.
http://www.box.net/shared/0nnhdjhsyt
and thanks
edit: changed the file address. FIrst time using this Box site as a way to share files - sorry if anyone tried and got 'skinked'
Nice arrangement, and great harp playing. I've said this before, I am continually impressed with the progress you've made since you showed up here. We both joined about the same time and I wish I could play at the same level as you by now. You are obviously spending much more time practicing than I.
Okay, you wanted some feedback - so I'm going to put on my Simon Cowell mask. If I could make any analysis at all, I would say the harp playing is definitely showing some promise, but you should spend a little more time working on your vocal technique. Don't get me wrong, you sing great, but just as you learn licks for the harp (or any other instrument) you should also learn how to "lick-i-fy" your voice. You start with a little bit of experimentation during the prayer section of the song, but it stays just a little too timid. Practice building on what you started there. Vocal characterization makes your singing sound just as interesting as harp lick improvisation does for harp playing.
As you learn to add these vocal licks, be careful not to overdo it. A vocal coach can help. You have a great voice to work with - just experiment and practice a bit and you'll be knocking the crowd out!
...then again, this is a harp site, so why am I critiquing your voice anyway? ;o)
Thanks - I never thought I was going to get into th vocal thing so the whole thing is kind of strange. Your comments make a lot of sense and the idea of "lickify" the vocals, is something I should look into. I'll have to look into the vocal coach thing. Hate to take time away from the harp.
And hey - i asked for it so I'm glad you did critique it. Gives me stuff to work on. Much appreciated.
I was a little worried you'd find my comments insulting. After all, singing is a much harder mental hurdle to get over than playing an instrument, so it's easy to scare people back into the bushes with critique.
I've got a little experience with the vocal coach thing, as I've done vocal coaching for folks on and off for a few years. Lately my project has been my daughter, who started her own rock band at 15 - and is getting a lot of local interest. She's really learning to belt out the tunes, both on her guitar and with her voice. (Thankfully she's not giving up on reality. She still wants to go to medical school some day.)
Anyway, vocal coaching is a great way to go. It doesn't have to be a full-time effort like your harp practice. Just find someone who can give you some pointers that you can practice with. I don't know about you, but the harp players I admire the most are the ones who can sing: Rod Piazza, Jason Ricci, Little Walter, and on and on...
Hank, I'm very delightfully surprised. It's hard enough to find time to practice the harp. I think you have a great voice to work with. Keep it up. There are songs I won't listen to, no matter how great the instrumentals, because the vocals are awful. Your vocals add to the song. I'm sure jjudson's suggestions and other vocal coaches will get you further along, but, to give it a meaningful critique----girls will listen to this :-)
"...girls will listen to this :-)"
In the end, that's all that matters!
LOL
Thanks everyone. the feedback is appreciated and gives me some ideas to work with.
And Anne Marie and JJ - at this stage of my life - that's not much of a concern any more ;-))
Now back to work!!
Sorry if you checked and couldn't get in. I've edited the original and this address should get you in. Thanks to those who tried.
http://www.box.net/shared/0nnhdjhsyt