Singing and playing

Hi Scorny, 

It's a valid question for harmonica players. Many (most?) of the greats sang and fronted their bands. 

Lessons are the obvious suggestion. Outisde of that, maybe look into joining a choir. 

Singing and playing: Yes! I've been taking voice lessons for the past 20 years (after singing untrained for 40 before that), and started Dave's lessons "only" five years ago. I've really enjoyed learning how similar certain techniques are for both voice and harmonica, e.g., how you use your breath, your whole head and chest, your tongue, etc.

If you're not comfortable singing and playing an instrument in front of an audience, try this: When learning a new song, recite the lyrics as though they were poetry, and meditate on just what story the songwriter is trying to tell. (This technique was a large factor in how Sinatra became so great.) A lot of great entertainers don't have great voices or great instrumental chops, but they still hold an audience in the palm of their hand. You are a storyteller as much as you are a musician, and if the audience is interested in, and reacts emotionally to, the story you're telling, they'll never notice a missed note, a missed chord, or any other technical mistake. (And, of course, blues is all about telling stories. Especially stories that you genuinely feel, which leads to the audience feeling along with you.)

I sing in church choir, in cabaret shows, at open mics, at trad jazz jams, and just about anywhere else I can break into song. A little stage fright is always a good thing, and the more you perform in public, the more you'll use that stage fright to keep an edge, rather than letting it fight against you.

And give voice lessons a try. If you find a teacher who is jazz-based, that'll work best for blues and pop as well. And if you don't connect with that teacher, look for another one. And if you ever have a chance to attend one of Jon Gindick's Blues Harmonica Jam Camps, you'll love that part of each camp is working with a vocal teacher, even if you thought you were just going to play harmonica. (Usually singing harp great Cheryl Arena at the Clarksdale MS camps; singer and teacher Jodi Farrell at the Ventura CA camps.)

Everyone has both a voice, and a story to tell. Enjoy!

Reciting the lyrics like poetry sounds like want Leonard Cohen did. Most of his singing was almost like spoken word poetry. 

Hey there, Scorny - Lots of good advice here but mine will be a little different.  I suggest you buy a couple of Bob Dylan's early recordings, learn the songs you like, and sing along.  Your voice is probably like the rusty hinge of a gate and it just needs a little back and forth and a dab of oil. Dylan sings because he has something to say and there is nothing fancy about it.  The intonation is questionable from time to time - but that's okay when you really mean what you are saying.  You might also try listening to Jolie Blond by Nathan Abshire.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjWZ9OyYdj4.  The singing starts at about 50 seconds and it might just boost your confidence.  The pitch is truly outrageoous on this one - but the song is great and full of heart. Good luck and have fun: the most important ingredient.