Good tone, Aussie. On the constructive side, it could be a little snappier. What comes to mind to illustrate what I mean is the vocals on Slim Dusty singing "Waltzing Matilda." ---------- David Elk River Harmonicas
I mean the cadence of Slim's vocals. I'm talking about the accents he uses to establish beat in the vocals... something to sway a mug back and forth to.
ONCE a jolly SWAGman camped BY a billyBONG UNder the SHADE of a cooliBAH tree. he SANG as he WATCHED and WAITED till his billy BOILED YOU'LL come a WALTZING matilda with me.
Thanks David. I will have to give Slim a bit more of a listen to. I'm still struggling with my singing & harp but having loads of fun. ---------- HARPOLDIE’S YOUTUBE
Hi Aussie--What Dave said is right on--I think you might try other keys too--maybe move up to A from the G you are in--I think you might have to work for the higher notes--but you might find a stronger range for your voice there.
I think a different backing track of this song would help you more than anything. The chord progressions in the track you are using are not correct, so they're not matching with the notes you're playing on the harp.
The version oldwailer posted is a good place to start with getting the right changes to the song. The breaks for the piano, guitar and organ solos also makes Willie's version a good one to jam along with. It's in F.
Hope this helps.
P.S. This was the first song I ever learned to play in 2nd position and I've been playing it ever since. I hope to record it someday - it's a great harp song.
Last Edited by on May 31, 2012 8:06 AM
Thank you very much Todd, David & Oldwailer. I will take all comments onboard. I have no music theory knowledge & sort of built the backing track in Band in a Box from a fiddle score with chords notated. David I liked the Ralph Stanley version & will have to put it on my bluegrass buddies to back me. Oldwailer I have the Willie Nelson Version. ---------- HARPOLDIE’S YOUTUBE
Maybe that Band in a Box can make a beat (and it should be faster)? That would help. Oldwaler was right about the key. Where it is now is about the bottom of your vocal range, on the low notes you are on pitch, but you've gotta work for it. Heck, I would try it in C. If that's too high, try B, etc.
The song, btw, is "Unclouded Day," even though Ralph Stanley signs it as "uncloudy." It's a hymn from the late 19th Century by a circuit riding preacher from Ohio. ---------- David Elk River Harmonicas
Thanks David for all your suggestions & I have taken them onboard. I am going to be assessed by a vocal coach to establish my range. I play a few 12th pos tunes using an Ab harp & Db is a key I seem to be fairly comfortable with. Pretty close to C. At our Bluegrass meets our stuff is 90% in G. And yes I know it's Unclouded Day & not Uncloudy.
You're welcome. I know you knew that, you had it right in your title. The video I put up there of Ralph Stanley, however, was uncloudy day. G is the bluegrass key in WV too, it's often called the key of "Gee Haw!" G is right about at the top of my vocal range and A is the bottom, I really gotta stretch to get that high at times in G, but I think I sound better when I do that. Drinking a snoot of Worchestershire sauce before i sing helps... I used to do that before a gig or radio appearance. It really helps if there is any danger of your voice cracking. ---------- David Elk River Harmonicas
"Worchestershire sauce before i sing helps... I used to do that before a gig or radio appearance. It really helps if there is any danger of your voice cracking."
that may be just the thing i'm looking for (as long as i don't have to ask for it by name) .... i haven't had a drink in about 15 years. i wonder how that would go with a little lemon?
I use a product called "Vocal Eze--" I think you can get it at Musicians Friend--it's a little spray bottle and you just pump a couple of squirts in the back of your throat--it works wonders for the voice--way more expensive than W sauce though--which I'm gonna try. . . ----------
We always have a bottle of Worcestershire Sauce in the pantry. I won't be putting it in my harp case though as it could be a potential disaster! Love it on my steak, chops, sausages & chips. I will try a swig next time I give the vocals a workout.
