it doesnt really matter. IT'S THE BLUES! the blues is about feeling more than correct notes. you should be more concerned about whether you got the blues in your soul than if you can "sing". you will probably shrill off key the entire song, give it no feeling and leave the stage to the sounds of crickets.
We all start someplace. Like playing harp live the first time, and many times after, once the first note is struck there is no time to be nervous, it's ride the roller coaster time!
I was a very late bloomer vocally, in my late 30's when I began to find my voice.
You should do well with good breathing practices. ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
I started to sing because I wanted more control at jams I was going to .... so I could play more harp. I wasn't great on my first try. Now I'm considered a good singer. The only difference is I'm more relaxed now - you have to let it all out there and don't feel self-conscious.
It is NOT about your voice. You can find LOTS of examples of people who don't have great singing voices who have succeeded in blues. Start with Howlin' Wolf - who of course now is loved for his voice - can you imagine what people said when they first heard him? Or today - Rick Estrin and Charlie Musselwhite's voices are anything but conventional. SO -you have to have decent pitch - but beyond that - its feeling, sincerity - and guts. ---------- /Greg
Thanks Greg, Well, last night it was going to be 'Bright lights' however as I was going out I heard 'spoonful', sang along and 'realised' that was much better, higher, anyway come the lesson..teach went with me and I am sure I found my voice..much stronger, than before, and now I am going there
Hey Nick - The best advice I could give you is... Relax, don't forget to take in lots of breath and... Belt it out, sing with confidence!!! I know that all of that sounds like it can only come with experience but if you can short circuit the nerves and jump thru it - belt it out like you mean it.. It makes a lot of difference, Good Luck!!! ---------- If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
Greg brings to light some good points. When you sign in for the jam, show up with some ammo and write in VOX/HARP . Whether we like it or not, unknown harp players are prejudged as a nuisance and given short sets. On the other hand, vocalists that also play harp are at least afforded a listen. When your harp skills become known and appreciated, you can write in what you want.
Oh Yeah, one other "little trick" I have used is, if you think you are so off key you can't get back.... just start "talking" the lyrics.... but do it with conviction and emotion, that can be more powerful than being lyrical and melodic. (I think) Then when you get a chance to hear the turn around, that will get you back on key, hopefully. ---------- If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
