Singing

bluegrass, singing, writing June 22nd, 2007

I am not a trained singer, and on those occasions when I hear myself on tape, I am often appalled. And then I say “fuck it” and keep singing anyway. I like singing: it’s one of the things that make me happy.

My favorite singing is close harmony, like the Louvin Brothers and the old-timey bluegrass I like best (I’m not big on the barbershop quartet style of singing emphasized by bands like the Seldom Scene and those who were inspired by them). I’ve been working up my high tenor for some time now, and have been cultivating my lead as well, but I think I’m naturally a baritone. Not that it matters: I’m happy to sing in just about any register that doesn’t hurt my throat.

If I can’t get into a close harmony situation (and the guy I’m singing with in the yet-to-be named country band has a voice that matches mine very well), then i like the big honky tonk sound that comes out of Hank Williams mouth. Or Buck Owens. Anything big, loud, bombastic, and brash. Singing drives away the blues. I sing in the car, at home, and on my bike (when I’m not having imaginary arguments with my ex and her family).

About the only thing better than singing is singing on stage, ie performance. A lot of the angst initiated by becoming a parent is that performance on the scale that I prefer (including touring) is right out the window. Regional and local is about as far as I can go for the time being, unless someone’s offering a lot of dough. No more trips to Boston just to play a show that doesn’t rake in any money, no more leave of absence from work for the sake of touring.

That’s why playing bluegrass festivals all last weekend was such a treat.

peninsula 1

2 Responses to “Singing”

  1. kate (not your sister) Says:
    June 22nd, 2007 at 4:49 pm

    Those imaginary arguments - they’ll kill ya. It really does have the net effect of just making one crazier (and more worked up). Believe me, I know. I’d recommend cutting back. I know it’s impossible to do away with them.
    On topic? I used to sing some, myself. Haven’t done so in a really long time (nor in front of anyone in, wow, must be getting on 20 years…). It is awfully fun though.

  2. Brent Rasmussen Says:
    June 22nd, 2007 at 7:47 pm

    Hi Brendan - sorry for the off-topic comment (we did actually attend a bluegrass festival in Heber/Overgaard, AZ this last weekend though), but tag, you’re it. :)

    http://brentrasmussen.com/log/node/1389

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