Stacey Kent 1

How do you make use of this Series?

This series is an example of using all the basics and all the techniques discussed to actually completely break down a song. Remember that this is only one song and is of simple structure; yet it can be analysed to such a lengthy discussion.

Just listen to the song and see if you note anything special. Repeat that again, and then read through the posts and see whether you've noticed these points or if you had noticed extra points. Gauge your awareness according to this! =)

Why Stacey Kent?

Sweet, slightly nasal tone, with this clear tone that can completely kill you when you first hear her.

Let's talk about the first 35 seconds.

Bass

Bass starts the song. Can you hear how the swing goes? Is he swinging it hard or loose? Can you feel the pulse from just the bassline? I would personally point out that the hallmark of a good backing bassist is the ability to be followed regardless what bassline he gives or is given. Why is the bass groove so catchy? It all boils down to rhythm. Of course great note choices and a clear tone helps a lot over here, but the fact that you can subdivide as you count the beats and he's almost always somewhere where you expect him, is one of the most important reasons as to why it makes sense. It's groovy, catchy because he uses notes which link the two chords together in a seamless way while giving a strong rhythmic emphasis.

Don't take my word for it. Break it down for your own. Where in the beat is he playing? Very often on the off-beats he gives his emphasis when it's not when he wants to imply the pulse too obviously, but at the same time he outlines the chords at the beginning of the two bar phrases very strongly. This gives Stacey Kent this ability to pick up the rhythm and go.

Vocalist

Now to Stacey Kent. Watch her move. She's obviously finding the pulse and getting into the groove. Her "Mmm, hmmm" are all on offbeats and phrased at the same time. Phrasing is a big issue that I'll cover another time. But this ability to get into the groove is something most pop-andtryingtobe-jazz singers CANNOT do. Examples are Michael Buble and many amateurs we see out there. I want all of you to snap on two and four and bob your head and listen to them go.

Do you notice that if you keep with the double bass you feel like you're going too fast? While if you follow Stacey Kent you feel like you're going too slow? This is the classic and lovely setting perfect to illustrate the pushing and laying back. In this case the bass is pushing and the vocalist is laying back. It's an age-old tradition in jazz vocalist training. And it's absolutely precious to the sound of the music. Because by definition, a jazz vocalist is a vocalist who can phrase like a jazz horn player, she would qualify just from the first 35 seconds.

Take Note

One common fault that classical musicians cum pop musicians do is the lack of understanding of the swing beat. The lack of emphasis on the offbeat. Stacey Kent showcases her knowledge of the offbeat with constant laying back and singing on the offbeat of a song that could be sung completely. That is why she's amazing. Why is she so easily appreciated at the same time?

Well firstly Stacey Kent is not one who changes the feel of the song too much. She keeps to medium swing and fast swing mainly and has a very palatable tone in today's pop music scene.

Now go enjoy the video. I'll be commenting on the next parts of the videos. But most importantly judge for yourself whether what I said is the truth about her singing. I'll continue this video on Stacey Kent 2. =)