At Last

So as I’ve mentioned several times on this blog I take voice lessons.  I have for 6 years.  Recently I have run the gambit of Broadway songs I am interested in singing (in fact, most of them I’ve done 2 or more times).  I have 7 anthologies from Hal Leonard and have gone through most of them thoroughly.

With the death of Etta James I decided to shake things up and sing a jazzy song- At Last.  While I am no Etta, Ella or Beyonce…I did my best and have learned a lot from the song.  Its fun to do something different every now and then.

Here I am in my mediocre version.  I know its not great so I really don’t need constructive criticism (My one soft spot is my voice. I don’t take criticism of it very well). Also the recording isn’t great and the backtrack I found is cheesy and electronic.  Oh well! Just tell me if you like parts:

What are some other songs from this era that might be fun? I was thinking like a Billie Holiday, or maybe Ella Fitzgerald.  Like I said, I’ve drained the Broadway cannon and am looking for other genres and styles that might be a challenge, that would be fun.

I usually don’t think of myself having a pop or rock vibe in my voice but it might be fun to try a few things.

I’ve done some country- Dixie Chicks are a particular favorite as Natalie sings right in my range. (I’ve done Wide Open Spaces and Travelin Soldier).

I also love Sara Barielles and did Gravity for a recital.  Soulful girl music is my favorite from any era.  I’ve done Carol King, Linda Ronstadt. The only ‘opera’ I’ve ever done is Think of Me but if there is a song in English I might be willing to give it a go.

I’m up for anything.  I’m so grateful for my lessons.  The other day my teacher said ‘I’m really glad I know you’ and I feel the same way.   Its a blessing in my life to have a creative outlet and a chance to bond with a dear friend.

She’s going to China for 2 weeks so I will miss my lessons but hopefully I will have a bunch  of new songs picked out when she returns.  Suggestions please.