Wonderful Wednesday - Energetic Flash Mob

Please just once when I am in an airport, would someone schedule a flash mob like this.  Oh the energy and the fun!!

Musical Monday - Kid Sings The Blues In Guitar Shop Like It's Nobody's Business!

I a going to bet this young man has never had a lesson but has listening and is replicating his favourite blues sounds.  Where is he now?

Good Friday - Alan Jackson - "The Old Rugged Cross"

It isn't that we can't have fun on this day but Good Friday for me is a more contemplative time.  This song has some beautiful words especially for this Easter time.

Wonderful Wednesday - Will the Circle Be Unbroken - Gaither Family

On this Ash Wednesday may we be thankful for our friends & family that surround us.  I am very thankful for my ETS family who's music & fun fill my heart and spirit!  Our circle grows ever wider as we meet new musicians & audiences.  May you be as blessed as I.

Musical Monday - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - A Lively Rendition

This is truly one of my favourite spirituals.  I love the energy and enthusiasm in this one.  Enjoy as we celebrate Easter Monday.

Fun Friday - Neil Young - Four Strong Winds

I know that Neil Young is a great talent but I have never connected to him.  When I heard this version, I still don't connect to Mr. Young but I enjoyed the the many acoustic guitars and the autoharp which I loved playing.  It is a gentle rendition of this wonderful song.  I just wish I enjoyed Neil Young more.  

Wnderful Wednesday - This Land Is Your Land - The Travellers

Last Wednesday, we had the original recording of The Travellers doing this song.  This is more modern.  What are the differences - well besides the words of course?

Musical Monday - What Singers Can Learn from Doris Day

Not only can we learn a thing or two about good singing from Doris Day but we can enjoy again some of her lovely songs.

What Singers Can Learn from Doris Day

The overwrought and over-sung nature of modern vocals can learn a thing or two from Doris -says Mister Tim.

An outstanding dancer, singer, and actress, Doris Day was one of the most popular entertainers in the 1950’s and 60’s.

She began her career as a big band singer in 1939 and went on to be the biggest female box office star for 2 decades.

She released more than 600 recordings and starred in a sitcom that ran for 5 years.

Her singing is clear, direct, sweet, and full of happy energy.

Her clean-cut sweetness earned her criticism in the 60’s and 70’s as those things fell out of fashion, but I find these attributes refreshing compared to the overwrought and over-sung nature of modern female vocals.

Consider This:

Some things to consider about Day’s singing: it sounds effortless, but she is an excellent technical singer.

Her breath control, her diction, her dynamic control are all flawless. Is that not what we all strive for as students of voice?

To be so trained in the fundamentals that we don’t have to think about them, that we can just let go and express the music?

She had a masterful command of the different colors in her voice. She could sing light or strong in any part of her range.

She constantly varied her delivery to tell wonderful stories. She sang every song as if she cared deeply about what she was singing. It’s no wonder she was such a revered actress.

Sentimental Journey (1945)

Day’s first major hit became a sort of theme song for American troops waiting to return from theaters of war. It astounds me how she can sound simultaneously joyful and melancholy.

Put Em in a Box (1948)

From her first starring film role, “Romance on the High Seas” (1948). Her singing is completely conversational and effortless. Listen to how she sings “put ‘em in a box” slightly different each time (0:44, 0:59, 1:29, 1:51, 2:40). The happiest anti-love song you’ll ever hear.

Everybody Loves a Lover (1958)

A seemingly simple song, but listen to how many vocal colors she explores throughout the song. Light and easy (first verse), stronger and belty (0:55), playful with a silly voice (1:17 + 1:45). She’s constantly changing. It’s like she is discovering and exploring the song for the first time along with us.

Sunshine Medley (1975) with John Denver

The tastiest of cheese! From a Doris Day television special (young singers should know that these kinds of shows were very common back in the day, and thanks to YouTube you can watch many of them). Day was more than 50 years old and still moving and singing with all kinds of pep. I never get tired of the way she closes her ‘n’s and ‘l’s (see 1:03). Also a great example of her versatility, each song getting it’s own vocal treatment.

Original article by:

Mister Tim www.mistertimdotcom.com is a published composer, award-winning recording artist, and in-demand performer, teacher & performance coach.

Fun Friday - Smith & Smith Parody of Something to Sing About

Oh my gosh.  This is so true it is really funny.  Saskatchewan was closed when he visited.  Hmm.  

Wonderful Wednesday - The Travellers - Something To Sing About 1963

This song by written by Oscar Brand is every inch Canadian.  Listen to this early version by the Travellers.  It has Brand's first set of words.  Did you catch the geographical mistake?

This version by the Arion Male Voice Choir has the corrected version.  Did you pick it out?  I remember teaching this song and it took us a while to figure out that what we were singing was incorrect.  As a matter of fact, I didn't spot it until I purchased a Readers' Digest Canadian Songbook and it had the story of why Oscar Brand had to change the words.  Listen carefully.

Musical Monday - Ian and Sylvia - Four Strong Winds

This week we are showcasing some great Canadian songs.  I wish I had a nickel for every time I have sung this song.  It really is one of my favourites.  How about you?

Fun Friday - Stonewall Jackson High School - Concert Choir 2013 "Forever Doo-Wop"

Our wonderful Elaine spent some time researching some music possibilities for us.  This is one she chose for us to consider.  The photography is a bit like a boat ride but the harmonies are lovely.  I do think that the sound is sometimes compromised by the movement.  However, that is just me.  Less movement and more sound is my motto.  What do YOU think ETS singers & friends?  

Wonderful Wednesday - When I'm Sixty Four 64 (The Beatles) - A Cappella Barbershop Quartet

We could do a great job of this song I think Elaine.  This Barbershop rendition is quite fun especially when you think that these people are all in different countries.  Gotta love that Barbershop 7th!