African American Vocal Music Theory and Improvisation: @ the Root of American Pop

Have you been passively listening to pop music thinking that you could never actually sing it? This casually-written study method untangles the mysterious beauty of all those riffs, runs and "soul." This book focuses on African American vocal music theory and improvisation. African Song, Field Hollers, Spirituals, Work Songs, Blues, Gospel, Vocal Jazz, R&B, Soul and NeoSoul are covered in the text. Each chapter starts with a description of the cultural or historical context of each genre. Specific song clips and artists are chosen from these genres and carefully analyzed for that essential sound. The song clips are notated using scale degrees and special symbols to illustrate key song elements. Read more