I’m 26 and I love to sing, but I feel a bit uncertain about talking to my audience. So I decide to dive into the literature of the performing arts.
I bump into the book: “The Singing Entertainer.”
Yes!
That’s the book for me.
I completely devour the advice of the seventies star John Davidson.
“Thank you, you’re a great audience.”
Ah!! I’m saved!
So that’s what you’re supposed to say.
I can’t wait for my next gig, although it’s not a very glamorous one – we’re performing in a fake saloon for business professionals, who can’t wait to get home after a long day.
When I hear a dubious applause, I decide to throw in my newly won words:
Thank You. You’re. A. Great. Audience.
It’s awfully quiet.
Except for Erik, my husband/pianist, who is nearly exploding with laughter.
So uhm… yes.
Read books. Apply your knowledge. But also develop a feel for the atmosphere in which you sing.
The one singer that I simply loooove for that is Bette Midler. She exactly knows how to wow her audience. If you have not yet seen her Mermaid in a Wheelchair – act, stop what you’re doing right now and find her on Youtube. She’s combining the rather unthinkable.
Bette Midler is an American singer, songwriter, actress, comedian and even film producer. She released 14 studio albums as a solo artist, since the 70-ies. And many of her songs became hits; The Rose, Wind Beneath My Wings, From a Distance.
Not all jazz, not at all jazz… I’m the first to admit. But every now and then it’s great to spread your wings and learn from others in the field of music.
So here’s to Bette Midler, in whose great audience I would love to find myself one of these days. Get me a ticket, will ya?
With love, Ilse Huizinga
Bette Midler’s Wheelchair act:
Bette Midler on Wikipedia:
