"Learning To Riff" - Lalah Hathaway Interview Part 5

[@jonathanwingmusic]

As a pianist/guitarist long before I ever learned how to sing, I really like her idea about listening to other instruments and scales outside of pentatonics. When I learned modes, I learned what makes them so interesting and gives them their unique flavor are the half-step relationships. These half-steps as well as chromatic "outside notes" can add tension and color to your music in ways pentatonic scales cannot (since those have no half steps at all). Obviously nothing wrong with pentatonic scales, but it's great to learn other ones for unusual colors. I love what she says about surprising the listener with a "pattern interrupt" - I'm gonna have to borrow that phrase. Inspiring stuff, thanks for sharing!

[@TheBillJohnsonVarietyHour]

Was always told when learning sax that if I wanted better tone I should emulate singers. Then when I started learning to scat I was told I should be imitating an instrument with my voice. Always something to learn from different approaches/areas

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

There's so much to learn and so many ways to do it! :) -NYVC

[@darrenbhatch6623]

This is informative ❤ thank you Lalah and Justin

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

So glad you enjoyed it! -NYVC

[@malikthomas4361]

What are things shes mentioning as far as bird and train and dizzy and things she was listening to. Are those musical artists or does she really mean a bird and a train?

[@NewYorkVocalCoaching]

They are artists! -NYVC