You would think that improvised singing would be a snap for someone who’s sung professionally on several stages but in actuality it’s quite daunting. It’s true that in some respects it’s easier then coming to it with no musical experience, i.e. song structure, matching pitch and building chords. I don’t have to learn the different forms of blues. It’s innate at this point. But to let go of some semblance of control with singing is painfully difficult. I’ve joked that I’ve been singing since the womb (great acoustics) and while its hyperbole it’s truer than you would think. I’ve been white knuckling this idea of being perfect with every note for as long as I can remember so letting that go… Yikes! How do I do that?

Well, it comes back to my improv training. In order to have fun you have to be willing to fail, willing to get it wrong.  The best way is to jump in with both feet and commit to whatever comes out of your mouth.  If it’s the wrong note embrace it. Don’t shy away. Make it part of the character, part of the song. So I’ve decided I’m going to commit so hard that I’ll be a committee of commitment on all my own. If I commit to everything that escapes my lips the rest will come, the rest is gravy.