Having a low range women’s voice can be frustrating at times. Try singing along with the radio, for example. Most popular female radio singers’ voices fall naturally into the higher registers – Lead or Tenor in barbershop, Soprano or Mezzo Soprano in choral music. When I tune in to my local country radio station, I can’t sing along with Martina or Faith – I can’t hit those high notes. Even Keith Urban and the guys in Rascal Flatts can sing higher than me! Turning over to the adult contemporary station doesn’t help, Celine is way out of my range. How frustrating it is to want to croon along with those songs as I drive along to and from work every day, only to find that I have to sing an octave lower than the artist I’m trying to emulate. While I can sometimes hit those high notes by belting it out REALLY LOUD, I’ve learned that the drivers beside me at the stop light don’t really appreciate the quality (or lack thereof) that results from that method.
That’s why I was so thrilled to discover the beautiful and talented Diana Krall! For those unfamiliar, she is an incredible jazz pianist and singer – and she has a women’s Bass voice! Her voice is as low as mine, and has a wonderful smokey quality that is perfect for the style of music she plays.
I suppose Diana has been on the music scene for a number of years, but she is a recent discovery of mine. In the year or two since I’ve found her, I’ve collected nearly all of her recordings. On some of the records, she plays her piano backed only by a drummer and an upright bass. On others, she has a full, lush orchestra. Each of her albums has a distinct flavor and feel.
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of seeing Diana Krall live in concert at the Meyerhoff Hall here in Baltimore. We had seventh row seats, on the left side of the auditorium. Our view was of her back as she sat at the piano facing the right of the room. But I think we got the best view – we got to watch her right hand float over the piano keys all night long. It was amazing!
So, for all the women out there who have low singing voices, don’t despair. Pick up some Diana Krall music and you’ll be right at home!
Here’s a video that highlights some of the best of her abilities: