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| New Book: Vocal River The Skill and Spirit of Improvisation by RHIANNON Rhiannon's story of passionate commitment to music—especially vocal improvisation—takes us through the twists and turns of her life, from a young girl discovering singing on her family's Missouri River farm to internationally acclaimed artist and full circle as she combines farming and art on Hawaii Island. In Vocal River, Rhiannon reveals the skill and spirit of improvisation—both onstage and in daily life—for singers, musicians, artists and anyone interested in combining the creative aspects that touch all our lives. The book is also a meticulous guide to Rhiannon's methods of teaching improvisation featuring twenty-seven detailed exercises that bring us into the circle of music where, step by step, we learn about blend, collaboration, soloing, listening, skill, faith and generosity. Vocal River is the culmination of Rhiannon's long and celebrated career as an international performer and teacher. In it she shares her exuberance, her craft, and her fresh insights into the dimensions and gifts of improvisation. Rhiannon is incredibly brilliant and fun. I trust her musical instincts completely. A fellow graduate of MSU (Making Stuff Up) and a member of Voicestra since the beginning, she's one of my very favorite people to improvise with. I'm so glad she's finally taken the time to document her thoughtful, heartfelt, inspired approach. Delve in deeply! - Bobby McFerrin Rhiannon, the grand sorcerer, lures all whom she meets, her collaborators, I being one, her students, and her audiences, into the mysteries of her enchanted world of song. How lucky we have been ~~ Ruth Zap Vocal River is a collection of my vocal improvisation exercises, stories from my life and work, and musings on the philosophy and power of improvisation both inside and outside the music realm. It will be sold including a set of 33 cards explaining a short-hand version of the exercises for use by teachers and singers. In these times, with so much in transition and moving quickly, the skills of improvisation are insightful everywhere. I want to name improvisation as one of the great life skills and put it in the hands of everyone who wants to learn more about their options in everyday situations -and get people singing! VOCAL RIVER is the book I have been waiting for since I first met Rhiannon. To know Rhiannon is to know that this book comes from a richly cultivated body of teaching and performance, an abiding commitment to the development and sharing of vocal improvisation, a willingness to share the journey that led her to this point, and a deep belief that music is the lifeblood of humanity and a place where healing begins. Rebekka Goldsmith write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Jazz News :: home page |