A DG technical question

[FloydWright]

I've got a question about Mr. Gilmour's singing technique, because there are certain songs that give me problems. Topping the list of difficult songs is "So Far Away" because of the IMPOSSIBLE chorus!

I believe the effect that Mr. Gilmour uses (and what is giving me trouble) is called a melismatic setting: giving several notes to one syllable. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be a problem, but he goes so quickly from one note to the other, pronouncing each so clearly, that my own renditions have a slurred sound to them.

Did Mr. Gilmour have any kind of special vocal training to do this? And what would I need to do in order to improve my own technique (and yes, I know "practise" is the obvious answer--I do that already! )?

[Bubba]

I cant read your handwrighting!?

[Seamus Laughs]

Im not sure if he uses anything on there, but I would almost bet he does. Hell why not, he owns like 8 thousand guitar effects to get the sound he likes. One incredible man, I must say. Later.

[Driven]

I agree FW. I listened to the song again a couple of days ago, and it's one of the few bits in his catalogue I can't sing along with (not that I'm god's gift).

I've often wondered myself if he's had any lessons, but I think his vibrato would be better if he had.

[FloydWright]

I'm pretty sure these are (and I read music only haltingly at best) 1/32 notes or less. I just wonder if there's a natural gift involved, or if there is some kind of training he got. Or is there something I can do to learn how to keep up with that part? I can get close on a good day, but I can NEVER get off a TRULY good rendition of that song.

As for the vibrato--maybe he doesn't feel it necessary for his vocal style (he has so many other tricks up his sleeve!). Mr. Wright does a better job of it (on "Broken China")--not professional, so it's not THAT far from what I can do...but he still does more than Mr. Gilmour.

[Driven]

Yeah I noticed Wirght had started using it in Broken China. I'm guessing he got some singing lessons.

Yeah I have the same prob with that song...some doays ya almost get it...others it's like "ok Dave...I'll just listen". I don't plan on playing it anytime soon (it wouldn't work on guitar really anyway) so it doesn't bother me that I can't pull it off properly.

[FloydWright]

I don't know...I learned something about on his level (not quite, but fairly close) just by imitating what I heard; I never had lessons. With his ear for musical subtleties, I wouldn't be surprised if he taught himself. He also says that he felt freer to "experiment" with his voice on "Broken China"...perhaps he knew all along...?