Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Joett's New Single Released Around the World

My new single I Could Never Live (Without Your Love) went out on digital release yesterday (December 20th 2010). I've spotted it on Amazon MP3 and iTunes (not all the digital download sites have it up as yet). It is also available from my distribution label Island Def Jam Digital Distribution's download site where you may have a listen to the track samples and download straight off the site here.

Meanwhile, my record has been played to listeners around the world over 600 times on Internet Radio Jango. Thank you all for tuning in to listen. I will be keeping you posted on what's happening with the new Joett track right here.

JOETT
Singer/Songwriter | Vocal Coach
Mobile: +255 715 364 045 / +255 787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Monday, December 13, 2010

Listen to Joett's New Single On Internet Radio Jango

I just wanted to share some great news with you. In addition to local Tanzanian radio stations playing my record, Internet radio Jango is now playing my new single "I Could Never (Without Your Love)" to listeners all over the world. It has been a hectic week, to say the least. Don't know how I manage. The single is released Monday December 20th and there's still a lot to do. Please have a listen to the Radio Edit and Original Acoustic Version on Jango.

Here's the direct link to my Jango page: http://www.jango.com/music/Joett

Thanks for dropping by. Catch you later!


JOETT
Singer/Songwriter | Vocal Coach
Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Joett Arejea No Single Mpya

PRESS RELEASE YA REDIO -- Mwalimu wa kuimba wa kitanzania, Joett, ambae single yake ya kwanza iitwayo “Afro Lover” ili fika namba sita kwenye chati za dansi inchini Uingereza mwaka 1996, na kupigwa kwenye vilabu na hadi kutolewa kwenye compilation album kadhaa za dansi Uingereza, Ulaya na Arabuni, amerudi na kibao kipya kiitwacho “I Could Never Live (Without Your Love)” – tafsiri yake ikiwa… “Siwezi Kuishi (Bila Penzi Lako)”. Rekodi hiyo mpya inaingia sokoni ulimwenguni tarehe 20 Desemba 2010 kupitia Island Def Jam Digital Distribution iliopo inchini Marekani. Kibao hicho kipya kilirekodiwa sauti ya msanii huyo pamoja na acoustic guitar (ikipigwa na Ashimba), pale 41 Records, Dar es salaam, na producer Ken Kanyeria; alafu, kwa kutumia kampuni ya kusafirishia vifurushi FEDEX, Joett alipeleka faili hizo za muziki katika studio ya kurekodia jijini London, Uingereza, kumalizia production, mixing, mastering na remixing ya kazi hiyo. Rekodi hiyo ina jumla ya track sita. Radio edit, remix, original acoustic version, na instrumental tatu. Joett, ambae ni mkazi wa jiji la Dar es salaam, ni mwalimu wa kuimba alie bobea katika fani hiyo, kutokana na mafunzo aliyoyapata nchini Uingereza. Anasema, “Ninafuraha sana kurejea katika fani ya kutengenza muziki, na hasa kufundisha watanzania wenzangu kuimba”.

Kwa Maelezo Zaidi Tembelea Blog yake: www.joettmusic.com
Au Piga Simu Namba: 0787 364 045 / 0715 364 045

Joett Makes a Comeback with Brand New Pop Single

PRESS RELEASE FOR RADIO -- Tanzanian vocal coach Joett, a former pop sensation whose debut single “Afro Lover” peaked at number six in the UK dance charts in 1996; and featured in a multitude of club playlists and dance compilation albums across the UK, Europe and the Middle East, is back with a brand new single “I Could Never Live (Without Your Love)” which goes on worldwide digital release via US-based Island Def Jam Digital Distribution on December 20th 2010. Joett’s vocal was originally recorded with accompanying acoustic guitar – with Tanzanian guitarist Ashimba – by Kenyan born record producer Ken Kanyeria at 41 Records in Dar es salaam. Joett then FEDEXed the sound files to a state-of-the-art recording studio in London for further production, mixing, mastering and remixing. The final product includes a total of six tracks. The radio edit, remix, original acoustic version and three instrumental tracks. Joett, a resident of Dar es salaam and an accomplished vocal coach who was trained in the UK, spends most of his time teaching his growing list of students how to sing. He says, “I am delighted to be back making music, and especially to be teaching my fellow Tanzanians to sing!”

For More Information Visit his Blog at: www.joettmusic.com
Or Call: 0787 364 045 / 0715 364 045

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Joett - from Electronic Pop and Techno, to Acoustic & Jazz

I took to the stage yesterday, after many many years...maybe too many. But it's nice to be back. Reflecting on my on off musical career and my previous comeback in 1996 to launch my debut single Afro Lover, it has been 26 years in the business. Wow! From cabaret, to electronic pop and techno, to last night's acoustic and jazz performance, well, I think I've come full circle. It's been an incredible journey. So: where do I go from here?

Well, let's see. My new single "I Could Never Live (Without Your Love)" goes out next month (December 20th), and my debut album "Vintage In Color" will be released next year. Funny, I've had singles, AND featured on numerous compilation albums, but I've never put out a solo album myself. This is going to be interesting.

Due to reasons beyond my control -- I had a lot on last night -- I was unable to fully introduce background to all the great classics that I sang, although I did have the text appertaining to each track right there on stage with me. Therefore, I've decided to blog all of that here. Please see below.

I kicked off with a rendition of my new single accompanied by acoustic guitarist Ashimba; and then continued the show with full orchestral backing tracks from the United Kingdom. My appreciation goes out to Alan McPike for this outstanding sound, and for arranging the licenses to perform these copyrighted classics.

[TRACK 1] "Strangers in the Night" is a popular song written by Charles Singleton, Eddie Snyder and Bert Kaempfert, made famous in 1966 by Frank Sinatra. Reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Easy Listening chart, it was the title song for Sinatra's 1966 album Strangers in the Night, which would become his most commercially successful album. The song also reached number one on the UK Singles chart. Sinatra's recording won him the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist or Instrumentalist for Ernie Freeman at the Grammy Awards of 1967. And if I’m honest, this is the song that inspired me to sing.

[TRACK 2] "The Shadow of Your Smile", also known as "Love Theme from The Sandpiper," is a popular song. The music was written by Johnny Mandel, the lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. The song was introduced in the 1965 movie The Sandpiper with a trumpet solo by Jack Sheldon and later became a minor hit for Tony Bennett (Johnny Mandel arranged and conducted his version as well). It won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Well-known versions of the song were recorded by Barbra Streisand (on her 1965 album My Name Is Barbra, Two...), singer Shirley Bassey (on her 1966 album I've Got a Song for You), Andy Williams, Al Martino, Perry Como, Nancy Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan and Frank Sinatra.

[TRACK 3] "Unforgettable" is a popular song written by Irving Gordon. The song's original working title was "Uncomparable". The music publishing company asked Irving to change it to "Unforgettable". The song was published in 1951. The most popular version of the song was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951, with an arrangement written by Nelson Riddle. A non-orchestrated version of the song recorded in 1952 is featured as a bonus track on the CD reissue of 1955's completely instrumental (save the bonus material) Penthouse Serenade. Cole again recorded the tune in 1961, in a stereo version of the Riddle arrangement, for the album The Nat King Cole Story. His version of the song was included in its entirety in the 2009 film Watchmen. In 1991, after Elvis Presley's legendary musical director Joe Guercio had the idea, Cole's 1961 recording of the song was edited and remixed to create a duet with his daughter, Natalie, which won three awards at the Grammy Awards of 1992: Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. Nat Cole's original recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000.

Notable cover versions. A partial list includes

# Earl Grant (1960)
# Peggy Lee (1963)
# Aretha Franklin (1964)
# Sammy Davis, Jr. (1965)
# Marvin Gaye (1965)
# Aretha Franklin (1976)
# Esther Phillips (1976)
# Lou Rawls (1977)
# Engelbert Humperdinck (1980)
# Johnny Mathis (1983)


[TRACK 4] "When I Fall in Love" is a popular song, written by Victor Young (music) and Edward Heyman (lyrics). It was introduced in the film One Minute to Zero. The song has become a standard, with many artists recording it, though the original hit version was by Doris Day. Doris Day's recording was made on June 5, 1952. The song reached number 20 on the Billboard chart. A cover version was recorded by Nat King Cole on December 28, 1956. The single was released in the UK in 1957, and reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. This recording was re-released in 1987, reaching number 4 on that occasion. It competed with a version by Rick Astley released at the same time. Astley's version reached number 2. This song has also been recorded by Romantic singer Johnny Mathis. Blues-lounge singer Etta Jones 1961. And there were other version by The Lettermen issued as a single in 1961; and  The Carpenters recorded this song for their last television special, Music, Music, Music! And Country singer Kenny Rogers included his version on his collection of love songs, Always and Forever.

[TRACK 5] "Walk On By" is a song composed by Burt Bacharach, with lyrics by Hal David. The song was originally recorded by, and a hit for, Dionne Warwick. It has subsequently been covered many times, and has been a hit for several other artists as well, including Isaac Hayes, The Stranglers, D-Train, Jo Jo Zep, Sybil, Gabrielle, Cyndi Lauper and Seal.

[TRACK 6] "Cry Me a River" is a popular American torch song, written by Arthur Hamilton and first published in 1953. Originally written for Ella Fitzgerald to sing in the 1920s-set film, Pete Kelly's Blues (released 1955) but the song was dropped. Fitzgerald first released a recording of the song on Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! in 1961. The song's first release and most famous recording was by actress/singer Julie London in 1955. A sultry performance of the song by London in the 1956 film The Girl Can't Help It helped to make it a million-selling blockbuster (#9 US/#22 UK).

[TRACK 7] "A House Is Not a Home" is a 1964 song recorded by American singer Dionne Warwick. Written by the team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song was a modest hit in the U.S. for Warwick, peaking at #71 on the pop singles chart as the B-side of the top 40 single, "You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)". Two weeks earlier, a competing version by Brook Benton had debuted on the Billboard Hot 100. Benton's version split airplay with Warwick's, and ultimately peaked at number seventy-five. The Brook Benton version of the tune was used as the theme for the film of the same name. The song was covered by R&B singer Luther Vandross, whose version became an R&B hit in 1981. His performance of the song at the NAACP Awards telecast would bring Warwick to tears. Vandross' version would be sampled two decades after that by Kanye West on his, Jamie Foxx's and Twista's hit, "Slow Jamz", in 2004.

[TRACK 8] "Summertime" Composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. There are some 22,700 different recorded versions of the song. Including Billie Holiday Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald in 1957, Gene Vincent in 1958, Sam Cooke in 1961, and Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company on the 1968 album Cheap Thrills. The most commercially successful version was by Billy Stewart, who reached # 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. The latest version of Summertime is by Mica Paris, released on her latest album (a copy of which I have) last year. Awesome!


[TRACK 9] "For All We Know" is a popular song written for the 1970 film Lovers and Other Strangers by Fred Karlin, Robb Wilson (Robb Royer) and Arthur James (Jimmy Griffin). It was originally performed by Larry Meredith. It was heard by Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters during an evening of relaxation at the movies while on tour. Carpenter decided it would be ideal for the duo. It became a hit for them in 1971, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and number one for three weeks on the U.S. easy listening chart. The song became a hit in the UK for Shirley Bassey in 1971. It peaked at number six during a 24-week chart run.

[TRACK 10] “This Masquerade" is a song written by Leon Russell. The song has also been recorded by many other artists. Helen Reddy. The Carpenters recorded a version of the song and released it on their 1973 album. Shirley Bassey has also recorded this song, first released on her 1982 album All By Myself. The song was also a top-ten pop and R&B hit for jazz guitarist/vocalist George Benson, who recorded it on his 1976 signature album Breezin'. It reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Benson won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year with his version of  the song.

[TRACK 11] WHEN I FALL IN LOVE: Groove Version of this Nat King Cole timeless classic.

[TRACK 12] "Always and Forever" is a 1976 R&B song written by Rod Temperton and first recorded by the British-based multinational funk-disco band Heatwave. The song is included on Heatwave's debut album Too Hot to Handle and has been covered by numerous artists. R&B-pop vocalist Luther Vandross released his cover of "Always and Forever" as the second single from his 1994 album, Songs. His recording earned him a Grammy Award nomination in the category Best Male R&B Vocal performance at the Grammy Awards of 1995 and placed on four Billboard charts, with its best showing on the R&B chart where it reached #16

Whew! I received an SMS from my sound engineer that said, "You performed 13 songs, straight, with no break. How do you do it? Great show!" Well, frankly I hadn't quite thought about that, but when I look back to reflect, I sure as hell had a LOT on my plate last night.

THANKS TO MY TEAM

I would like to thank all the members of my crew for their invaluable contribution to the show. They were all fantastic. I couldn't have done it without them.

1. Ashimba (Guitarist)
2. Ken Kanyeria (Sound Engineer)
3. Pili Malundila (Visa2Dance Dancer)
4. Mombeki (Visa2Dance Dancer)
5. Aloyce Makonde (Visa2Dance Choreographer)
6. Enock Andrew aka Young E (Road Manager)
7. Adam Rafi (Personal Assistant)
8. Dianna (Makeup Artist & PA to Young E)


I'd also like to thank the organizers French Kiss, for inviting me to perform at their absolutely fabulous Beaujolais event. You did a great job. Big up to you all. What a colorful night! And to everyone who attend the event, you were a great audience. Thank you.


As always, thanks for dropping by my blog.

Catch you next time,

JOETT
Jazz Singer | Vocal Coach
Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Friday, November 12, 2010

Joett Concert Movenpick Hotel 25th November

Well, that rehearsal week went by really quickly. I was back teaching voice on Monday and this week is now drawing to an end. Phew! My concert at the Movenpick is getting closer. The date is Thursday November 25th. Dinner starts at 7pm and I go on stage at 9pm.

Prior to the show I will be taking a two-week break from teaching as of Monday November 15th, and I shall reopen my studio on the 29th of November. I need this time out to finalize the show's production details. I do have quite a large repertoire and a lot on my plate. To all my students, I apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please bear with me.

DANCE will continue as usual as per schedule -- with the exception of Thursday 25th November. I had thought of canceling this too but since it only requires an hour-a-day of my time (and I'd sure love the exercise) I decided to keep this one going. Please make your reservations as per usual.

The sound files of my new single "I Could Never Live (Without Your Love)" took off for London this morning via FEDEX courier; where they will be mixed, mastered and remixed at a state-of-the-art recording studio. I'm quite excited. At long last. It's done. However, the original version was on piano...which I have now scrapped. This will not appear on my single. I have recorded an acoustic guitar version of it with a phenomenally talented guitarist named Ashimba...who will also be playing with me live at the gig. Hope to see you all there :-)


As always, thanks for dropping by. Catch you later!


JOETT
Dance Choreographer | Vocal Coach
Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

All Voice & Dance Classes Canceled for this Week

I closed down my studio this week to focus on rehearsing for my upcoming concert at the Mövenpick Hotel, Dar es salaam. It'll only be for this week -- 1st to 6th Nov. I couldn't do both, teach and rehearse, not to mention, I still have some pending work at the recording studio to complete my new single "I Could Never Live (Without Your Love)" and the voice training program that goes with the CD  as bonus package. To all my students, please accept my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.

In the meanwhile, rehearsals are going great. Grueling, but I think I'm holding it together. It's tremendously enjoyable. I do nothing else all day. Can you imagine that? If I wasn't a trained singer, my voice would give way. That's for sure. Well, all classes (dance and voice) will resume on the 8th of November. See you folks then. Thanks for popping by my blog. I'll keep you posted (right here).


JOETT
Dance Choreographer | Vocal Coach
Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Speech Therapy to Improve Your Singing

How you speak could very easily hold you back from harnessing your full potential when you sing. Often referred to as your chest voice, your speaking voice—in singing, is in your lower register. The trouble is, if your voice – when you speak – lacks clarity, power, balance, consistency and resonance, chances are you will likely fall short of the basic qualities needed to becoming a better singer. Singing is defined as sustained speech over a broad range of connected notes using vibrato, dynamics and emotive interpretation.  

Try speaking the following well-chosen sentences into a tape recorder and LISTEN to your voice very carefully. If you don’t like what you hear, chances are you're not speaking in your true voice. So: work on CHANGING the way you speak by using your lower register to speak (as low as you can get); and then try to sing in that same (lower) register, and work your way up the scale. Use that (lower register) as your base voice. You'll be amazed what a huge difference it can make to your singing voice. So, speak the following words, and then try singing them.

Good morning Andy
How’s your leg?
When are you coming back?
Oh, that’s really wonderful.




As always, thanks for dropping by. Catch you later!

JOETT
Vocal Coach
Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Friday, October 8, 2010

Visa 2 Dance Contemporary Dance Festival

I've just finished my morning dance class. It was awesome. I can honestly say, the show is getting better and better with each class. There's absolutely no comparison with my first outing a couple of weeks ago. This is getting REALLY  hot! I'm varying the moves with every class to continually confuse the body. That is the best way to keep the burn factor going. I've lost SO MUCH weight in the last couple of weeks. And you know? I lift weights 5 times a week in my own gym (located in my garden), but DANCING has helped shift those extra pounds I wanted GONE real quick...not that I was overweight -- far from it! I guess I'm just obsessed with fitness. But honestly, DANCING -- the way I put you through your paces -- shreds fat so quickly. I love it! And I'm sure, when you see the NEW you, you will too. That said, nutrition is also key to a trimmer body. I WATCH what I eat. And soon, I will be dishing out advice on what to eat and what NOT to eat. I need a moment to compile a handy reference handbook for you. Hang on in there. Coming up!

Just to let you know that, after my dance class last night, I went to see the Visa 2 Dance Contemporary Dance Festival at the Diamond Jubilee Hall, Dar es salaam. Awesome! If you haven't been, then it's on again today at 7.30pm (8th Oct) and tomorrow at 7.30pm (9th Oct). The festival moves to Zanzibar Friday 15th October. More information is available on their website www.visa2dance.com

As always, thanks for dropping by. Catch you later!

JOETT
Dance Choreographer | Vocal Coach
Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

DANCE CLASS RESERVATIONS: Please call or SMS to book your place. Dance classes run Thursdays 6pm, Fridays 8.30am, Saturdays 7pm... in Oysterbay (Dar es salaam), 3 streets behind the Colosseum.  You'll receive directions via SMS when your booking is confirmed.

Monday, October 4, 2010

DANCE Compilation Of Nonstop Remixes "All for You!"

I went to 41 Records studio today, to mix some smash hit singles down to a one-hour-and-four-minute nonstop stomping dance remixes compilation of tracks I handpicked myself from my collection of CD singles I brought back from London. This is an AWESOME compilation of dance tracks from Kylie Minogue "Spinning Around", Kylie Minogue "Can't Get You Out Of My Head", Janet Jackson "All for You" (Thunderpuss Club Mix), Ultra Nate "Get it Up" (Full Intention Remix), Ultra Nate "Free" (Mood Swing II Swing Edit), Cher "Believe" (Almighty Definitive Mix), Armand Van Helden "You Don't Know Me" (Radio Edit), Armand Van Helden "You Don't Know Me", Joy Negro featuring Taka Boom "Must Be the Music" (Club Mix), Joy Negro featuring Taka Boom "Must Be the Music" (DJ Antoine vs Mad Mark Remix). The music doesn't stop...that's what this boils down to. My studio will be on fire this Thursday 6pm, Friday 8.30am, and Saturday 7pm. Book your place TODAY ... if you want a piece of the action.

A great many thanks to record producer Ken at 41 Records, for a job well done. Hey, need a dance tracks mix-down for a party you're throwing any time soon? He's the man! Just bring your original CDs, a blank CDR, and he'll turn your handpicked collection into one long nonstop floor filler for you. Here's the number to call: 0659 430 140 (Ken).

Thanks for popping by my blog, hope to see y'all soon!

JOETT
Dance Choreographer | Vocal Coach
Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

RESERVATIONS: Please call or SMS to book your place. Dance classes run Thursdays 6pm, Fridays 8.30am, Saturdays 7pm... in Oysterbay (Dar es salaam), 3 streets behind the Colosseum.  You'll receive directions via SMS when your booking is confirmed.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

DANCE to Positive Vibrations from Black Box

I'm SO overbooked today that I've had to add another class at 5.30 (just for today). So as it stands, my 7pm dance class is full, and so is my 5.30pm. That'll have to be it for the day :-). And to break you into a sweat and beyond, we will be dancing to the dance album Positive Vibrations from Black Box (which runs for 55 minutes) -- one of the world's most popular and influential dance acts/artists in the late 1980s and early 1990s and who remain one of the few piano-house groups to achieve mainstream success in Australia, America, the UK and the US by achieving double-platinum status at #1 during early 1991.  I love the pace of this album. It's ALL DANCE, with a couple of slow jam interludes to help you cool down a little before the next high-energy segment on the dance floor. It will be a BLAST. Enjoy!

Thanks to all of you for making this happen. There wouldn't BE dance classes if you didn't wanna DANCE. Karibuni sana!

Catch you later!



JOETT
Dance Choreographer | Vocal Coach

Mobile: 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

RESERVATIONS: Please call or SMS to book your place. Dance classes run Thursdays 6pm, Fridays 8.30am, Saturdays 7pm... in Oysterbay, 3 streets behind the Colosseum.  You'll receive directions via SMS when your booking is confirmed.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Dance to Shape Up - Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Now running nonstop dance compilation album from 95 North, released on the Stip Record label, the pace of the dance program has just gotten faster and more challenging... where the music, quite literally, doesn't stop for sixty minutes. I love it! This compilation includes dance tracks from Cris B. Project Feat. Mark Mack - Holdin' On (Swing 52s Revival Mix), Urban Underground Grooves - Streetplayers, Urban Underground Grooves - Out Of Sight, Temple Of the Groove - Treat Me Right (95 North Dub/95 North Vocal Remix), Le Monde - I Have No Fear (MindChime Club Mix), Hit the Boom - Don't Lose the Love (Basoki Club Remix), Bass Symphony - Deepside (LA Mix), JOETT - Afro Lover (MindChime Jam Deep Dub). Every single track is connected to the next... the music doesn't stop!

The current DANCE schedule is Thursday 6pm till 7pm, Friday 8.30am till 9.30am, Saturday 7pm till 8pm. Please call or SMS to book your place.

Catch you later,

JOETT
Mobile# 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Monday, September 20, 2010

Singing Workshops Come to Dar es salaam

Singing workshops are great fun. I've always wanted to do this. When I did the pilot I knew I was onto something truly awesome. I've now opened my studio doors to anybody out there who wants to put a new spin on singing. Here's what to expect. If you want to learn to develop your own individual style; write great songs; create fabulous melodies and sing in harmony with a blend of many different voices, then this workshop is for you. As we sing, I will be helping you AND others find your true voice. And in that process, you'll pick up on a lot of handy tips you never knew existed. It'll be a blast. To join my workshops you'll need to have had at least five hours of voice training with me. Otherwise you won't have the basic foundation to pull this off. My singing workshops run as follows: Wednesdays 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Fridays 5pm to 6pm. Saturdays 2pm to 3pm.

Hope to see you soon.

Joett
Vocal Coach - Pop, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Dance, Gospel
Mobile# 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Joett Dance Studio Schedule

The first dance class rolled out today [Thursday] at 6pm. To those of you who attended the class, thanks for coming. It was a pleasure to have you. I'm now adding new dates to the dance program. And they are as follows. Thursday 6pm till 7pm. Saturday 7pm till 8pm. I'm looking for additional slots during the week, what I'll do is when I've managed to allocate something I will let you know.

Joett Dance Studio is located in Oysterbay, three streets behind the Colosseum gym. Please call or SMS to reserve your place. 

Catch you later,

JOETT

Monday, September 13, 2010

Joett Dance Studio

I've been unable to start the dance program. Last week was practically impossible. My schedule is pretty tight. I had to reorganize that over the weekend. So now, hopefully, the first dance class kicks off this Thursday. I haven't quite decided on the time slot just yet, but as soon as I know, everyone on the waiting list will receive an SMS from me.

In the meanwhile my new DANCE calling cards (to appear on the flip side of my VOICE cards) are being printed as we speak. I've just approved the artwork (see left). Like it? So catch you later!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

New Voice and Dance Studio in Dar es salaam

I've been teaching voice from my very own living space for the past nine months, but as of Friday the 3rd of September, work on refurbishing one of my en-suite bedrooms into a voice and dance studio was completed and I received the first students into my new studio that very Friday. My vocal training space is now more spacious. Wonderful. And I do like the acoustics of the room too... cos you can now hear your own voice more clearly as it bounces back off the walls. There's hardly any furniture in the room. I will be adding more high stools in the coming weeks, and more framed pictures on the walls, but that's your lot. I intend to keep it as sparsely furnished as possible.

My Dance ad also went out Friday, but I don't intend to start until sometime next week. I still need to set up the dance program before I begin classes. Dance is the most fun way to get in shape, look good and feel great! As a former pop singer, dance choreographer and personal fitness trainer, not only have I got the dynamic dance moves to whip you into shape, I've now got a brand new dance studio! Come to think of it, I've always wanted this. Want to know what sort of moves you're getting yourselves into (if you sign up for this)? Think Janet Jackson. Think pop.

Catch ya later!

JOETT
Vocal Coach | Dance Choreographer
Mob# 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045
Email: info[at]joettmusic[dot]com

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Vocal Training: Finding Your True Voice, How Long Will it Take?

I received a call from a prospective student today, and they asked me a very interesting question. They wanted to know if by the end of the course they'd be able to sing. Well, without going into a long, drawn out song and dance over this, I simply replied that it all depended on the individual's ability (and talent!). Excellent question, it has to be said. And I'd like to expound on that in this blog post.

From when I started out vocal coaching in Dar es salaam in December last year, I've signed just over 70 students. But before I sign anybody up, I would have them pop round for a free thirty-minute assessment session where I'd want to hear them sing; after which I would run them through a breathing and vocal training exercise (with the scales) in order to assess where they're at vocally, and to demonstrate how I work. If I think they've got what it takes, I would invite them to sign up for the Beginners 1 Vocal Training Program. That said, during the fifteen hours of training they will receive on the program, I endeavor to help them improve the voice they already have. Thus far, my success rate has been pretty high. I'd say near enough 95% of my students have come away with remarkably better singing voices... and some have been outstanding. When I work my students through cover songs (or songs THEY, or I have written), the idea is to rein them in to apply what they've learned, to song (it works every time). I can help you improve your range, pitch accuracy, flexibility, and, of course, the quality of your voice through proper breathing techniques, but at the end of the day, YOU are the instrument and it's all down to you to make it work. My job is to help you find YOUR true voice and to help you use your God given instrument as best you can. I hope this has answered your question.

I'd like to thank the caller (you know who you are) for inspiring this blog post.

Sincerely,


Joett

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

How to Improve Your Tone When You Sing - Say Vaagh!

I was saying to one of my new students just yesterday that I ought to blog more often. Well, here's a quick line to just let you know that all is going well with my studio recording project, but hey, it is turning out to be quite a lot of work. I don't have a clue when all of this will end, but I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Some of the pointers (and exercises) in my upcoming vocal training CD will include how to say VAAGH to eliminate the nasal sound, and to improve your projection. Try this: Say VAAGH (the G being silent) ... make sure you open the mouth and ‘gradually’ drop the jaw – all the way down – as you say VAAGH. You'll notice that not only does everything come out the mouth, your voice is clearer and more powerful. This, I find, is one of the best ways to produce your real voice. Give it a go whenever you feel you're not hitting the mark with the tone when you sing.

Have fun!

Joett

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Piano and Vocal, Making Music the Old Fashioned Way

I just got back from a recording studio...where I was recording my next single I Could Never Live (Without Your Love). Piano and vocal... it's wonderful to make music the old fashioned way. I've tremendously enjoyed writing and composing this new track with my co-composer Luigi Tamburi -- a remarkably talented and skilled pianist -- it's an honor to be working with you, Luigi! It feels great to be recording again. All wrapped up now. We've nailed it! Next week we're back in the studio to lay down the vocal training module built around the song. After which, all the sound files go to a state-of-the-art recording studio in London for mixing, mastering AND we're getting a couple of dance remixes thrown in for good measure. I quite look forward to that. I'll keep you posted. Gotta catch some sleep now. I am exhausted and I've got a long day tomorrow.

Good night!


Joett

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

How the Diaphragm Affects Your Singing

Surrounding your lungs is a muscular system called the diaphragm which is attached to the lower, sides, bottom and back of your ribs. When you breathe in, the diaphragm muscle lowers and displace your internal organs. When you breathe out the diaphragm helps to bring in the muscles around the lungs (abdominal muscles) to control how quickly the breath is exhaled just like an accordion squeezing out air in a consistent way. 

If you breathe out fast, the diaphragm does nothing and just sits pretty.  When you breathe out very slowly, the diaphragm resists the contraction of the abdominal muscles. A good singer will then use this diaphragm muscular system to control the singing breath as it is being exhaled.

Hold your index finger about an inch from your lips and breathe out slowly and try to notice the action of the diaphragm as you exhale. This should be the amount of breath used when you sing. A singer does not need to 'push' or 'force' air through the vocal cords to produce a good strong or loud sound, doing this will create a lot of air pressure against the vocal folds and may damage the vocal cords.

This set of singing lessons cover the art (and science) of how your diaphragm affects your voice. If your singing were done by computer, you could click the mouse and correct the sounds and volume. However, you do not have a digital voice, just a human singing voice so you have to learn to control it from within. This article will help you achieve that goal.

If you've been singing any length of time, you have probably heard the phrase "sing with your diaphragm" already. But what does this really mean? What is your diaphragm and how does it work? How does the diaphragm help with singing? Let's explore what the word "diaphragm" really means and how it is connected to good singing. Read the article How the Diaphragm Affects Your Singing here.

Thanks for visiting,


Tony Joett
Vocal Coach - Pop, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Dance, Gospel

Friday, July 2, 2010

See Your Vocal Cords in Action




I thought it would be a good idea to let you see your vocal cords in action. According to Wikipedia, the vocal folds, also known commonly as vocal cords, are composed of twin infoldings of mucous membrane stretched horizontally across the larynx. They vibrate, modulating the flow of air being expelled from the lungs during phonation.

It goes on to say, open during inhalation, closed when holding one's breath, and vibrating for speech or singing (oscillating 440 times per second when singing A above middle C), the folds are controlled via the vagus nerve. They are white because of scant blood circulation.

The larynx is a major (but not the only) source of sound in speech, generating sound through the rhythmic opening and closing of the vocal folds. To oscillate, the vocal folds are brought near enough together such that air pressure builds up beneath the larynx. The folds are pushed apart by this increased subglottal pressure, with the inferior part of each fold leading the superior part. Under the correct conditions, this oscillation pattern will sustain itself. In essence, sound is generated in the larynx by chopping up a steady flow of air into little puffs of sound waves, called triygergonus. To read the full article on Wikipedia click here!

Thanks for dropping by,


tony joett


Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Handy Throat Remedies for Singers

I've just come out of a nasty bout with the flu. It put me out of action for two days in a row. Can you imagine that? I had to cancel all my classes for TWO days! Unheard of. Never thought this could happen to me (not with all the stuff I know about keeping the flu at bay). But anyway, I did beat the flu in the end, without a single dose of medication. In this blog post I just want to list a couple of handy flu and throat remedies that I use myself.

Fresh ground ginger always does the trick. When you've got a soar throat, take fresh ginger the size of your thumbnail, peal it, and then crush it. Throw it into a cup, ad a teaspoon of honey, a teabag (and milk if you want), hot water and drink up! Here's another great remedy that works every time. 1000 mg of effervescent Vitamin C. Drop one of those into a glass of water and drink up. When you're undergoing a flu attack like I recently did, I'd pop three of those down my gullet during the course of the day. And hey, it works! Hope this helps, you guys.

Thanks for dropping by, as always!


Tony Joett

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Working With Shirley Bassey Songs to Improve Your Voice

I remember when I was growing up -- I must have been eleven or twelve -- I used to listen, and singalong to a lot of Shirley Bassey songs. If I'm honest, she inspired me to sing. What I didn't know was that after all these years, I would be using her songs to help train my students. It works every time. I had a session yesterday where we worked with Shirley Bassey's song Something, and OMG it was amazing! The woman has a powerful voice... the perfect demo for voice training. Today, I gathered a few more songs from her back catalog and got the lyrics printed out and laminated (like I always do). I can see a lot of Shirley Bassey songs included in my training now -- from just a couple to over half a dozen. Wonderful! One of the songs I selected today is Shirley Bassey's This is My Life. Have a listen to it on YouTube. And while you're there, do check out some of the other songs she has on video.

Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey, DBE (born 8 January 1937 in Cardiff, Wales), is a Welsh singer who found fame in the late 1950s and has continued a successful career since then worldwide. She is best known for recording the theme songs to the James Bond films Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and Moonraker (1979), and is a UNESCO Artist for Peace. Her life and career, from Birth to 1959, 1960 to 1979, 1980 to 1999, 2000 to date, Personal life, Awards and achievements, Discography, Bibliography can be found on Wikipedia here.


Thanks for dropping by!


joett


Friday, May 28, 2010

How to Find a Rich Diet Of Great Vocals

How often does one hear a singer utter the words "I've been inspired by"? Well, it goes without saying, inspiration in music comes from music.
I've got a pretty long list myself. Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Peabo Bryson, The Temptations, Shalamar, Mica Paris, James Brown, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson, Omar, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross... and the list goes on. But what all of these legendary  artists have in common is they're damn good at what they do. I have nothing against current productions, there's some really good music out there, but in all honesty, if you look to yesteryear for musical inspiration, you can't go wrong. And the place to find this type of music is JazzFM.com. They play great music. If you love great music, you'll love this station. I listen to Jazz FM radio
over the Internet almost every day. Give it a bash! You won't regret it.

On Monday 5 April, Jazz FM released its latest compilation CD, Funky Sensation. Inspired by the now legendary weekly club event held at Ronnie's Bar at Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London's swingin' Soho, Funky Sensation  28 jazz, funk and soul classics, including The Blackbyrds, Luther Vandross, Gil Scott-Heron, Gwen McCrae, Sister Sledge and Earth, Wind & Fire. That's one more good reason to tune in to the station, their compilation albums are, quite literally, the icing on the cake!



joett
Vocal Coach| Pop, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Dance 

Thursday, May 27, 2010

How to Produce a Better Sound When Singing

I don't know how many times I repeat this over and over again in my singing lessons, I'm beginning to sound like a broken record. You could easily get away with mumbling your way in speech...with your mouth half closed, but when it comes to singing you're not going to get very far. You have to drop the jaw, take your voice back to the voice box, and use the vocal chords. Open your mouth to sing. There are no shortcuts. If you want to sing, I'm afraid, you will have to open your mouth. In order for that sound to come out loud and clear (and for you to hit the high notes with ease), you'll want a nice open throat. Try singing the vowels "A E I O U" with a half open mouth; and then place two fingers between your teeth to create a gap, and then go back to sing the vowels whilst maintaining that amount of space between your teeth. Look in the mirror as you do this. Chances are - if you do this correctly, you will hear a completely different (and better) sound in the latter.

For a detailed explanation on vocal cords, go to this article on Wikipedia  


Thanks for dropping by!



joett

Vocal Coach | Pop, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Dance

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Rozalla Miller: Brand New Version

I met Rozalla Miller at a popular nightclub at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe in the early 80s, where she had a regular gig at the time (and where I'd gone to audition for a slot at the same club), before she hit the big time in the UK with the club anthem Everybody's Free (To Feel Good) that debuted at number 6 on Top Of the Pops in 1991, and number 1 in the US dance charts ... and then she went on to tour with Michael Jackson. I've followed her career with interest (from the young talented girl in Zimbabwe to being crowned Queen Of Rave on the international arena); I met her again at a club in London just after she'd come off the stage. I've bought every album she's put out...dating back to the 90s. So when I found out she'd recently released a new album, I had to get it! 

Despite being best known for her 1991 hit 'Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)', Rozalla Miller's new album, Brand New Version, is much mellower than the dance-production she favored in the 90s. This album is a jazz/soul feel, and the song choices represent a departure from her previous work, with Brand New Version including covers of Paul Weller's 'Broken Stones' and Wolfman & Pete Doherty's 'For Lovers'. I do love the album, I've been playing it on repeat quite a lot in recent days. She's got a good, strong vocal. I'd advise you to grab a copy of her new album from HMV music store and have a listen.

Thanks for dropping by!

Joett

Music Conservatoire of Tanzania to Launch August 2010

The Music Conservatoire of Tanzania is coming in August 2010, and I've been invited to teach. They'll be based in Oysterbay, pretty close to where I live, and I believe they're in the process of building a website. So, if you're looking to learn to play an instrument, sing, whatever tickles your fancy, the Music Conservatoire of Tanzania will be the place to go. As soon as I have more information, I'll blog it here!

I haven't had a chance to blog in a while, but I intend to pop round here to do that as often as I can. There's so much I want to write about, but hey, you know what it's like when you're caught up with tons of other things that all need your attention (lol). So catch you later, folks. I promise.

Thanks for dropping by,

Joett

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Mica Paris Born Again

When I first met my record producer Tambi Fernando at his studio in London, he played me a couple of new tracks he'd been recording with Mica Paris. I was thrilled. Mica Paris is my idol, and here I was about to start working with someone who's produced for Mica Paris? You can imagine how I felt. Having debuted with the hit single My One Temptation back in 1988, Mica has now been in the entertainment business for over twenty years. I've bought every album she's ever put out -- that's how big a fan I am -- and now she's got a new album released 22nd March 2010 -- a repackaged Bonus Edition to her 2009 critically acclaimed album Born Again...and you guessed it, I bought the album! It is totally awesome. The album's title track and forthcoming single 'Born Again' is an epic ballad with sweeping strings and cut glass arrangement with a vocal that leaves you tingling. It is no wonder that Whitney Houston wanted this track for her come back. Producer Brian Rawling insisted that the song was "made for Mica" and Whitney was refused. And featured on the same album, a track entitled 'Breathless' was given to Mica personally by Rihanna.

My One Temptation, her chart-topping track from 1988, is also included in this album but in acoustic splendor. You've got to at least listen to the original version on this YouTube video here. Today, I downloaded the lyrics and used that to train one of my students...after we'd finished with the vocal exercises, of course. It is a great track to work with, under my guidance, if you want to learn how to sing like a diva.

Thanks for dropping by,

Joett

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Breathe Your Way to Better Singing

I cannot emphasize enough, the importance of breathing properly when you sing. Bad breathing equals bad vocals. It's really as simple as that. Two important pointers. Drop the jaw (the way you do when you yawn) and breathe in through the mouth every step of the way. Do not breathe in through your nose. There is a limited amount of air you can inhale through the nose in the short space of time available between each note when singing. Dropping the jaw to drink that breath is key. The wider you open your mouth, the more breath you're able to suck in. You will notice that at the top of your breath intake (when your mouth is wide open) is when you will be taking in the most breath.

I always tell my students that dropping the jaw to breathe not only trains you to open your mouth wide to breathe, it also trains you to open your mouth wide to hit the high notes! Yes, you heard that right.  A half open mouth will only deliver half the goods. I think that's a pretty good analogy. When your throat is wide open, your voice comes through more sharply, you'll have a better tone, and you will hit the high notes with greater ease. So the next time you're having trouble sustaining a note, check your breathing. Chances are you're not breathing correctly (for singing). I have corrected this problem with my students and every time, it has made a world of difference.

Thanks for dropping by!


Joett




Sunday, April 4, 2010

Craig David Signed, Sealed and Delivered

A diet of great music with good vocals is one sure fire way to understanding vocals. British singer Craig David, who made his big break with hit single Fill Me In at age eighteen ten years ago, has the kind of vocals you'll want to listen to intently and to analyze deeply. He has a new album Signed, Sealed and Delivered released this week. I've been listening to his interview with Trevor Nelson and Gemma on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Have a listen, and please pay close attention to his Live Lounge rendition of Fill Me In. An outstanding performance. Enjoy!

Have a great Easter Sunday!


Joett




Saturday, April 3, 2010

Vocal Coaching Comes to Tanzania



Not often do you stumble upon a niche that is screaming to be filled. Well, incidentally, it recently happened to me! When a couple of Dar es salaam record producers sent me four bongo flava artists to train, I realized from the outset that, indeed, there was a huge gap in the market for a professional vocal coach in Tanzania. But I didn't stop there. I decided to sling a classified ad in the local newspapers, and not only was I amazed at the response (the phone rang incessantly), I was delighted to be in a position to help. You know? Like giving something back to my local community? I for one was fortunate enough to have worked with one of the top record producers in the United Kingdom, multimillion-selling composer Tambi Fernando, and to have been trained by Sybil Esmore, a highly acclaimed  vocal coach who's also trained chart topping UK acts like MN8 (who toured with Janet Jackson). I have been privileged, to say the least, and nothing would please me more than to help singers in Tanzania, those of whom seriously want to sing like pros, develop their talent.

Did you know that there are dozens of subtle secrets, little magic techniques, all of which make you a slightly better singer? Now when you throw in some hard work you can become a great singer. Or if not great, then the best singer your talent will let you be. Talent counts. Hard work counts more. Training counts most of all. At the end of the day "You Are the Instrument!" All you need is someone to show you HOW to take the voice back down the throat to the larynx (or voice box) and use the vocal chords. That's all there is to it! And, needless to say, that's where I come in. I'd be thrilled to be given the opportunity to help improve the voice you already have. Not only will I help you improve your range, pitch accuracy, flexibility, articulation, I'll also show you how to breathe properly when singing, and where and how to place your voice (voice placement) and much more besides! If you're in Dar es salaam, please feel free to call me to book a FREE half-hour assessment session any day of the week except Sundays.  


Thanks for dropping by, and have a great day!


Joett
Mobile# 0715 364 045 / 0787 364 045.