What I Found Out...

I am so much more comfortable in a zany character than I am as myself. I hate being vulnerable. This will likely come to light when I sing next class, but today I found out that it's completely okay to be a character in this era. Melinda really helped me key into the full potential of "'Murder,' He Says" today. I had everything I was supposed to have in mind ready in case I was asked about intention, but I found that I needed to just let it all go and feel the song. It's jazz. That's what jazz is about. I just had trouble finding my character in the song. I found a good example of being nasal-y but using it to your character's advantage.
This is Christina Saffran singing off key and nasal-y, but still perfect for her character:

"Murder," He Says

I'm going to be completely honest: while I was thrilled to find "To Keep My Love Alive," deep down I wanted to perform "'Murder,' He Says" from the film "Happy Go Lucky." This song was written by Jimmy McHugh and Frank Loesser, one of whom is one of my favorite song writers of all-time (Frank Loesser).
Being a jazz tune, I feel much more at home singing the crap out of it and not being shy. That's my main issue when it comes to performance: being shy. Jazz helps me leave everything behind me and just feel the music. This is why I gravitate more toward performers like Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. I'm looking forward to bringing the sass next Wednesday.

"To Keep My Love Alive"- A Connecticut Yankee

I am very pleased I found this song. Pre-1943 musicals are not exactly my favorite, but it's always good to do things with which you're not comfortable. This is honestly the first song I came across that I felt I could enjoy singing from this era. Ballads are always more easily found as far as I'm concerned so finding a more uptempo song that is also quirky was nothing short of thrilling. I am now learning the song and am anticipating a fun performance of it next Wednesday!