Music Lesson: Style Upgrade with Tori Kelly

Introduction

Today's lesson is a style upgrade lesson focusing on the incredible Tori Kelly. She's an amazing vocalist from the States and serves as a great example because she explores various genres and styles, including:

• Gospel
• Soul
• R&B
• Pop

Tori is particularly notable for her vocal agility and her ability to perform intricate riffs. If you haven't heard her version of Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder from the Sing movie, it is mind-blowing! And if you're looking to challenge yourself, that song is a great choice.

Lesson Focus

However, for today we'll look at two good lick examples.

First Example: "Dear No One"

The first example comes from a song she wrote a while ago called "Dear No One." This piece beautifully incorporates many aspects we've covered in our ornamentation and style lessons.

Techniques Used:

• Flips
• Turns

Starting Note:

This lick is in F# major, and the first note we want is A#.

Practicing the Lick

Let's break it down:

1. Sing "O":

   • Here's our flip: O.
   • Then, go down to O.

2. Turn Introduction:

   • There's our flip and our turn.
   • This creates a flowing, light throwaway lick that is nice and tasteful between sections.

Group Practice

Now, let's try it together!

1. Alicia, start with the flip:

   • Sing "O."
   • Great! One more time: "O."

2. Adding the Turn:

   • Here's the term, where you note above and down. Try it again.
   • Don't forget that little bit of chink! That's it, cute!

Swing Feel

Next, this is a really cool example of swing 16, a rhythm that feels almost swung.

• Slowing It Down:
  • Let's take this slow: "3 and 4 and..."

Repetition:

• Great! Try it again: "3 and 4."
• Remember, at the bottom of the flip, it should be an O.

Final Practice

• So, "O" then "O." Now, let's repeat together:
  • "3 and 4, come down to O." That's right!

Relax Before Starting:

• Just relax your jaw before you start for a nice, easy entry.

Conclusion

• Perform it one last time: "O" and the turn, "Whoa, whoa!"
• This is a standard lick worth mastering, as you'll find yourself using it constantly once you have that turn down.

Once you've integrated this turn into your vocabulary, it will feel great! But remember, take the time to break it down until it feels really fluid and easy.

Wrap-Up

And that concludes our first lick from Tori Kelly. Let's continue to practice and master these techniques!