By Sigmond Jeffries

This month's poll question was thrown at area lead singers (and a Nashvillian for good measure): What 5 singers have the greatest range, and how has that challenged/inspired your singing?

SPLASH

1) Steve Perry of Journey Ð Though some might consider him sappy, he hit some of the greatest notes recorded.
2) Freddie Mercury of Queen- From operatic rock-n-roll to classic rockabilly, Freddie was as versatile as any singer in history.
3) Mariah Carey Ð Could hit higher notes than a dog whistle, or come down to a broody tenor.
4-Aretha Franklin Ð Unlike most, her voice seemed to grow better with age. She will send chills down your spine.
5) Whitney Houston Ð Sure she's nuts, but who can deny her "Star Spangled Banner" or BODYGAURD soundtrack. Unlike Aretha, though, the magic seems to be gone with age.

Mike Bain - DRENCHED - WWW.DRENCHED.INFO

1) Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin - By far the best singer in many minds, I try to hit some of his notes to warm up, usually ZEPPELIN ONE songs.
2) Layne Staley of Alice In Chains - A unique voice with nothing but soul and pain. That's singin'.
3) Phil Anselmo of Pantera - A great singing voice with the power to blow the doors off any venue.
4) Brad Delp of Boston - I thing he's very underrated. Can anybody else hit his notes?
5) The Beatles Ð Just pick one, except Ringo.
 

Debbie C - Bigger Dream

1) Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad - He is the first singer that I stood
in front of the mirror with a brush and sang to.
2) Paul Rodgers aka "The Voice" from Bad Company - The quality and range of his
voice is incredible.
3) Bonnie Raitt - She's a kindred spirit. I learned a lot from her, and I like
her style.
4) Pink- she has a lot of heart, has a huge range and a strong voice.
5) The Beatles - all of them sang, and they pose a big challenge to cover their
tunes, so many dynamics and vocal ranges.

OX Harrell Ð Epoxy Ð www.epoxyonline.com "First, I don't view myself as a singer. I think of myself as a motivator of people. If you come to an EPOXY show and we can't get you on your feet, we haven't done our job. I admire all singers but here are my most influential:"

1) Jonathan Davis (Korn) - ARE YOU READY! Do you remember the way you felt the first time you heard those words? Do you remember how you felt the first time you saw an interview with Jonathan Davis? What a geek! Yeah, "Super Geek!" I can't believe the sounds this guy can make with his mouth. Every noise rattles your soul like a sonic explosion. It's like a screaming beat-box, Davis Style! There's no confusing this sound! Dude - lose the skirt and fix your teeth. But, what the hell do I know? This bitch is married to former porn star Devin Davis. WOW!

2) Henry Rollins (Rollins Band, Black Flag, Spoken Word, Actor, etc.) - This guy will just tell you like it is. You have to admire a guy who practically invented hard-core punk. This badass just tells you he's a Liar and laughs in your face. Henry Rollins in not afraid to stand up for his beliefs, and he always puts his money/effort where his mouth is! Just when you think he's done rocking the ages, he comes around with a Spoken Word Tour and shocks the world! Actor? WellÉlet's just say there are no Oscars in his future!

3) Brad Nowell (Sublime) - If you've ever been to an EPOXY show, then you sure as hell have heard some Sublime influences. Brad Nowell was as energetic and carefree as we want to be. He had the power to bring you to your feet or the words to bring you to tears. When was the last time you went to a party and didn't hear some Sublime? I still find myself turning up the radio and singing along every time Sublime hits the rotation.

4) Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) - There was an explosion of the "Seattle Super Bands" in the 80's, but frontman Layne Staley stands out as one of the finest. The bandsÕ music will stand the test of time, but, unfortunately, his body couldn't stand the test of Heroin. Waste!

5) Perry Ferrell (Jane's Addiction) - The founder and father of Lollapalooza. Have you ever seen Jane's Addiction?

If not, get your ass a ticket and experience true musical genius while you still can.

Others:
Zack De La Rocha, Kurt Cobain, Dave Williams, Phil Anselmo, Jimmy Hendrix, Jim Morrison, etc.

"I never knew I wanted to be a singer until I found out I could not play the drums. There are a lot of better singers and there sure as hell are a lot of better drummers. I will always give it everything I got and I think it shows. I don't care what kind of music you like; if you come to one of our (EPOXY) shows you will get worked (and drunk)!"
Since our winter cover with Epoxy, the band had taken to the road with bands like Mudvayne, Superjoint Ritual (Pantera), Dog Fashion Disco, Sworn Enemy, Shadow's Fall, Slayer, Hatebreed, Burnt by the Sun, Dry Kill Logic and more! Check out their website and get their upcoming tour info ASAP!
 

Here's a special treat! Jessica Dawn, who recently moved to Nashville to pursue her music career, is still keeping in touch with SPLASH. Check in with Jessica on her webpage at ... www.jessicadawnband.com, and watch for further updates in future issues.

1) Tori Amos, Sarah Maclachlan, Jewel, and Joni Mitchell: (can these all be considered ONE? hee-hee) - helped me discover my "head" voice, which I knew I had but hardly ever used it. Singing is an emotional experience so when I sing in my higher register, I'm just conveying another "color" or "tone" of that emotion. It feels so natural for me to flow between ranges that I don't even know what I'm doing vocally half the time anymore because I get so lost in the music. They all deserve props for using both registers. Why not use all of what you've got?! Ya know what I mean?

2) Aretha Franklin - How could this soul sister NOT be on the list?!! She's got the widest range ever known! Rich as honey, deep as the ocean, and pure soul, attitude, and emotion coming from the depths of her heart. She's got it all, and she gives it all.

3) Patty Griffin - Her voice is amazing, sweet and raspy at the same time. She has the best tone and can wail like you wouldn't believe.

4.Robert Plant - Come on! He just rocks. No one can sing like that fool! He's got
such a unique range and voice...it's almost from another world.

5) Janis Joplin - If she wasn't on this list of singers, then this list would almost
suck. Janis represents vocal power and ability. She's the White Queen of Soul. I wish I could sing like her....I try, but it just doesn't come out right.

Okay, I know I can't add anymore. But just for the record, I have to
say good 'ol Stevie Wonder and Fiona Apple and Alanis....there's just too many!!!! They all have wonderful ranges and have inspired me.