Raw Solos
For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to understand why people love a cappella. Heck, even for those of us who do actively enjoy it, it can be difficult to put into words why we enjoy this art form so. While we’ll never have a truly comprehensive list of everything cool about a cappella, 200 Reasons to Love A Cappella is our best attempt at assembling a list of what makes it great.
Reason #146: Raw Solos
When I think of premier soloists in the a cappella world, I’m often drawn to folks with silky smooth vocals, impressive range, or all-around perfect musicianship. But there are other solos worth celebrating. One of the great under-recognized styles is the raw solo.
The raw solo is all about emotion. It’s about being willing to growl, to scream, to whimper; to wince, to grimace, to cry. Mind you, just because a solo is raw does not necessarily make it good, but when a skilled performer sings the right song and connects with just the right moments, something truly emotionally gripping can evolve.
I love it!