The extended technique of Rachelle Ferrell : a comparative investigation

This paper aims to explore and quantify the spectrum of extended vocal techniques exhibited by the singer Rachelle Ferrell. Extended vocal technique is a category of sounds produced by the vocal in strument where the main unifying factor, (of the techniques), is that they fall outside any description of normal vocal sound. A smaller ideal of the paper is exploring the way in which the use of these extended technical devices impacts on the expressionistic qualities of Ferrell's recorded music. Is the use of extended vocal technical device sheer gimmick or is there a legitimate place for these techniques in the name of artistic endeavour?

After initial categorisation, where the techniques that Ferrell exhibits will be classified as being either breath based or noise based, each separate technique will be addressed, establishing further categories, named in relation to the use of the technique. Within these smaller technique categories Ferrell's particular utilisation will be examined alongside other singers who use the same or a similar technique in their vocal practice. These singers have been chosen principally for their use of extended techniques and their professional standing; all are recognised as exceptional in their fields.

The process of examining and categorising the extended vocal techniques will involve discussion of the history of each particular technique, transcribed and/or audio examples demonstrating the techniques in question and comments on the effect gained through the use of each technique.

Chapter One of the paper constitutes an introduction of the various components used in the undertaking of the paper, including background information to the concept of extended vocal techniques and a bibliography of Ferrell.

Chapter Two focuses on the category of breath based techniques and the specific techniques that are included under this title, using singers Minnie Riperton and Sarah Vaughan as points of comparison.

Chapter Three concentrates on the noise based techniques category, exploring the techniques used by Ferrell together with similar techniques used by Cathy Berberian and Bobby McFerrin.

The song My Funny Valentine is looked at in the fourth chapter with a view to establishing the extent that Ferrell's ability to use extended techniques permeates her expression of a standard song. Ferrell's version of the song is contrasted beside versions of My Funny Valentine by Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald.

The fifth and final chapter recapitulates and draws conclusions from the information presented in the paper. This chapter also delivers ideas related to the denomination of extended vocal techniques and muses on whether the use of these techniques should be considered as expressionistic device or gimmick based novelties.