I’ve sung to hundred (often) and thousands (occasionally), and handfulls. In one concert, there was me, my pianist, the guy who unlocked the venue and one person who walked in off the street. I’ve sung in amphitheaters, auditoriums and opera houses. But most of my performances have been in churches.
I’ve been singing all my life. My Mom used to say she could tell if I wasn’t feeling well: there was no singing going on. I sang everywhere but my favorite spot was at the bottom on the basement stairs. Right at the landing was the best spot for reverb. It was like singing in the shower without the water. I sounded great…to me. My family was not supportive of my efforts. This was a self-motivated endeavor. Fortunately, as I worked at it, I got better.
I sang in choirs, ensembles, and everything I could find to join. I was in high school choir, Sealth Singers, All City Choir, All State Choir, and college choir. Eventually I ran out of choirs, trios and quartets and performed as a solo act.
I’m been singing Gospel music for over 40 years (not counting childhood). When I graduated from high school, I had a voice scholarship to one of the three best conservatories in the world (Eastman). If I had known more about school loans and how education works, I might have figured out how to take advantage of the opportunity. But since I couldn’t figure out the logistics, I stayed in Seattle.
As it turned out, I still make my living with my voice. Sometimes is the written voice in an article or book. But mostly it’s lecturing to students. Lately, I’ve added some podcasts and videos. But none of that is as hard as doing one-night stands on the road. I’ve been blessed.
I’ve recorded two albums. The Christmas album (Katrina’s Christmas Wish) was recorded in North Carolina. With charts by Emmy-winning Richard Putnam and great licks from guitar stylist David Johnson, I sing some of my own songs and some classic carols. It’s a bit of Pavarotti meets the Beverly Hillbillies. Great fun. Katrina was in the early stages of her illness but hadn’t acquired all of the MS-like symptoms and heart problems associated with her ME (also called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).
Here at the tracks:
The second album (Professor Tangen’s Great Gospel Tour) is a brief history of American gospel music. Gospel music developed as preachers, peddlers and singing groups travelled across America, and ran into new music styles. At every step, they added they added something new to the mix. Gospel music in the US began with spirituals and “field holler” songs but soon encountered blues, jazz, and more modern styles. I sing some of my own songs and added some twists to old favorites. The album features jazz pianist Mark Davidson’s arrangements.
Here are the tracks: