Pro Secrets of Heavy Rock Singing (Music Sales America) Review

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(More customer reviews)* First off, this is a very good book that I ejoyed quite a bit, and will go back to re-read several times, I'm sure.I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could.I say this because most of my comments below will sound a bit critical, but I don't mean to convey a negative impression, necessarily, I just state where this book might have been even better.Bill Martin did a fine job overall, IMO.
This book was supposed to be entitled "Metal Pipes" from what I'd heard about beforehand, and only recently learned that it had been released under the eventual title.It's a very good read, mostly because of the interviews with star rock/metal singers.A couple of comments...
1. The first section of chapters, which is actually quite short and repeats phrases/views from the subsequent interviews with the singers, is actually sort of okay, but not that good.If you've never learned anything about singing at all (e.g., the importance of hyrdation, warmup, and sleep/rest), it will be of help, but it is of limited value and really is a rather half-hearted attempt at delivering the basics of vocal production/technique and maintenance/care.It probably would have been better to integrate more on these topics with some of the sources cited on vocal technique/production and the interview comments/opinions in a summary section at the end of the book.The section on producing 'rasp' was quite unique, however, and one I've not seen before, even in Mark Baxter's "Rock and Roll Singer's Survival Manual".
2. Most of the interviews are quite good, but they are of varying quality, not because of the questions asked, but rather because some of the singers didn't really say that much in their responses (e.g., Rik Emmett, surprisingly).My favorite interview was with Tim "Ripper" Owens, who was very forthcoming in his responses (and he's a really good guy, I e-mailed with him a few times on vocal technique).I'd heard that Michael Matijevic, of Steelheart and "Rock Star" fame, was going to participate, but apparently this didn't ultimately happen.
3. Finally, a word of caution - although most of these singers have had some lessons at some time in their careers, none of them are experts in vocal production, so I'd say to take their advice if it seems logical or workable, apply it, and if it doesn't seem to be working out for you, drop it.Just because they sing well does not mean that their advice will necessarily work for you - every voice is different.
* Bottom line:Very good overall, could have been a bit better.Maybe I'll write a follow-up that addresses some of the shortcomings I saw in this book and interview some of the missing greats (e.g., Halford, Dio, Kiske).

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Product Description:
This is the first instructional singing book to address exclusively rock sining in the singer's own words. Learn what it takes to sing like a professional, maximize your vocal range, increase power, and avoid burnout. Learn what to do on the road before and after a show to maintain your rocking voice. All that and more as international stars such as Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Tate, and Joe Lynn Turner among others share their insider knowledge in "Pro Secrets of Heavy Rock Singing".

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