Solo Versus Groups
To perhaps say the obvious, glides are the most important for a singer singing a cappella (by himself/herself). There is no harmony except what the singer adds through glides and drops.
In theory, if there is an instrumental background, the background can provide the harmony and the glids and drops are not needed. In fact, a singer singing by himself/herself is still extremely likely to have glides and often has drops.
What about groups, such as a choir? I am sympathetic to the notion that a choir should not do glides.
However, as far as I know, a small group doing glides together is wonderful. I think Peter, Paul, and Mary are a good example. I speculate that a choir doing glides will sound heavenly, though that is currently just a guess.
In contrast, I have heard a small group with two singers, where the singers were not using the same style. One singer was doing standard rock glides with no drops; the other singer was doing prolonged glides with occasional drops. They effect was very irritating. Essentially, they were two excellent singers with beautiful voices who did not sound good together.
So, when you sing with someone, you two must agree on your style of glides and drops.
NEXT: Glides for Repeating Notes
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