Jerry-

Bluegrass and southern gospel uses the call and response or echo but there is very little vocal improvisation. Even on songs where we don't use back-up singers and multiple voice parts, I still try to improvise the melody in a blues/jazz style and occasionally yodel and make abrupt high pitch yells.

The Appalachian ballad style solo singing (usually for slower songs) is ornamental and improvisational to a point, but there aren't extra improvised lyrics or sections designated for improv.

I'm working on the black gospel song, "Put Your Hand in Mine" for our next CD. I'm not sure if there will be enough room for it though. I learned from a tape of a small black church service in the area (NC). Do you know that song?

Keep it up,

Richie