Mouth Sounds and Imitations
Irwin has a unique ability to make an extremely wide variety of sounds with his mouth, whether he is imitating the voices of others, musical instruments or the sounds found in everyday life. Utilizing these vocalizations in both storytelling and musical performances, he has been called "a veritable master of sound effects and voices" and a "virtual sound factory".
In storytelling, he is best known for his "old lady characterizations" as he recounts tales of Marguerite and her friends, giving each a distinct voice that, with just a few words, can convey a great deal about that character’s personality. Irwin's storytelling albums showcase a wide variety of sound effects as well, ranging from the annoying musical ring of a cell phone to the low bellow of a fog horn. In his musical performances, the instruments he imitates include electric guitar, trumpet and tuba, leading Irwin to note, "The closest thing I have to a keyboard player is my face".
Additionally, he is an extraordinary whistler, able to make sounds on both inhalation and exhalation, which allows him to whistle without pausing for about one and a half minutes. The Beacon, the student newspaper for the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, recounted a portion of Irwin’s performance:
'Someone ask me if I smoke,' said Irwin. The audience complied. Then he whistled without taking a breath for over a minute. After which he answered with a sly 'No.'
Ironically, a quote by Irwin--"Don’t be afraid to be amazing"—appeared on The United Pro Choice Smokers Rights Newsletter Issue #178.
Read more about this topic: Andy Offutt Irwin
Famous quotes containing the words mouth, sounds and/or imitations:
“Out of a dog’s mouth will never come ivory tusks.”
—Chinese proverb.
“The comedy of hollow sounds derives
From truth and not from satire on our lives.”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
“Our vices always lie in the direction of our virtues, and in their best estate are but plausible imitations of the latter.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)