|
|
|
|
Jazz 101 Style
Vocal Jazz
|
|
In its broadest sense, the term vocal jazz could be used to
link such diverse singers as Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald,
the common thread being the jazz-inflected phrasing and sensibilities these
performers manage to impose on what is essentially pop material. More specifically focused
is the phrase "vocalese," which is often applied to any extended example of wordless
scat singing, but is actually meant to characterize the singing of a set of lyrics
specifically crafted to a previously existing instrumental solo. This practice has its roots
in the 1930s, but was first brought to widespread popularity by King Pleasure's 1953
hit recording of "Moody's Mood For Love," the melody of which was based on a solo by
saxophonist James Moody, improvised from the popular standard "I'm In The Mood
For Love." The new lyrics were provided by Eddie Jefferson, another vocalese
pioneer. The singing trio of Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross further developed this new art
form, and Jon Hendricks in particular has been an active and influential
contributor to this unique subgenre of jazz.
|
|
|
Traditional
