5.1 The role of vocalists in jazz

Jazz vocalists evolved from background performers to stars, shaping the genre's sound. They introduced scat singing, blues inflections, and innovative phrasing, expanding jazz's emotional range and musical complexity.

Vocal techniques in jazz differ from other genres, emphasizing improvisation, flexible pitch, and complex harmonies. Jazz singers adopt a conversational style, using subtle expression and rhythmic tension to interact with instrumentalists as equals.

Evolution of Jazz Vocalists

Evolution of jazz vocalist's role

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• Early 20th century blues singers in vaudeville and tent shows established foundation for jazz vocal style
• Call-and-response patterns in work songs and field hollers influenced jazz vocal phrasing and improvisation
• 1920s jazz age and prohibition sparked rise of speakeasies and nightclubs where vocalists performed with dance bands
• Late 1920s to early 1930s transition from ensemble member to featured performer driven by development of microphone technology allowing for softer, more intimate vocal styles
• Swing Era (mid-1930s to late 1940s) elevated vocalists to star status with big bands featuring them prominently (Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald)
• Emergence of vocal groups and close harmony singing added new dimension to jazz vocals (The Mills Brothers, The Andrews Sisters)

Vocalists' impact on jazz development

• Scat singing introduced vocal improvisation using nonsense syllables, mimicking instrumental solos (Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong)
• Blues inflections incorporated use of blue notes and sliding pitches, adding expressive techniques like growls and moans (Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday)
• Lyrical themes expanded to cover love, social commentary, racial issues, and urban life experiences (Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit")
• Rhythmic phrasing emphasized syncopation and swing feel, with behind-the-beat or ahead-of-the-beat delivery (Sarah Vaughan, Mel Tormé)
• Melodic interpretation showcased embellishments and variations on written melodies, with personalized phrasing and timing (Ella Fitzgerald's scat solos)

Vocal Styles and Techniques

Jazz vs contemporary vocal styles

• Jazz vocal techniques:
  • Improvisation and scat singing create spontaneous melodies and rhythms
  • Flexible pitch and intonation allow for expressive bending of notes
  • Complex harmonic understanding enables navigation through chord changes
• Other contemporary genres:
  • Pop focuses on clear diction and stable pitch for radio-friendly sound
  • Classical emphasizes proper technique and tone production for consistent timbre
• Phrasing differences:
  • Jazz adopts loose and conversational style, mimicking natural speech patterns
  • Other genres often employ more structured and predictable phrasing for easier audience comprehension
• Emotional expression:
  • Jazz favors subtle and nuanced delivery, conveying depth through understatement
  • Other genres may prioritize power or technical perfection to evoke strong emotions
• Rhythmic approach:
  • Jazz incorporates swing feel and syncopation, creating tension and release
  • Other genres often utilize more straightforward rhythms for danceable or singable melodies
• Interaction with instruments:
  • Jazz treats vocalists as equal to instrumentalists, encouraging interplay and improvisation
  • Other genres typically position vocalists as the primary focus, with instruments providing support