5.2 Scat singing and vocal improvisation

Scat singing revolutionized jazz vocals in the early 20th century. From Louis Armstrong's "Heebie Jeebies" to Ella Fitzgerald's mastery, this improvised style using nonsense syllables elevated vocalists from background singers to featured improvisers.

Scat's impact on jazz is profound. It expanded vocal repertoire, influenced instrumental solos, and became a key part of jazz education. This uniquely American art form continues to evolve, integrating with modern techniques and influencing genres beyond jazz.

Understanding Scat Singing and Vocal Improvisation in Jazz

Origins of scat singing

Top images from around the web for Origins of scat singing

• 

  Scat singing - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Scat singing - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Ella Fitzgerald - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Scat singing - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Scat singing - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Origins of scat singing

• 

  Scat singing - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Scat singing - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Ella Fitzgerald - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Scat singing - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Scat singing - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Early 20th century jazz development sparked improvised vocal jazz using nonsense syllables
• Louis Armstrong's 1926 "Heebie Jeebies" recording pioneered scat singing technique
• Cab Calloway's hi-de-ho style popularized energetic, rhythmic vocal improvisation
• 1930s-1940s swing era vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald mastered and popularized scat
• 1950s-1960s bebop influence increased scat complexity, mirroring instrumental solos
• Modern era fuses scat with other vocal styles (hip-hop, world music)

Elements of vocal improvisation

• Syllabic choice shapes articulation and sound (doo, bop, ba, dee, ya)
• Phrasing utilizes breath control, silence, and melodic contour for expression
• Rhythmic variation employs syncopation, polyrhythms, and tempo manipulation
• Tonal elements incorporate various scales (blues, pentatonic, bebop) and chord tones
• Expressive techniques use dynamics, timbral variation (growls, whispers), and pitch bending
• Personalization of syllable repertoire creates unique vocal signatures

Impact of scat on jazz

• Elevated vocalists from "band singers" to featured improvisers in ensembles
• Expanded vocal jazz repertoire with wordless compositions and instrumental adaptations
• Influenced instrumental solos, inspiring "vocalized" phrasing and articulation techniques
• Incorporated into jazz education, teaching improvisation and rhythmic concepts
• Cultural significance as uniquely American art form, influencing genres beyond jazz (beatboxing)
• Modern innovation integrates scat with electronic effects and looping technology