Scat singing

Definition

Scat singing is a vocal improvisation technique in jazz where the singer uses nonsensical syllables and sounds instead of actual lyrics, often mimicking instruments. This form of expression allows vocalists to showcase their creativity and spontaneity, making it a crucial part of jazz performance that emphasizes individual style and interpretation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Louis Armstrong popularized scat singing in the 1920s, bringing it into mainstream jazz music and influencing countless vocalists after him.
2. Scat singing allows vocalists to interact with instrumentalists, creating a dialogue within the music that enhances improvisational performance.
3. The technique often involves a playful use of syllables and rhythms, showcasing a vocalist's technical skill and musicality.
4. Female jazz singers, like Ella Fitzgerald, became renowned for their scat singing abilities, demonstrating the technique's versatility across genders.
5. Scat singing has been incorporated into various music genres beyond jazz, including pop and R&B, reflecting its wide appeal and adaptability.

Review Questions

• How did Louis Armstrong contribute to the popularity of scat singing in jazz music?
  • Louis Armstrong played a pivotal role in popularizing scat singing by showcasing it in his recordings and live performances during the 1920s. His unique approach combined his trumpet skills with innovative vocal improvisation, encouraging other musicians to explore this expressive form. Armstrong's charisma and musical talent made scat singing a celebrated element of jazz, influencing future generations of vocalists to adopt and adapt the style.
• Discuss the impact of scat singing on the role of vocalists in jazz, particularly in terms of improvisation.
  • Scat singing transformed the role of vocalists in jazz by elevating them from mere interpreters of lyrics to dynamic improvisers within the ensemble. This shift allowed singers to engage more deeply with the music and collaborate with instrumentalists through spontaneous melodic invention. As a result, vocalists began to carve out individual identities within jazz, using scat to express personal artistry and contribute to the overall improvisational spirit that defines the genre.
• Evaluate the significance of influential female jazz vocalists in shaping scat singing's evolution within popular music.
  • Influential female jazz vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan were instrumental in advancing scat singing as an art form, each bringing their unique styles and techniques to the forefront. Their mastery of rhythm and pitch showcased the possibilities of this vocal technique, inspiring future artists across various genres. As they integrated scat into their performances, these women not only solidified its place in jazz but also influenced broader trends in popular music, demonstrating its versatility and cultural relevance over time.

Related terms

Vocal improvisation: The art of creating melodies and rhythms on the spot, allowing singers to explore their creativity without a predetermined structure.

Jazz vocalists: Artists who perform vocal music in the jazz genre, often incorporating improvisation and unique stylistic interpretations in their performances.

Louis Armstrong:

A pioneering jazz musician whose innovative trumpet playing and scat singing significantly influenced the development of jazz as a soloist's art form.