I often hear singers presenting themselves as jazz vocalists or claiming that they are singing jazz. Yet, I realize that they are unaware of the basic characteristics of Jazz Singing, and how to approach this art form correctly, for them to develop and evolve in it. There is this impression that singing jazz means singing the jazz standards, which were taken from the repertoire of the American Songbook and became the well-known songlist of legendary jazz musicians. This is certainly a fact but there is more to the art of jazz singing than just singing the jazz repertoire.

Jazz is not only about the WHAT but it is all about the HOW!

Let me get straight to the point…

The jazz singer is trained exactly like any other instrumentalist who wants to play jazz:

Groove
The jazz singer is trained in swing feel, syncopation, and rhythmic skills. The goal is to feel the pulse, always know where the “one” (beat) is, and provide the groove in the band.

Improvisation
Jazz singers learn to hear the changes and know exactly where they are in the “form” of the song, meaning the harmonic progression within the bars of the piece. The goal is to navigate confidently, with ease and comfort when they improvise the melody or while scat singing, and to tell an interesting story.

Phrasing
The jazz singer practices how to phrase the melodic lines, and how to change the phrases rhythmically, stretch the syllables, speak the words, and play with “time” according to the tempo of the piece. The goal is to make each interpretation unique and different.

Nuances
Jazz singers know that details matter in the interpretation of a song. They are experienced in detecting the nuances and adapting their articulation, tone, groove, and dynamics to the atmosphere of the song, and the needs of the arrangement. The goal is to create a solid sound, a balanced and harmonious sonic “body” with the rest of the band.

Interplay
Jazz singers are focused on always listening to the rest of the musicians, being alert about what’s happening around them while playing, and being able to respond on the spot. The goal is to become active participants in the musical interplay.

Personality
While jazz singing students develop their voices, practice vocal techniques, and learn the repertoire, the focus is equally given to diving deep into the jazz art form and language. Meanwhile, they begin to recognize and explore the characteristics that make their voice and interpretation unique. The goal is to start developing their musical personality, which is one more prerequisite for participating in jazz artistry.