Jazz Singing: America's Great Voices From Bessie Smith To Bebop And Beyond [Paperback]

Will Friedwald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 1996

This comprehensive study of jazz singing is a revelation to anyone who owns at least one jazz recording and a must for the serious jazz enthusiast. Friedwald traces the growth and development of jazz, discusses performers who have never been thought of as jazz singers, and looks at contemporary artists who have incorporated jazz into their music. 16-page insert.

Product Details

• Paperback: 540 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 22, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306807122
• ISBN-13: 978-0306807121
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,288,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book written about jazz singing!, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Jazz Singing: America's Great Voices From Bessie Smith To Bebop And Beyond (Paperback)

Tried hard as I may, but I never found another book as half as passionate about this subject.O.K. I understand that some people have problems with liking the same things as author (I as the first one, LOVE Cleo Laine and he despises her, so what?)but Mr.Friewlad obviously know the field he is writting about and for me its pure pleasure to read this book again and again.I found so many inspirations here, discovered so many names nowadays no one mention anymore and to put it simply, I think this is the best book written about jazz singing.Music being my hobby & passion, I have this book with me as Im travelling and I never get bored with it... I would love to meet Mr.Friewald one day and thank him for the hours of pleasures he gave me with this book and all this suggestions (and to discuss Cleo laine with him)!

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Opinionated but informative., December 10, 1999

By 

Ralph D. Miller - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jazz Singing: America's Great Voices From Bessie Smith To Bebop And Beyond (Paperback)

Friedwald is not an elegant writer, but he crams a lot of information into the book. This is a controversial subject. I would prefer to limit the lineage to Armstrong-Rushing-Cole-Torme, Holiday-Humes-Fitzgerald-Vaughan-O'Day (and followers), leaving the Crosby-Sinatra-Bennett-Brewer-Clooney group separate as 'jazz-influenced' singers. But it's his book. I think, as others have mentioned, that he really misses the boat by dismissing the Four Freshmen and Hi-Los so contemptuously, and I can't find a thing to admire about Betty Carter's squeaky little voice myself. But those are my opinions. Great discography. Just wince and read on.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE VOICES BOUNCE OFF THE PAGES!!!, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Jazz Singing: America's Great Voices From Bessie Smith To Bebop And Beyond (Paperback)

Will Friedwald has written the most definitive book on Jazz Singing to date (and I think you'd find it rather difficult to scope out another book solely on this subject). He dared to do what others wouldn't; he's written a book that can never have a final edition. Friedwald is smart enough to know that Jazz singing influenced Pop singing, and the influence was reciprocated (as is the case with Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong). He's not afraid to write about singers or even entertainers that might have helped bring jazz singing to the mainstream simply by their adopting jazz-vocal characteristics (as is the case with Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor).

Will Friedwald finally gives certain singers their due by showing them to be the trailblazers, pioneers, and inspirations that they were and will always be. He gives Mel Torme the credit he deserves with Cool Jazz Vocals, sighting his artistry, and scatting-the-chorus method. And he finally shows the world that Bing Crosby is the singular most influential American Pop Vocalist of the 20th Century (as his influence effected Jazz singing aswell).

In addition, Freidwald gives exstensive, beautifully written passages on the great Vocalists Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, and Sarah Vaughn.

He also writes just as brilliantly about the great Jimmy Rushings, Ethel Waters, and Bessie Smith.

All in all, Will Friedwald's "Jazz Singing" is a must for anyone studying American Music, and you MUST HAVE IT if you're a jazz fan!