Singing Jazz looks at the ups and downs of this tough profession through the eyes of legendary jazz singers, well-established performers, and some newcomers. Drawing on accounts from vocalists of yesterday and today in all major jazz styles, the book explores the musical influences of jazz singing; the learning process, whether on the road or in training; the challenges of building a repertoire, getting gigs, traveling, and performing under sometimes difficult circumstances; and the ongoing struggle for artistic recognition and financial security in the competitive world of popular music. To reveal the roots and evolution of this unique art form, authors Crother and Pinfold revisit the lives, words, and stylistic innovations of great singers in jazz history, including Carmen McRae, Dinah Washington, Mel Torme, Shirley Horn, Ethel Waters, Anita O'Day, and many more. Plus - interviewed especially for Singing Jazz - some of today's best performers illustrate the contemporary view of jazz singing. Kitty Margolis, Mark Murphy, Helen Merrill, Mark Porter, Christine Tyrrell, and many others discuss the influences and experiences that have shaped their singing careers, and share insights on how their art is still evolving today.
Singing Jazz
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Should be in every jazz vocalist's library.,
By EURO-DIVA (AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Netherlands) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Singing Jazz (Paperback)
First of all, this book is written in a very conversational- yet organized- manner that allows you to read and absorb details and information as easily as a good biography or novel.It contains a wealth of information on jazz vocalists throughout history, and although it hasn't done the (impossible) task of covering every vocalist worth mentioning, the uniqueness of this book is in it's attempt to give information on singers from both sides of the Atlantic; something which isn't frequently done in jazz history books, but is very necessary for making the 'jazz family tree'complete. It would be wise for any jazz vocalist who is interested in learning more about her craft to have this book in her collection. As well as history, it contains commentary and advice from other well known singers and is the next best thing to a 'round-table discussion. This book is recommended to other musicians as well who are interested in understanding jazz singers and their history.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thrilling, engaging account of jazz singers and jazz-influenced singers.,
By
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This review is from: Singing Jazz (Paperback)
This book is not meant to be a complete history of jazz singing and singers, or a textbook in jazz singing technique. Instead, it is somewhere in between. The historical accounts are presented in an easy-to-understand manner, and the ideas on technique are essentially presented as if the singer was there telling you in person.
It is one of the most basic, yet clear books on jazz history I have read (and I have read several). And while it is focusing primarily on vocal jazz, the information provided is helpful to anyone interested in jazz in general. One of my favorite portions of the book is the index of singers. This includes singers who are categorically jazz singers, as well as those who are seen as contributing to and those who are strongly influenced by the music. Provided are great suggestions of recordings to purchase in order to enjoy and study the various vocal techniques. I'm slowly working my way through them in order to further my education!
4.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!,
By Anon (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Singing Jazz (Paperback)
A clear, yet lively and fascinating look at many Jazz singers. It manages to be informative in a way that you hardly notice you're learning. I must say it helps the the subject matter is so engrossing. I couldn't help but enjoy myself all the way through this book. It also is a very accessible read so people with any level of knowledge of the subject are likely to find something to love about this book. Stormy Weather is another title I'd recommend for learning about Jazz singers and also female jazz musicians. I must say the more I learn about Jazz, the more I enjoy it and it is a musical form I fell for from the beginning.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
For many years singers whose careers had developed during the swing era had warned that the decline of the big bands had resulted also in what was essentially the demise of the best training ground for would-be vocalists. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
jazz singing, singing jazz, jazz context, many other singers, bop musicians, popular singing, favourite singers, jazz circles, jazz singer, jazz rap, many singers, musical excellence Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Bessie Smith, Mark Murphy, Blue Note, Mildred Bailey, Peggy Lee, Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, Kansas City, Frank Sinatra, Los Angeles, Mike Campbell, Bing Crosby, Jon Hendricks, Charlie Parker, Connee Boswell, Jan Ponsford, Lester Young, New Orleans, Anita O'Day New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
For many years singers whose careers had developed during the swing era had warned that the decline of the big bands had resulted also in what was essentially the demise of the best training ground for would-be vocalists. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
jazz singing, singing jazz, jazz context, many other singers, bop musicians, popular singing, favourite singers, jazz circles, jazz singer, jazz rap, many singers, musical excellence Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Bessie Smith, Mark Murphy, Blue Note, Mildred Bailey, Peggy Lee, Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, Kansas City, Frank Sinatra, Los Angeles, Mike Campbell, Bing Crosby, Jon Hendricks, Charlie Parker, Connee Boswell, Jan Ponsford, Lester Young, New Orleans, Anita O'Day New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 65
books:
See all 65 books this book cites
2
books
cite this book:
- Billie Holiday (Music) by Stuart Nicholson on 4 pages
- Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday on page 51, page 79, and page 80
- Frank Sinatra (Rock & Pop Stars) by Paula Taylor on page 76, and Back Matter
- Dizzy Gillespie (Jazz Life & Times) by Barry McCrae on page 143, and page 148
- Frank Sinatra by John Frayn Turner on page 31, and page 122
See all 65 books this book cites
- If You Can't Be Free, Be a Mystery: In Search of Billie Holiday by Farah Jasmine Griffin in Back Matter
- If You Can't Be Free, Be A Mystery: In Search of Billie Holiday by Farah Griffin in Back Matter
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