Singing Jazz (Paperback)

~ Bruce Crowther (Author), Mike Pinfold (Author) "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..." (more)
Key Phrases: jazz singing, singing jazz, jazz context, New York, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 OÕDay, and many more. Plus - interviewed especially for Singing Jazz - some of todayÕs 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879305193
• ISBN-13: 978-0879305192
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #432,039 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Should be in every jazz vocalist's library., July 14, 2001

By	EURO-DIVA (AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Netherlands) - See all my reviews

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!, August 24, 2008

By	Anon (USA) - See all my reviews

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars A thrilling, engaging account of jazz singers and jazz-influenced singers., August 9, 2008

By	Priscilla A. Arnold "Music Is Life..." (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!