I’ve come across this topic frequently in vocal classes (both group and private) and in Jazz classes during my undergrad years. Each time, it’s always spoken of briefly, and either never really explained, or not explained in enough detail in order to fully understand what it is. I don’t pretend to be an expert on the subject, but, because I am a vocalist and a genuinely curious person who likes to research interesting topics (and because I love to write about these topics), I figured I would compile what I know and what I have found out into a post for anyone else who might also be asking the same question.
Definition
Some often confuse this term with scatting, but vocalese is described on the blogcritics.org website as “taking an instrumental solo off a well-known jazz recording (usually trumpet or saxophone) then writing lyrics that mimic the sound of that solo.” The solo is usually rehearsed and uses rhythm, different vocal intonations, and words to copy the original solo.
Types
- Storytelling: lyrics that tell a story from a certain point of view
- Tribute: lyrics that honor or pay tribute to the original writer or performer of the song
Vocalese Artists
The names listed below are some of the most well known lyricists and/or performers of the Vocalese genre
-Eddie Jefferson-
- Jazz vocalist and lyricist
- credited as earliest innovator of the vocalese genre
- “Moody’s Mood for Love” & “So What”
Listen to Jefferson’s arrangement of “So What” below:
-King Pleasure-
- Jazz vocalist heavily influenced by Jefferson
- included scat with written lyrics
- “Parker’s Mood” & “Swan Blues”
Listen to King Pleasure’s arrangement of “Parker’s Mood” below:
-Lambert, Hendricks & Ross-
- trio of Jazz vocalists
- sang instrument parts (full, band-like sound)
- “Moanin'” & “Twisted”
Listen to Lambert, Hendricks & Ross’ arrangement of “Moanin'” below:
-The Manhattan Transfer-
- Jazz vocal group founded in 1969
- performed A Cappella, Vocalese, Swing, R&B, Pop, Blues, and Brazilian Jazz music
- heavily influenced by Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross
- “Birdland” & “Another Night in Tunisia”
Listen to The Manhattan Transfer’s arrangement of “Another Night in Tunisia below:
There aren’t very many recent examples of Vocalese, however, there are some who still try to keep the genre alive, such as New York-based Jazz vocalist, Judi Silvano. Again, I’m not too familiar with this type of music, so I’m assuming this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of information (origins, style characteristics, artists or groups, etc), so if anyone has any additional tidbits, please feel free to leave a comment below!
Other Resources to Check Out:
- The Manhattan Transfer official website
- The Brew Lite’s Jazz Tales
brewlitesjazztales.wordpress.com
- “Jon Hendricks: The Father Of Vocalese At 90”