Improvised singing is commonly referred to as scat singing in the realm of vocal jazz. Scat singing involves the vocalist creating melodies, rhythms, and improvisations using their voice as an instrument rather than using words or lyrics. It allows the singer to explore and express their musical ideas in a free-flowing and spontaneous manner.
When scat singing, the vocalist often uses wordless vocables or nonsense syllables to create unique and intricate musical phrases. These vocables can vary in pitch, rhythm, and tone, and they serve as a way for the singer to communicate and interact with the instrumentalists in the band.
One of the distinctive features of scat singing is its ability to showcase the vocalist’s creativity, musicality, and technical skills. It requires a deep understanding of harmony, melody, and rhythm, as the singer must navigate through complex chord progressions and interact with the accompanying musicians.
Scat singing has its roots in the early days of jazz, with pioneers such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald popularizing the technique in the 1920s and 1930s. Since then, it has become a hallmark of the jazz genre and has been embraced by countless vocalists across different generations.
The beauty of scat singing lies in its improvisational nature. It allows the singer to explore different melodic ideas, experiment with rhythmic patterns, and engage in musical dialogue with the band members. The vocalist can respond to the instrumental solos, interact with the rhythm section, and create spontaneous harmonies and counter-melodies.
Personally, as a musician, I have had the opportunity to engage in scat singing during performances and jam sessions. It is an exhilarating experience to let go of pre-written lyrics and dive into the realm of pure musical expression. Scat singing allows for a deep connection with the other musicians on stage, as we communicate and respond to each other’s improvisations in real-time.
Improvised singing is commonly known as scat singing in the world of vocal jazz. It involves the vocalist using wordless vocables and improvising melodies and rhythms using their voice as an instrument. Scat singing is a unique and expressive form of musical communication that allows the vocalist to showcase their creativity and interact with the accompanying musicians in a spontaneous and improvisational manner.