jazz vocal
what it is
Vocal jazz singing can be defined by the instrumental approach to the voice, where the singer can match the instruments in their stylistic approach to the lyrics, improvised or otherwise, or through scatting; that is, the use of nonsensical meaningless non-morphemic syllables to imitate the sound of instruments.
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✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
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questions
What is jazz vocal?
Vocal jazz singing can be defined by the instrumental approach to the voice, where the singer can match the instruments in their stylistic approach to the lyrics, improvised or otherwise, or through scatting; that is, the use of nonsensical meaningless non-morphemic syllables to imitate the sound of instruments.
What are good jazz vocal albums to start with?
Try The Look of Love by Diana Krall, Pure Ella by Ella Fitzgerald, Blue Light 'Til Dawn by Cassandra Wilson, and Chamber Music Society by Esperanza Spalding.
Who are some women making jazz vocal?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/jazz-vocal/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making jazz vocal, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20