What Is Scat Singing? Understanding Its Jazz Roots

What is scat singing? A jazz vocalist holding a microphone and singing with bright stage lights behind her.
What is scat singing? Read on to learn about the history of the genre and learn about some of the jazz legends and greatest scat singers.

What is scat singing exactly? It’s a fascinating feature of jazz music that turns the human voice into an instrument.

Scat singing involves using wordless syllables and sounds to create improvised melodies, making each performance unique. It’s a form of vocal improvisation that allows singers to showcase their creativity and rhythmic prowess, and typically, it’s spontaneous during the performance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Scat singing transforms the voice into a musical instrument.
  • Influential figures like Ella Fitzgerald helped popularize scat.
  • Scat adds spontaneity and excitement to jazz performances.

What Is Scat Singing?

Emerging from early jazz, scat singing became popular through pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. These artists developed the technique, influencing countless performers and cementing scat’s place in music history. 

Ever since I was 4 years old, I’ve been a huge Louis Armstrong fan. That’s when I was also introduced to scat. I later worked on music in my professional music career featuring scat vocals, and it was an incredible full circle moment for me!

I think one of the best ways to learn and understand scat singing is to study how these legends crafted their solos. It will definitely deepen your appreciation for this art form.

The thrill of scat singing lies in its unpredictability during live performances and recordings. 

Exploring jazz’s origins and the artistry of its performers provides great insight into this distinctive aspect of jazz.

Origins and Evolution of Scat Singing

Scat singing emerged from an intriguing blend of influences and gained traction during the jazz era.

Early Influences and Performers

Back in the vibrant musical scene of early 20th-century New Orleans, the city’s rich mix of cultures and musical traditions laid the groundwork for innovations like scat singing. Jazz musicians, influenced by African rhythms and European harmonies, began to explore new vocal techniques.

The Story of the First Scat

Louis Armstrong is often credited as a pioneer in this field. The story goes that during a 1926 recording session for “Heebie Jeebies,” Armstrong’s sheet music fell, prompting him to improvise using nonsensical syllables. This inventive moment marked a turning point. 

It wasn’t just about filling space; it was about turning the voice into an instrument capable of delivering rhythm and emotion.

Rise in Popularity and the Jazz Age

As we dig deeper into the Jazz Age, scat singing evolves into a defining feature. Jazz clubs across the United States showcased performers who captivated audiences with their spontaneous vocal creations. In this era, scat singing became closely associated with the freedom and innovation of jazz music.

Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the “First Lady of Song,” further popularized scat singing. Her performances, filled with effortless transitions and rhythmic complexity, showcased the expressive potential of this vocal style. Her scat rendition of “How High the Moon” remains a landmark in vocal jazz.

With these pioneers leading the way, scat singing became a unique language that blended improvisation with musicality, leaving an indelible mark on jazz history.

Characteristics of Scat Singing

Scat singing transforms the human voice into a dynamic instrument, using an array of vocal techniques to mimic instrumental sounds. Essential elements include the use of nonsense syllables, creating a melodious and rhythmic journey for both singers and listeners.

Nonsense Syllables and Vocal Techniques

In scat singing, you employ nonsense syllables like “da”, “do”, “bop”, and “wee” to form melodic lines. This vocal improvisation captures the essence of jazz by freeing you from conventional lyrics. Just as instrumentalists explore their musical range, you explore your vocal potential creatively.

Your voice becomes a versatile tool, imitating the textures and sounds of various musical instruments. This imitation is not just about sound but also involves rhythmic spontaneity, allowing you the freedom to express emotion and creativity without traditional constraints.

These vocal improvisation techniques give singers a great way to copy the sounds of instruments using wordless vocables and percussion patterns.

Melodic Contour and Rhythmic Patterns

The melodic contour in scat singing is crafted through improvisation, forming a distinctive shape and flow of pitches. This involves following and swiftly deviating from established melodies, much like jazz instrumental solos.

Rhythmic patterns play a crucial role in guiding your improvisation. Instead of rigid structures, you incorporate complex rhythms that bring your scat performance to life. This rhythmic interplay keeps your audience engaged and highlights the dynamic possibilities of your voice as an instrument.

Famous Scat Performers and Their Impact

Scat singing has carved a unique niche in the jazz world, highlighted by legendary and contemporary artists. These singers have entertained and shaped the jazz vocal style through their creative improvisations.

Pioneers in Scat Singing

Other than Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, other artists in the jazz community contributed to the origins of scat singing; Cab Calloway mesmerized audiences with his energetic style, blending scat with showmanship. Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan contributed with their unmistakable voices and emotional depth, each adding a distinct flavor to scat singing’s evolution.

Contemporary Scat Singers and Influence

In the modern era, artists like Bobby McFerrin and Kurt Elling have continued to emphasize the improvisational and expressive nature of scat. 

McFerrin is renowned for his vocal innovations and ability to mimic instruments, making complex scat accessible and engaging for broader audiences. His hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” exemplifies his playful style.

Kurt Elling, known for his sophisticated technique, frequently incorporates scat into performances with intricate and thoughtful interpretations. 

Their contributions have maintained scat’s relevance, ensuring its place in contemporary jazz and inspiring a new generation of musicians. These singers have not only preserved traditional scat techniques but also expanded its possibilities through fresh, modern interpretations.

Scat in Live Performances and Recordings

Scat singing adds a vibrant, dynamic element to both live performances and recorded music. Whether in scat solos or group performances, this technique transforms vocal lines into engaging melodic explorations.

Scat Solos and Group Performances

In live settings, scat singing often shines through solos, offering singers the chance to showcase their improvisational skills.

Scat solos interact with instrumental sections, creating intricate dialogues between the singer and the band. 

Group performances, on the other hand, might intersperse scat segments throughout a song or use call-and-response techniques to highlight the harmony between vocalists. 

This creates a unique synergy, transforming a standard performance into a memorable musical conversation.

Influence on Modern Jazz Recordings

Scat singing also leaves its mark on modern jazz recordings, where it continues to inspire vocal stylings. For recordings, artists often employ scat during moments of musical improvisation. This can be during a solo, or even alongside a backing track, adding depth and texture to a piece.

Scat has also influenced contemporary jazz artists and recordings by encouraging spontaneity and creativity in vocal interpretation. The freedom it allows has inspired countless musicians to experiment with their vocal delivery, ensuring that scat remains a beloved technique in jazz and beyond, resonating with audiences both old and new.

Learning and Understanding Scat Singing

Scat singing is a dynamic skill requiring both vocal techniques and musical knowledge. By focusing on specific exercises and understanding music theory, you can effectively develop your ability to improvise vocally.

Vocal Exercises and Practice Methods

To start with scat singing, it’s essential to focus on vocal exercises that target improvisation. Practicing with simple scat syllables like “do,” “bap,” and “tee” can help train your voice to act like an instrument. Recording your practice sessions allows you to track progress and refine your vocal technique.

Developing vocal agility is crucial. Exercises involving scales, arpeggios, and varying tempos build this flexibility. Incorporating rhythm can also enhance your scat abilities. Try to mimic different instruments to widen your range of sounds.

The Role of Music Theory and Improvisation

A firm grasp of music theory is invaluable for scat singing. Understanding chord progressions and jazz scales enhances your ability to improvise effectively. By familiarizing yourself with common jazz chord sequences, you learn to anticipate changes and structure your vocal lines accordingly.

Improvisation relies heavily on creativity within a framework. Practicing call and response techniques helps develop this skill. Listen to iconic scat singers to analyze their approaches and integrate those elements into your style, blending learned patterns with spontaneous creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are some famous scat singers?

Famous scat singers include Ella Fitzgerald, known for her unmatched skill and creativity. Others like Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughan have also made significant contributions. Their unique abilities to improvise set the standard for scat singing in jazz.

Can you give examples of scat singing in music?

One famous example is Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “How High the Moon,” where her scat performance is both innovative and exciting. Louis Armstrong’s “Heebie Jeebies” is credited as a pioneering scat singing track, showcasing his talent and creativity.

How did scat singing originate?

Scat singing likely originated in African American communities in the early 20th century. It stems from a cultural blending of musical traditions, emphasizing improvisation and rhythmic expression. As jazz evolved, scat singing became a staple, enriching its musical landscape.

What is the main purpose of scat singing in jazz?

Scat singing in jazz primarily aims to allow vocalists the freedom to improvise like instrumentalists. It allows them to explore melody and rhythm creatively, adding a unique layer to live performances and recordings.

What does scat singing involve?

Scat singing involves using wordless syllables to form melodies. Vocalists spontaneously create patterns and rhythms, often mimicking instruments. This technique requires a deep understanding of music, allowing singers to adapt and invent during performances.

How does scat singing differ from other vocal styles?

Unlike traditional singing, which relies on lyrics for storytelling, scat singing focuses on melody and rhythm without words. It emphasizes improvisation and creativity, requiring singers to think on their feet, which distinguishes it from more structured vocal styles.

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