Singing Jazz

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.

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!

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.