Vocal Jazz

Vocal Jazz is, by my definition, just like any other jazz. The only difference is that one or more of the instrument parts are sung (played by voice). This particular form of jazz and singing was made popular in the 1950's by the famous group Lambert, Hendricks and Ross.

If you haven't got any clue as to what I am talking about, try this: Imagine someone singing a saxophone solo (take a David Sanborn tune for example or if you're desperate, the saxophone solo from Rafferty's "Baker Street". This might give you an idea what it sounds like. Now imagine the whole band singing their parts (guitar, piano, bass and yes, even the drums), still just to give an impression of how it sounds. Got that picture? Good that is step one. (Hint, if it doesn't work try listening to the completely sung version of Joe Jacksons "Is she really going ouy with him" or Billy Joels "IFor the longest time".
Some people, like Jon Hendricks have raised this kind of 'instrumental singing' to an art form. They put lyrics to those hyper fast trumpet or saxophone solo's and sing them. Good examples of this are often demonstrated by Al Jarreau.

I don't expect everyone to like vocal jazz, especially not at first hearing! A lot of people get rather nervous from some of the tunes I made them listen to. That is, I think, a pity. Vocal Jazz is best appreciated when listened to attentively, not as some musical-wallpaper. A sample can be heard on our recording of Spain. After the classical intro (from Concierto de Aranjuez) it is mainly a vocalized Chick Corea composition.

Vocal Jazz groups

As mentioned above, Vocal Jazz has been popularised by Lambert Hendricks and Ross. Most groups today still see this group as their inspiration. These groups are performing tunes LHR created from bigband tunes and jazz standards.

Today's big names are the Manhattan Transfer and the New York Voices. See our 'Vocal Jazz Links' for more names.

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Last changed : 3 May 2002