vocalese
Words replacing instruments
Vocalese is a jazz vocal style in which lyrics are composed and sung to fit instrumental solos note for note.
Unlike scat singing, which improvises nonsense syllables, vocalese sets actual words to previously recorded improvisations: Lambert, Hendricks & Ross perfected vocalese by adding lyrics to Count Basie arrangements.
The technique demands extraordinary precision and breath control.
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- chorusSingers performing together
ensemble · solo · jam session · jazz standard · saxophone · trumpet · Charlie Parker · Dizzy Gillespie
Written words for music
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- phrasingManner of expressing something
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
- syllablesUnits of pronunciation
transcription · interpretation · wordplay · storytelling · swing · counterpoint · syncopation · cadence
improvisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
chorus · ensemble · solo · jam session · jazz standard · saxophone · trumpet · Charlie Parker · Dizzy Gillespie · blue notes
lyrics
Written words for music
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- phrasingManner of expressing something
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
syllables · transcription · interpretation · wordplay · storytelling · swing · counterpoint · syncopation · cadence · ornamentation
Ella Fitzgerald
vocal, vocalize, vocalist, vocals, vocally, vocalization, vocalizing, vocalism, nonvocal