The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)The prolific Yanow has outdone even himself with this book, which in many respects lives up to its title.But I would distrust any quick review claiming that it's the kind of book that can't be put down.It's above all a reference book, encyclopedic in its scope, jam packed with concise verbal portraits (the towering Bing Crosby gets almost a single page, or about as much as the somewhat less famous Ben Sidran).Often Yanow's judgments strike the reader as on the mark, and when they don't, he compensates with information that is nonetheless fascinating and useful.The book is also an invaluable source of quotations, since the author has included numerous interviews of the artists themselves.

Opinions about singers are perhaps held more strongly by more people than opinions about other musicians.Who hasn't taken a shower with Frank Sinatra or Peggy Lee?Many of us who don't know better think of ourselves as singers.So an author of a book about jazz singers is bound to hit discordant notes with more than a few readers--why isn't a "pure" jazz mainstreamer like Etta Jones represented more fully (no, not Etta James)? Her recorded career extends from 1945 to October 2001, when she died on the day of the release of her Billie Holiday tribute. Why aren't Johnny Mandell and Shirley Horn, arguably the most memorable team since Sinatra and Riddle, afforded more space?Additionally, anyone who writes about singers is burdened with the task of sorting through not merely all of the candidates but, given the sometimes radical changes, over time, in vocal timbre and breath support, the numerous "personae" of any one of them (besides the controversy that a Billie Holiday can arouse, there's the other one about her Benny Goodman days vs. her Lady in Satin period).Then there's the question of the criteria that might disqualify an undeniably indelible voice such as Nancy LaMott's--for some of us there's enough jazz sensibility balancing the cabaret approach to justify if not require her inclusion.

Yanow ultimately invites readers to make their own calls, and hopefully his book will provoke them to do so.As often as I've challenged one of those CD anthologies--the Ultimate Art Tatum, etc.--it's led me to deeper and more concentrated explorations of an artist's work.And Yanow's book is practically guaranteed to confront the reader with the names of numerous heretofore unknown, unfamiliar performers while omitting a few along the way (I could easily list a dozen impressive female jazz vocalists whose CDs have arrived at my doorstep in the last several years--but apparently not at the author's).All the same, the author clearly has heard considerably more than most of us, and the book is guaranteed to motivate the reader to start listening more comprehensively and seriously.

Listeners looking for more of an "essay" on the subject may wish to check out Will Friedwald's "Jazz Singing," as noteworthy for the author's felicitous prose style as his occasionally acrimonious judgments (heaven help the singer who, above all, doesn't swing).Readers looking for a book similar to Yanow's but considerably less ultimate, or comprehensive, could get their feet wet (with no attendant damage) by picking up Max Morath's "NPR Listener's Guide to Pop Standards," in which the author includes emphasis on the messengers as well as the medium.One warning: if you're not a Sinatra fan, probably best to steer clear of all books on jazz singing, and the same holds true if, like some, you've become impatient with the ballad ever since Old Blue redefined it, leaving enough space between beats to allow the listener enough time to reflect upon the meaning of his entire existence.

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Product Description:
The Jazz Singers is an overview of the great vocalists who have sung jazz. By drawing on original interviews conducted exclusively for this book, along with Scott Yanow's extensive knowledge, The Jazz Singers offers fresh and insightful information in its 521 main entries. Other features include a historical overview, a section on jazz vocal groups, and a comprehensive survey of jazz in film.

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Scat! Vocal Improvisation Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)Enjoyable yet slow down a little, Mr. Stoloff!Stoloff goes into a a brief history of how the scat style came about and then dives straight into jazz theory without giving well understood reasons on how it applies to his scat examples(e.g. Some Theory and then many examples, some more theory and then more examples.) The theory that's introduced with each chapter appears very academic and dry at times.Perhaps this is understood with Stoloff's educational background.However, I wish Stoloff would have kept in mind that the majority of singers out there who wish to delve into this subgenre of vocalization are not necessarilly theory-based and the text could have been adjusted accordingly.I would have liked the author to cover more of his personal philosophy and approach to vocal improvisation beyond the "just do what I've written and you'll be fine" mentality.
The big benefit and treasure of this book is the accompanying CD though.However, I do have two complaints: 1) it still purveys the "I'll do it and you copy me" approach and you just hope somewhere down the line, everything will come together 2) some of example melody lines he's flying by in lightning speed(I had to get a wave editor to slow down some of his jazz runs).The benefits: This CD is indeed great for loosening up your vocal chords, lips, nervousness and perhaps just to loosen up your entire 'soul' before a gig.I've been working with this book/CD for over six months now and have noticed a more relaxed approach to my melody lines in practice or performances after warming up with the CD examples.

The last part of the book covers vocal drumming for the Bobby McFerrin/ rap beat boxer types. He does an impressive job with the examples but it was only amusing at best.I feel that it takes a little too much real estate in the book and CD though.Again, I felt that he doesn't properly explain how this section connects with the rest of the material.
Overall, I am thankful that I ran into this book though for the sake of finding something to counter balance the regimen of scales and typical vocal exercises.I do know that I am a more confident improviser and not afraid to stretch out the melodies because of Stoloff's material. Recommended but be creative how you practice the material!

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Product Description:
A comprehensive approach to vocal improvisation with rhythmic and melodic exercises, transcribed solos, vocal bass lines and drum grooves, syllable articulationetudes, and more. The CD includes call response exercises, demonstration solos by the author and sing-along chord pattern in Latin, jazz and hip-hop styles with rhythm section accompaniment.

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Jazz Singer's Handbook: The Artistry and Mastery of Singing Jazz (Book & CD) Review

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(More customer reviews)From the very first page of this book, I knew this was what I was looking for.I teach jazz vocal styles at a university.It is sometimes a challenge trying to express to new students the importance of how to be expressive in singing jazz. This book breaks it down in revealing the many expressions, such as interpreting if the lyrcis are informative, poetic, etc.This book is for the serious jazz vocalist that really would like to learn how to sing, how to express the lyrics, how to become one with the song and how to draw an audience into a world of unforgettable and intimate singing.

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The Jazz Singer's Handbook provides an inspiring and practical window of insight into the world of professional jazz singing. Drawing upon an impressive career as an arranger, teacher, singer, pianist, and clinician, Michele Weir (faculty, UCLA) has distilled her experiences and observations into two handbook sections: the artistry and the mastery of singing jazz. Also included is a jazz chord library, a professional resource guide, a review of music fundamentals, and an index of terms and symbols. The CD includes sing-along tracks for standard songs, many of which are in two keys for different voice ranges, plus recorded examples of the performance and arranging concepts presented in the text.

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Singing Jazz (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)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.

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Singing Jazz looks at the ups and downs of this tough profession through the eyes of legendary jazz singers, well-established performers, and some newcomers. Drawing on accounts from vocalists of yesterday and today in all major jazz styles, the book explores the musical influences of jazz singing; the learning process, whether on the road or in training; the challenges of building a repertoire, getting gigs, traveling, and performing under sometimes difficult circumstances; and the ongoing struggle for artistic recognition and financial security in the competitive world of popular music. To reveal the roots and evolution of this unique art form, authors Crother and Pinfold revisit the lives, words, and stylistic innovations of great singers in jazz history, including Carmen McRae, Dinah Washington, Mel Torme, Shirley Horn, Ethel Waters, Anita OÕDay, and many more. Plus - interviewed especially for Singing Jazz - some of todayÕs best performers illustrate the contemporary view of jazz singing. Kitty Margolis, Mark Murphy, Helen Merrill, Mark Porter, Christine Tyrrell, and many others discuss the influences and experiences that have shaped their singing careers, and share insights on how their art is still evolving today.

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The Very Best of Diana Krall Review

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(More customer reviews)Great live-in-studio stuff --- plus a couple of vids --- and a couple of live cuts.
"Temptation" is tremendous.

(Anybody else's DVD have audio static in it during "Temptation"...?)

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This collection features 15 tracks on the audio disc including three previously unreleased, 'You Go to My Head', 'The Heart of Saturday Night' and 'Only the Lonely'. Other highlights include, 'The Look of Love', 'Let's Face the Music and Dance', 'Fly Me to the Moon' and more. The bonus DVD features, one additional track over the US pressing, 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve' along with other Music Videos, Live Footage & Unreleased Material. 'The Very Best of Diana Krall', the first career retrospective of the GRAMMY award-winning star's music is set for release September 19th on Verve Records. Over the past fourteen years, the platinum-seller has released eleven records, including 'The Look of Love', 'When I Look In Your Eyes' and most recent 'From This Moment On', which debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200 Chart. "The Very Best of Diana Krall" features selections from six albums of the multi-platinum vocalist's extensive repertoire. In addition to the songs that her fans have come to know and love, "The Very Best of Diana Krall' also features three previously unreleased versions of songs made popular by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tom Waits.

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The Big Book of Torch Songs 2nd Ed. (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a wide range... can sing soprano and alto quite easily, but when I sing torch songs or other jazz/blues standards, I prefer to sing them in my lower register. This book is great with offering these types of songs, but the keys they are in are HORRIBLE! They must be transposed down to even be comfortable for a woman to sing them in that "sulty-torch-song" style. I wouldn'trecommend it at all... instead, I found a book called "Belter's Hot Standards." This has been my Bible of music! Go find that book if you're a woman looking for low jazz songs.

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Features 75 heart-on-the-sleeve standards, such as: Angel Eyes * As Long as He Needs Me * Bewitched * Black Coffee * Crazy * Cry Me a River * Glad to Be Unhappy * Good Morning Heartache * Here's That Rainy Day * I'll Be Seeing You * Misty * Mood Indigo * My Man * My Old Flame * The Party's Over * Skylark * So in Love * Stormy Weather * When Sunny Gets Blue * and more.

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