Jazz is all about the improvisation of melodies and notes, so it makes sense that the singing is often improvised too. Scat singing is a unique form of vocal jazz that you just have to hear to appreciate. In this blog, we’ll discuss what scat singing is, how it got started, and some famous scat singers.

What Is Scat, Exactly?

If you want to get technical, scat is defined as “vocal improvisation with wordless vocables, nonsense syllables, or without words at all.” Scat is wordless singing with small bursts of syllables and sounds. It has a very distinctive sound as if the singer is becoming one with the instruments being used! You won’t be able to pick out any actual words, but you can sure feel the emotions being conveyed. Scat allows the singer to improvise the same way a jazz pianist or saxophonist can improvise their melody within the greater context of the song.

Related post: Five Female Jazz Singers You Should Listen to

The Origins of Scat: Who Started Scat Jazz?

Going back, scat has origins in West African music, where sounds and syllables were sung to match the rhythm of the drums. 

There’s a rumor or theory that scat got its real start when a jazz singer (maybe even Louis Armstrong himself) forgot the lyrics and, in a moment of ingenuity, scatted random sounds in place of the song lyrics they had forgotten, and thus scat was born. 

Whether or not this is true, the famous jazz musician Louis Armstrong is credited with really getting scat on the map. Over time, scat took on several different styles, tailored to the individual singer’s style as well as the music of the time. Certain singers even focused on a particular instrument being played!

Famous Scat Singers

These singers were known for their innate ability to scat:

Louis Armstrong: As we mentioned above, he’s credited with popularizing scat, if not starting it altogether!

Ella Fitzgerald: The Queen of Song herself, Ella Fitzgerald is perhaps the best-known name when it comes to scat. 

Sarah Vaughan: if you’re in the mood for some bebop, Sarah Vaughan’s the scat singer you want to listen to!

Other singers who dabbled in scat singing include Frank Sinatra, Bobby McFerrin, and Aretha Franklin.

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Scat Singing in Jazz: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is scat singing?

Scat singing is a vocal improvisation technique used in jazz music. Singers create melodies using syllables, sounds, and bursts of rhythm instead of lyrics. It’s like the singer becomes another instrument in the band, weaving their own melodic lines in perfect harmony with the other musicians.

2. How does scat singing work?

Scat singers use their voices in a highly creative way. They might use playful syllables like “doo-wop” or “bop-be-doo,” mimic the phrasing of the other instruments, or invent entirely new sounds. The key is improvisation – creating melodies at the moment, often drawing inspiration from the musical flow of the band.

3. Who are some famous scat singers?

Scat singing has been a defining feature of jazz since its early days. Some legendary scat vocalists include:

• Louis Armstrong: A pioneer of scat singing, known for his playful and expressive improvisations.
• Ella Fitzgerald: Renowned for her unmatched vocal dexterity and ability to weave complex scat melodies.
• Billie Holiday: While not strictly a scat singer, Holiday incorporated scat elements into her phrasing for an emotionally charged effect.
• Dizzy Gillespie: A trumpeter who also dabbled in scat singing, known for his fast and intricate improvisations.
• Sarah Vaughan: Possessing a rich and powerful voice, Vaughan incorporated scatting into her smooth and sophisticated performances.

4. Why is scat singing important in jazz?

Scat singing adds a layer of creativity and spontaneity to jazz music. It allows singers to express themselves freely and push the boundaries of improvisation. It also creates a playful energy and keeps the audience engaged, wondering what musical ideas will come next.

5. How can I learn scat singing?

Learning scat singing takes practice and exposure to jazz music. Here are some tips:

• Listen to famous scat singers: Immerse yourself in the recordings of greats like Armstrong and Fitzgerald to understand their techniques.
• Start simple: Begin by scatting along with basic melodies, focusing on rhythm and matching pitches.
• Practice with syllables: Use simple syllables like “doo-wop” or “ba-da-be” to explore improvisation and creating melodic lines.
• Record yourself: Listen back to your attempts and identify areas for improvement.
• Consider vocal lessons: A vocal coach can guide you on proper vocal techniques and improvisation exercises.