Guide for Jazz and Scat Vocalists: Vocal Book & CD

This resource speaks directly to vocalists who feel lost in jazz rhythm sections, offering concrete strategies rather than abstract theory. The pairing of written explanations with demonstration tracks on CD means singers can hear exactly what the book is teaching, closing the gap between concept and sound.

Like having a knowledgeable bandmate in your corner, demystifying the instrumental world one chapter at a time. The book meets you where you are as a vocalist while teaching you to think and communicate like a jazz musician.

Jazz vocalists at the beginning or intermediate stage who need guidance navigating unfamiliar territory with instrumentalists. Singers working toward jazz standards repertoire, scat improvisation, and understanding harmony from a vocalist's perspective will find direct answers here.

• Study the chord voicing chapter alongside the CD examples; hearing how those voicings sound in context will deepen your understanding faster than reading alone.
• When working with scat singing, use the scale and chord examples to build muscle memory for common jazz patterns before improvising freely.
• Reference the jargon section when rehearsing with your band so you understand what instrumentalists mean by common terms and can speak their language.
• Practice ear training exercises consistently; they build the listening skills that allow you to lock into chord changes and respond musically in real time.

Assign this to vocalists preparing for jazz ensemble or jazz combo performance, using specific chapters to support repertoire work. The scat singing and ear training sections pair well with standard-based vocal jazz programs; the jargon and chord voicing chapters help vocalists bridge gaps during their first months in ensemble settings.

• Understanding jazz jargon and ensemble terminology
• Scat singing phrasing and syllable choices
• Recognition and use of chord voicings in vocal contexts
• Ear training for chord changes and harmonic movement
• Preparation strategies for learning jazz standards