Singing Jazz

by Bruce Crowther, Mike Pinfold

(Book). 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 O'Day, and many more. Plus interviewed especially for Singing Jazz some of today's 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.

Genres: Music, Jazz

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1998

About the author

Bruce Crowther began writing fiction in the 1970s with novels such as "Island of Gold" and "The Rose Medallion," the latter of which was was serialized by the BBC in 1981. His work includes some 25 crime novels, often using the pseudonym James Grant but he has also published one novel as Michael Ansara.

Writing under his real name, Bruce Crowther, he has written 16 non-fiction books, mainly focusing on cinema and popular music; his 1989 book, "Film Noir: Reflections in a Dark Mirror", was nominated for an Edgar Award. He is also a frequent contributor to the magazine "Jazz Journal."

A few years ago, he returned to crime fiction, and have published several new novels including "Dead Man Running", "Dark Echoes", "Penitence", "Harlem Nocturne", "All Cut Up", "Harlem Madness", "Shadows Of The Night", "Harlem Blues", "The Girl in the Green Hat", "Lies Kill", "The Cave".

Reviews

[Ariel]

“I don’t know anyone who committed themselves to an art form that is about being true and honest who hasn’t been knocked about in one way or another.”
“Study at least enough to protect the instrument.”
“To be able to use your instrument fully and creatively, the body and mind must work together. You must let go, both physically and emotionally, to truly learn to control your tone.”

[Meen]

*jazz squee*

[Peter Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on the subject written with insight which demonstrates a wealth of knowledge on the part of the authors.