Jazz vs. Scat

Attribute	Jazz	Scat
Origin	United States	United States
Style	Music genre	Vocal improvisation
Instrumentation	Various instruments	Vocal only
Notable Artists	Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington	Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
Popular Era	1920s - present	1920s - 1940s

Introduction

Jazz and scat are two distinct musical styles that have roots in African American culture. While jazz is a genre of music that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, scat singing is a vocal improvisation technique that emerged in the 1920s. Both jazz and scat have unique attributes that set them apart from other musical styles, but they also share some similarities in terms of their improvisational nature and emphasis on creativity.

History

Jazz has its origins in the African American communities of New Orleans, where it developed from a blend of African and European musical traditions. It quickly spread to other parts of the United States and became a popular form of music in the early 20th century. Scat singing, on the other hand, is a vocal technique that was popularized by jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald in the 1920s. It involves using nonsensical syllables to improvise melodies and rhythms, often in place of lyrics.

Instrumentation

Jazz music typically features a variety of instruments, including brass, woodwinds, piano, bass, and drums. Improvisation is a key element of jazz, with musicians taking turns soloing and responding to each other's playing. Scat singing, on the other hand, is performed solely by vocalists using their voices as instruments. They mimic the sounds of instruments and create melodies and rhythms through vocal improvisation.

Technique

In jazz music, musicians often use complex harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and improvisation to create a unique sound. Soloists take turns improvising over a chord progression, while the rhythm section provides a steady beat. Scat singers use their voices to mimic the sounds of instruments, creating melodies and rhythms on the spot. They often use nonsense syllables like "doo-wop" and "bop-shoo-bop" to improvise vocal lines that complement the music.

Emotion

Jazz music is known for its emotional depth and expressiveness. Musicians use dynamics, phrasing, and tone to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and longing. Scat singing also allows vocalists to express themselves emotionally through their vocal improvisations. They can use their voices to convey feelings and emotions without the need for lyrics, adding another layer of expression to the music.

Collaboration

Jazz music often involves collaboration between musicians, with each player contributing their own unique style and ideas to the music. Improvisation is a key element of jazz, with musicians responding to each other's playing and building off of each other's ideas. Scat singing also requires collaboration between vocalists and instrumentalists, as vocalists often interact with the band and respond to their playing. This back-and-forth exchange adds an element of spontaneity and creativity to the music.

Legacy

Jazz has had a lasting impact on the music world, influencing countless genres and musicians over the years. Its emphasis on improvisation, creativity, and emotional expression has made it a timeless and enduring art form. Scat singing, while not as widely practiced as jazz, has also left its mark on the music world. Vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan have popularized the technique and inspired generations of singers to experiment with vocal improvisation.