JAM Magazine: June/July 1998 Issue: Storyville

SINGING JAZZ: The Singers and Their Styles
by Bruce Crowther and Mike Pinfold
288 pp, 57 b&w photos, published 1998, Miller Freeman Books, 600 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, 800-848-5594, $17.95

In Singing Jazz, the diverse opinions and perspectives of a host of jazz vocalists provide fresh insights into the lives of the contemporary jazz singer. And with each artist, there is a mutual commitment to craft, along with a sense of urgency about the importance of continuing to carry the torch of jazz singing.

This book of short interviews includes both new and veteran singers. Mark Murphy, Nanette Natal, Stacy Kent and Tom Lellis are among those profiled and/or surveyed. Those interviewed should have also included Kansas City's Kevin Mahogany and Karrin Allyson, although both are listed and discussed. (Mahogany is described as one who "sings ballads and blues with understanding, often extending into scat and vocalese." Allyson is depicted as "a convincing stylist.")

Authors Crowther and Pinfold offer just enough historical background to enable the reader to further understand the evolution of jazz singing and how the early days of jazz influenced such stylistic notables as Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme'. The authors also address the challenges associated with the jazz singer's life including learning new repertoire, finding an individual voice, self-promotion, performing in inadequate surroundings and the ongoing struggle for artistic recognition and financial security. There are a number of poignant anecdotes from different performers, past and present.

Singing Jazz is a passionate collection assembled by two passionate authors. It is a book that will deepen your appreciation for those actively singing and recording jazz. And for that reason alone, it is a worthwhile and informative read.

-- J.P. Makus

RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1998 MAIN INDEX

------------------------------------------------------------------------
© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		SINGING JAZZ: The Singers and Their Styles by Bruce Crowther and Mike Pinfold 288 pp, 57 b&w photos, published 1998, Miller Freeman Books, 600 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, 800-848-5594, $17.95 In Singing Jazz, the diverse opinions and perspectives of a host of jazz vocalists provide fresh insights into the lives of the contemporary jazz singer. And with each artist, there is a mutual commitment to craft, along with a sense of urgency about the importance of continuing to carry the torch of jazz singing. This book of short interviews includes both new and veteran singers. Mark Murphy, Nanette Natal, Stacy Kent and Tom Lellis are among those profiled and/or surveyed. Those interviewed should have also included Kansas City's Kevin Mahogany and Karrin Allyson, although both are listed and discussed. (Mahogany is described as one who "sings ballads and blues with understanding, often extending into scat and vocalese." Allyson is depicted as "a convincing stylist.") Authors Crowther and Pinfold offer just enough historical background to enable the reader to further understand the evolution of jazz singing and how the early days of jazz influenced such stylistic notables as Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme'. The authors also address the challenges associated with the jazz singer's life including learning new repertoire, finding an individual voice, self-promotion, performing in inadequate surroundings and the ongoing struggle for artistic recognition and financial security. There are a number of poignant anecdotes from different performers, past and present. Singing Jazz is a passionate collection assembled by two passionate authors. It is a book that will deepen your appreciation for those actively singing and recording jazz. And for that reason alone, it is a worthwhile and informative read. -- J.P. Makus RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1998 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.