The Greatest Jazz Vocalists You've Never Heard Of
By Mitch Wilson for 30 Day Singer and Guitar Tricks
With its rich history and evolving nature, jazz music has given us some of the most unforgettable voices in the music world. It's a genre where the voice serves as a medium of storytelling and an instrument, intertwining with the music in the most intricate ways. Jazz vocalists have a unique way of touching our hearts and stirring our souls through their singing. We all know the greats, from Billie Holiday's soulful wails to Nat King Cole's velvety tones. Today, we're exploring the lives and legacies of ten jazz vocalists you may not have heard of, who've spun magic with their voices, each bringing their unique flavor to the jazz table.
Chet Baker: Let's start with Chet Baker, the man with the trumpet and the voice that could make your heart weep. Known for his ethereal, almost angelic vocal delivery, Baker wasn't just a trumpeter but the epitome of the 'cool' in jazz. His singing, especially in tracks like "My Funny Valentine," showcases a vulnerability and a raw emotion that's as haunting as it is beautiful. Baker's life, marked by its highs and lows, mirrors the melancholy of his music, making his work profoundly personal and moving.
Diana Krall: Fast-forward a few decades, and you'll meet Diana Krall, the modern queen of jazz. With her sultry contralto vocal range and dazzling piano skills, Krall has a way of taking the old classics and infusing them with a contemporary suave-ness that's entirely her own. Check out this article if you are wondering what is a contralto voice. She's not just a singer; she's a storyteller (and accomplished big band arranger) inviting you into a world of romantic, smoky lounges with every note she plays and sings.
Anita O'Day: Talk about breaking the mold. Anita O'Day was all about redefining what a female jazz singer could be. With her inventive phrasing and a style as bold as her personality, O'Day was a force to be reckoned with. She swung hard and lived even harder, breaking away from the typical 'girl singer' mold of her era to establish a career about pushing boundaries and taking risks.
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Harry Connick Jr.: Bringing a big-band swagger and a touch of New Orleans soul, Harry Connick Jr. has a charm that's hard to resist. He's the guy who brought jazz to the masses, making it cool again with his movie roles and television appearances. But at the heart of it all is his music, which swings with joy and a purely Harry precision. He's a modern-day crooner, paying homage to the greats while adding his contemporary flair.
Nancy Wilson: Nancy Wilson was the epitome of elegance and grace, with a voice as smooth as silk and just as strong. She navigated the realms of jazz, pop, and R&B with ease, refusing to be pigeonholed into any single genre. Wilson's music is a testament to her versatility and ability to convey deep emotion, whether singing a heartbreaking ballad or a lively uptempo number.
Jon Hendricks: The master of vocalese, Jon Hendricks could turn any instrumental solo into a lyrical masterpiece. He didn't just sing songs; he played with them, bending and shaping the lyrics to fit the music in the most inventive ways, even jumping into falsetto with ease. Hendricks was a bridge between poetry and jazz, showing us that the voice can be just as complex and captivating as any instrument in the band. You might need to do a few vocal warm-ups before tackling his complex vocal style.
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Dinah Washington: Known as the "Queen of the Blues," Dinah Washington's voice was a powerhouse, capable of delivering blues, jazz, and everything in between with a fiery intensity that was all her own. She could sing a song of heartbreak like she'd lived every word but then turn around and lift your spirits with an upbeat jazz standard. Washington's emotional depth and vocal range were simply astonishing.
Jamie Cullum: The modern British sensation Jamie Cullum burst onto the scene with his energetic blend of jazz and pop, bringing a youthful vitality to the downright infectious genre. He's not just a vocalist; he's a showman, often seen jumping around the stage or banging out an electrifying riff on the piano (if he's not already standing on it). Cullum represents a new generation of jazz musicians who respect the traditions while boldly pushing forward into new territories.
Louis Prima: If there ever were a bundle of energy encapsulated in human form, it would be Louis Prima. The man was a dynamo known for his lively, high-spirited performances that blended jazz with a touch of vaudeville. Prima's music, particularly when paired with Keely Smith, is the kind of toe-tapping, feel-good jazz that's impossible to resist. He was all about fun, reminding us that jazz, at its heart, is about joy and celebration.
Kurt Elling: And then there's Kurt Elling, a modern-day jazz innovator with a baritone that can easily swoop from the deepest growl to the highest falsetto. Elling is a storyteller, a philosopher, weaving narratives into every song. His projects often push the boundaries of jazz, incorporating elements from various genres and literatures. Listening to Elling is like embarking on a journey that's as intellectually stimulating as it is musically satisfying.
Each of these artists has contributed uniquely to the tapestry of jazz music, leaving a legacy that transcends time and continues to inspire. Even if they aren't as famous or as popular as the likes of Ella Fitzgerald or Frank Sinatra, their voices carry the spirit of jazz, touching souls and influencing musicians worldwide. Whether you're a long-time jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, diving into the works of these lesser-known vocalists is like stepping into a rich, vibrant world of musical genius. Save this post for future reference. The next time you're in a record store perusing the wax, you'll find something unique and special, off the beaten musical path.