What is Scatting?
Scatting is a vocal jazz improvisation technique that involves singing nonsensical syllables or sounds rather than actual words. It is a form of vocalization that emphasizes rhythm, tone, and musicality over lyrical content. Scatting allows singers to demonstrate their improvisational skills, creativity, and mastery of rhythm and melody. Originating in the early 20th century, scatting has become a vital element in jazz music and has influenced numerous genres and vocalists worldwide.
This technique transforms the human voice into an instrument capable of mimicking the sounds of horns, drums, or other instruments, providing a unique, expressive layer to musical performances. Whether performed solo or as part of a group, scatting adds a dynamic, spontaneous flair that is both captivating and technically challenging.
The Origins and History of Scatting
Early Beginnings
Scatting's roots can be traced back to the African American musical traditions, where improvisation and vocal experimentation have long been integral. The technique gained prominence in the jazz scene during the 1920s and 1930s, a period marked by rapid musical innovation and the emergence of big bands and swing music.
One of the earliest recorded instances of scat singing is attributed to Louis Armstrong, who popularized improvisational vocalizations during his performances. Armstrong's playful, inventive vocal style laid the groundwork for many future scat singers. His ability to mimic instruments and improvise seamlessly contributed to the technique's popularity.
Development Through the Jazz Era
As jazz evolved through the Swing, Bebop, and later styles, scat singing became an essential component of the genre. Vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Dizzy Gillespie expanded the scope of scat, turning it into a sophisticated art form. Ella Fitzgerald, often called the "Queen of Jazz," was renowned for her scat improvisations, which showcased her remarkable vocal range and rhythmic agility.
The 1940s and 1950s saw the golden age of scat singing, with artists experimenting with complex rhythms, harmonies, and sounds. These performances often involved spontaneous improvisation, making each performance unique.
The Technique of Scatting
Fundamental Elements
Scatting involves several core elements:
- Nonsensical Syllables: Singers use sounds like "doo," "bop," "bada," "shoo," "la," and "da" to create rhythmic and melodic patterns.
- Rhythm and Timing: Precise timing and rhythmic feel are crucial to make the scat sound musical and engaging.
- Pitch and Tone: Singers must have control over their vocal pitch and tone to emulate instruments and maintain musical coherence.
- Imitative Ability: Successful scat singers often mimic instrument sounds, such as horns, drums, or bass lines.
Steps to Master Scatting
For those interested in learning to scat, here are some fundamental steps:
1. Develop a Good Sense of Rhythm: Practice with drum grooves or metronomes to internalize timing.
2. Learn Basic Scat Syllables: Start with simple sounds like "bop," "doo," "la," "da," and "shoo."
3. Imitate Instruments: Try mimicking horns or percussion sounds to develop aural and vocal flexibility.
4. Sing Along with Recordings: Transcribe and imitate solos from jazz recordings.
5. Practice Improvisation: Create spontaneous melodies and rhythms, gradually increasing complexity.
6. Record and Evaluate: Listen to your scat performances to identify areas for improvement.
The Importance of Scatting in Jazz and Beyond
Expressive Freedom and Creativity
Scatting provides vocalists with a platform for improvisation and personal expression. It breaks the constraints of traditional singing by allowing artists to explore sounds, rhythms, and melodies freely. This creative freedom is at the heart of jazz, emphasizing individual artistry and spontaneous composition.
Enhancing Musical Skills
Practicing scat singing enhances several musical skills, including:
- Ear training and aural skills
- Rhythmic accuracy
- Vocal flexibility and control
- Ability to improvise spontaneously
- Understanding of harmony and melody
Influence on Other Genres
While primarily associated with jazz, scat singing has influenced other genres such as blues, gospel, and even pop. Artists outside jazz have adopted scat techniques to add improvisational flair or vocal experimentation to their music.
Notable Scat Singers and Their Contributions
Ella Fitzgerald
Often regarded as the most influential scat singer, Ella Fitzgerald's virtuosity and inventive improvisations set a standard for the genre. Her ability to seamlessly navigate complex melodies and rhythms made her a legendary figure.
Louis Armstrong
A pioneer of jazz improvisation, Armstrong's playful vocalizations and inventive sounds helped popularize scat singing and inspired countless artists.
Dizzy Gillespie
Known more for his trumpet playing, Gillespie also incorporated scat singing into his performances, blending instrumental improvisation with vocal experimentation.
Sarah Vaughan
Vaughan's rich, expressive voice and her inventive scat solos contributed greatly to the development of jazz vocals.
Modern Perspectives and Usage of Scatting
Contemporary Artists
Today, scat singing continues to evolve with artists like Kurt Elling, Nnenna Freelon, and Cassandra Wilson pushing the boundaries of vocal improvisation. Many modern jazz vocalists incorporate scat into their performances, blending traditional techniques with new styles.
Scatting in Pop and Other Genres
While less common, some pop and experimental artists have adopted scat techniques to add improvisational elements to their music. For example, Madonna and Michael Jackson have incorporated scat-like vocalizations in their recordings.
Educational and Therapeutic Uses
Scatting is also used in vocal training to develop improvisational skills, ear training, and vocal flexibility. Additionally, its expressive nature makes it a valuable tool in music therapy, encouraging emotional expression and creativity.
Conclusion
In summary, scatting is a vibrant and expressive vocal technique rooted in jazz tradition that involves improvising melodies using nonsensical syllables and sounds. It exemplifies spontaneity, creativity, and technical prowess, allowing vocalists to emulate instruments and explore rhythmic and melodic possibilities. From its origins with legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to its modern practitioners, scatting remains a vital part of musical expression and innovation. Whether used as a solo performance or ensemble improvisation, scat singing continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike, celebrating the limitless potential of the human voice in music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scatting in music?
Scatting is a vocal improvisation technique where singers use nonsensical syllables and sounds instead of lyrics to create melodies and rhythms.
How did scatting originate?
Scatting originated in jazz music during the 1920s and 1930s, popularized by artists like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald as a way to showcase vocal improvisation and creativity.
What are common techniques used in scatting?
Scatting involves improvising with syllables like 'doo', 'baba', or 'la', using rhythmic variations, vocal embellishments, and mimicking instrumental sounds to add expressive flair.
Can anyone learn to scat singing?
Yes, with practice and listening to jazz recordings, most singers can develop their scat skills by experimenting with different sounds, rhythms, and improvisation techniques.
What is the difference between scatting and singing lyrics?
While singing lyrics involves performing words with meaning, scatting is an improvised vocal art using sounds and syllables without specific words, emphasizing rhythm and melody.
Why is scatting considered an important skill in jazz singing?
Scatting demonstrates a singer's creativity, improvisational ability, and understanding of musical phrasing, making it a key element of jazz vocal performance and expression.
