Intro to Vocal Jazz Workshop
(for Classically trained singers)
Are you ready to
cross over*?
*Do well in this workshop and earn a crossover badge to perform at
a masterclass with an Aliw award-winning Jazz singer
First Day
Instructor/Facilitator:
Prof. Sherla Najera
Duration: 30 mins - 1 hr
• Highlight applications of bel canto technique into jazz singing in terms of vowel formation, mouth opening, resonation, shifting of registers, rhythmic flexibility, as well as expressive and dynamic tools (ANALYSIS)
• Demonstrate the differences between bel canto and jazz vocal techniques and dynamics by singing the Classical-Jazz crossover song Summertime (Gershwin) in both bel canto and jazz styles (APPLICATION)
OBJECTIVES
Through today’s session, the workshop participants should be able to:
UNESCO has a very high regard for jazz music as a music of peace, intercultural dialogue, freedom and creativity, having established April 30th of each year as International Jazz Day.
Jazz originated in a multicultural America as a reaction to racial discrimination and social inequalities. Since the 1920s jazz music has evolved into more global, more multicultural formats melding with Brazilian, Latin American, European, Asian, Indian, and even Filipino musical traditions (Unesco.Org, n.d.)
Jazz and UNESCO
Demonstration of Vocal Jazz in Different Forms
Now, let’s hear renowned Opera/Classical singers singing Jazz— Renee Fleming and Barbara Hendricks. Both singers sing the same jazz standard “In a Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington. But please notice how each singer has her own take on the song, while applying bel canto technique. Notice how Renee sings it slow, whereas the other singer varies the rhythm at some point, and explores her lower, chesty register.
Note: The instructor/facilitator is free to pause the following videos at some point in order to discuss singing-related material (vibrato, attack, tremolo etc.)
Grammy-Winning Opera Singer
Renee Fleming
Opera Soprano Barbara Hendricks
Does anyone want to make a comment
on the performances you’ve just watched?
Let’s listen to Summertime by George Gershwin
“Summertime” is an aria written by Gershwin for his folk opera Porgy and Bess. The song incorporates Jazz elements and Classical styles from Opera (Sherri-Chanelle, 2014).
Summertime is sung by both Opera and Jazz singers. Summertime is considered both an Opera and a Jazz standard.
Summertime as performed by
Kathleen Battle- a Grammy-winning
American Opera Soprano
Jazz singer Sarah Vaughan singing “Summertime” in a jazz style
Sarah Vaughan is hailed as one of the pioneers of jazz singing
and is well- studied in jazz programs in colleges and universities.
Notice how she combines Classical, Baroque and Jazz techniques
A question for the class
What did you notice about the Opera performance of Summertime and the jazz performance of Summertime?
Activity- Do this to earn the *Crossover Badge
Instructions:
Sing the two strophes (two AAs) to the song Summertime.
You must record two versions of the said song:
o Classical- must adhere to Classical technique and aesthetics
o Jazz- free to apply bel canto technique, and free to use vibrato or not, free to add bluesy curlicues/melismas, free to use sliding/bended notes, free to change, vary the rhythm/feel
Note: Recording can be done via Vocaroo.com and can be done acapella or with a minus one/backing track. Recording must be accomplished within the next 12 hours and must be emailed to sherlanajera@up.edu.ph. Email two links- one link for the Classical recording, another for the Jazz version. Emailing the recording will merit you the Crossover Badge (so named after the mix of Classical and Jazz).
*Crossover Badge will quality you to join the second day of the workshop. Recordings will be assessed with a set of rubrics according to Jazz song aesthetics vis-a-vis Bel Canto technique. The highest scorer will get a chance to perform in the Masterclass on the final day of the workshop.
END OF TODAY’S SESSION
CREDITS
Coppia Iniqua (n.d.). Duke Ellington - 'In a Sentimental Mood' - Renée Fleming vs Barbara Hendricks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4OwrvihzIU
67lordquas (n.d.). “Haiti” (Josephine Baker)-Performed by Wynton Marsalis Quintet featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM3OTqR0nEs
Sherri-Chanelle B. (2014). Questioning Reality in Gershwin’s “Summertime”. https://edblogs.columbia.edu/humaw1123-030-2014-3/2014/11/09/questioning-reality-in-gershwins-summertime/
VoiceVirtuoso. (n.d.). Kathleen Battle sings "Summertime" from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYlIHI35oak
Baritono1975. (n.d.). Sarah Vaughan "Summertime" (Cascais Jazz, 1973). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHz465gSJS8