Comments on: Techniques for Vocal “Licks”

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 06:31:54 +0000

Kim... wow, I just now saw your comment, thank you so much for that correction, I shall put Ella's name in right now! Also, thanks for your authoritative source definition of scatting. You know your stuff, and I really appreciate you sharing your experience here. Thanks again!

By: Kim Rushing

Kim Rushing — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:14:21 +0000

whoops! that's Ella Fitzgeraldon One Note Sambaand what an amazing vid…have watched many many times…I would define "scatting" a bit differently, improvisation based on motifs, scales and arpeggiated chordswordless vocal syllables such as do, ya, la, be, dah etc. which is usually sung after singing the first chorus with the lyricssometimes used as you mentioned, on outros, tags, intros, etc.I am glad you talked about "licks" — I hear way too many licks/ "melismas" in young singers, that come from from pop/"R& B" singersthey then insert them into jazz standards, where it sounds fake and inappropriate stylistically.OK, i'm gettin' off my jazz singer soapbox now…LOLhugsKim R

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:55:41 +0000

Leigh Ann… I totally agree with you. It's like having too much of anything, really. And if something we are doing vocally isn't adding meaning, why would we do it? The answer, of course, is that we are trying to show how amazing our vocal ability is. Which paradoxically decreases our vocal impact on our listener. Thx so much for the insightful comment!

By: Leigh Ann Otte

Leigh Ann Otte — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:03:13 +0000

I appreciate the tips on how to do vocal licks. I've never mastered them. It would be fun to learn.However, I'm so glad you said to use vocal licks where they "create interest/emotion in the language of your genre." Sometimes singers use them so much you long for the days when someone could just hold a note!