(Item from September 2007 What's New page)
There was an interesting and thought-provoking article by Kevin Le Gendre in the August issue of Jazzwise magazine. Kevin argues that jazz vocalists should not be seen as lesser beings to instrumentalists. He applauds the talents of Bobby McFerrin, Cleveland Watkins and Annette Peacock (amongst others), but considers Jamie Cullum and Norah Jones to have 'desultory jazz credentials' and Michel Buble and Peter Cincotti to be 'spineless crooners'. So how do you define a 'jazz singer'? We say the names - Billie Holiday, George Melly, Anita O'Day - but what are we talking about? - their phrasing; timing; quality of voice; improvising on the lyrics; ability to experiment? Is it really possible for Bobby McFerrin to stand alone on a stage and be a great jazz singer, or is the essence of jazz vocals the ability to interact with jazz musicians, to inspire and be inspired by the instrumentalists with whom the singer is performing? How would you define a 'Jazz' Singer?