Top 5 Scat Solos for Beginners to Transcribe
When young vocalists approach scat-singing and improvisation, it almost always feels overwhelming and impossible… almost as if they’re learning a whole new language! That’s because scat-singing is a language! One of the best ways young jazz singers can begin to get a grip on scatting is by listening and transcribing scat solos by ear. Not only will young vocalists begin to digest the most common/efficient scat syllables, but they will also start to develop their improvisatory vocabulary. The following scat solos are sung by some of the world’s greatest improvisers and carefully chosen for beginning singers.
As Little Richard once said… “A wop bap a loo bop ba lap bam boo!”
#1 - It Could Happen To You, by Chet Baker
Arguably the most famous scat solo of all time, this Chet Baker classic is very digestible and easy for young singers to transcribe. The solo is clear, relaxed, and harmonically straightforward.
#2 - All Of Me, by Sarah Vaughan
This iconic Sarah Vaughan solo is exciting, motivic, and amazing for young singers to start getting a grip on a variety of scat-techniques such as… longer eight note phrases, the use of motif’s, utilization of range, and creative syllables.
#3 - Scorpion, by Johnaye Kendrick
Johnaye Kendrick is an amazing contemporary jazz vocalist that explores a wide array of genres and styles. Her solo on her original composition “Scorpion” is perfect for beginner vocalists to transcribe. It’s fun, memorable, and incorporates one of the most important aspects of scatting… storytelling! One of Johnaye’s strengths in improvisation is her ability to tell a story and emote in a meaningful, expressive way. Take a listen for yourself!
#4 - Blue Skies, by Ella Fitzgerald
If your singers are up for a challenge, this scat solo by the queen of vocal improvisation, Ella Fitzgerald, is sure to do the job. Ella is the pioneer and most influential vocal improviser in the jazz genre, therefore, it makes absolute sense to learn from the best! This captivating solo might seem a little intimidating at first, but Ella’s phrases are very melodic and memorable. Once young singers have this solo in their ears for a while, they’ll be scatting their tongues off!
#5 - Tight, by Jazzmeia Horn
Jazzmeia Horn, a contemporary jazz vocalist based in NYC, is an expressive and fearless improviser. Her solo in the classic tune, “Tight”, is a 4-bar trading solo with a saxophone! This high energy solo will teach young vocalists the art of trading, and improv-based communication between 2 musicians.