Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by liv stoveland on September 12, 2008 at 2:42am

I have been singing since I was a child, and have classical education (for 8 years...) and the more I sing I realize that all the above are the same... I sing mostly jazz now, but do also do baroque music, and none of them stand in the way of each other. I call myself a singer, a vocalist, an artist - its all the same case!
Agree with you Elaine, but maybe someone feels better with being one of those?

Permalink Reply by Elaine Hernandez on September 12, 2008 at 7:46am

Thank you! for your answer. Although, my grandmother who was an opera singer says that there is a different. She says that a singer is a skill person that learns how to sing. This person will get on a mic and technically is able to sing and does it well, but in most of the cases, doesn't transmit anything, no expression what so ever and the fans cannot recieve the massage! There is no story telling! Some other people say that not all singers are able to enteartain. Basically, to me if you call yourself an artist, you should be able to do all of the above: entertain, sing, and be a vocalist. Thank you Liv for your thoughts on this. Keep in touch!

Permalink Reply by liv stoveland on September 12, 2008 at 9:06am

I totally agree! Singing is telling, and if your technique allows it U can do really much with your one voice! U have to be able to perform and give of yourself.

Permalink Reply by Elaine Hernandez on September 21, 2009 at 4:09pm

Thank you! for your thoughts on this! Have a jazzy day!

Permalink Reply by Cres O'Neal on September 24, 2008 at 12:32am

Glad to see this post. I have always considered a vocalist one who uses her/his voice as an instrument. A vocalist interprets the words as well as the music. A true vocalist gives me goose bumps, because of the emotional impact the voice has. Not everyone has the capacity, regardless of how well they sing, to envoke emotion into their music. A vocalist has her/his own definitive sound and style. Too often I hear really good singers, but their sound, or style isn't original. They sound like everyone else: same phrasing, tone, etc.

My mother was also an opera vocalist. When she sang, I just listened. The way she manipulated her sound was incredible. Even though she was a classically trained soprano, she had the uncanny ability to switch over to jazz in a heartbeat -- a feat that is quite difficult.

I consider myself a vocalist. My heart and soul goes into my music. My audiences generally feel what I feel. The funny thing is that I almost never do a song the same way. It's not intentional. Just the way it works out. Have I said too much? I could go on and on. LOL

Permalink Reply by Elaine Hernandez on September 21, 2009 at 4:10pm

I am pleased to have you on my site! and Thank you for sharing your talent!

Permalink Reply by Pat on September 24, 2008 at 2:31am

This is difficult.
For me a vocalist is someone who uses their voice as an instrument, improvising where there is little or no direction from others. Taking WHAT they have learned and using it freely. They sing from the heart and connect with something in our own hearts whether we understand what they are doing or not.

A singer is someone who takes direction be it from the composer.leader or teacher but who still connects with us.

The dictionary definition of entertain is"To hold the attention of with something amusing or diverting" so I don't really like that description as it doesn't tell you what we do. It can make mega bucks tho' ;-)

So I suppose I much prefer the term vocalist as it regards the voice as an instrument. Singers find it hard sometimes to garner the respect of musicians/band members as they can sometimes see us in a different light to the instrumentalists they have around them. Think it's the "ist" at the end that does it. Guitarist...pianist...drummer....oops there goes that theory! I know....percussionist!!!!

Diction, storytelling,phrasing, emotion,always learning,connecting and so much more are what make a great vocalist imho. Carmen McRae ticks all boxes for me with regard to jazz, as she moves me in a way that no other singer does. I remember the first note I heard her sing as I felt as if someone had punched me in the gut and I stood up and really took notice of EVERY word she sang.
When I first heard Ella scat I couldn't understand her. Years later I went back to listen and with all I had learned in the intervening years the more I felt what she did and I could really appreciate her. Both women truly became ARTISTS.... painters of lyrics and music which transcend generations.
love to you all in your artistry
Pat xx sorry I rambled on for so long!

Permalink Reply by Pat on September 24, 2008 at 4:28am

Oh and this clip from youtube epitomises all that I have said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJaD09M5Iko
Pat x

Permalink Reply by Elaine Hernandez on September 24, 2008 at 7:37am

I want to thanks all the ladies that took the time to address this controversial subject. Its very intersting how everyone as a different view on the subject. God Bless you all, and keep on Jazzing!!!!

Permalink Reply by Jhae on September 21, 2009 at 3:11pm

I watched the video...she makes it appear effortless.

Permalink Reply by Elaine Hernandez on September 21, 2009 at 4:11pm

Thank you Pat! Welcome to my window of dreams!

Permalink Reply by Elaine Hernandez on September 21, 2009 at 4:12pm

Yes you are right! Thank you! for sharing!

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