Jazz is a HUGE topic with a rich history and a lot of nuance.

Listening is a huge part of the tradition. As Trumpeter Clark Terry said: imitate, assimilate, innovate. We listen, we copy/transcribe, we internalise and then we create our own unique sound.

Here is a very small selection of my favourite Jazz Singers, to get your started:

Ella Fitzgerald

Kurt Elling

Sarah Vaughan

Emma Smith

Jon Hendricks (Lambert, Hendricks and Ross)

Peggy Lee

Nina Simone

Chet Baker

I recommend watching this video essay from Adam Neely for a comprehensive and considered response to the question:

“Is Laufey jazz?”

and lots of cultural and historical context.

And finally…

If you’ve enjoyed the exercises I’ve created for you, please do check out the Singer’s Practice Hub, and come and say hi on my social media

- I’m @tessasmithmusic on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook!