Vocal phrasing and interplay in jazz improvisation – a comparison between principles of improvising on Swing and Bossa Nova

Abstract

While improvising follows the same rules for singers, as well as instrumentalists, there are a few aspects that are to be taken into consideration when improvising in different genres as a jazz singer. The uniqueness of the instrument itself, with no comparison with any other instrument or voice, requires a personalized approach in accompanying a singer as well, while a deep understanding of the importance of balancing the lead melody with the chords and the rhythms in the accompaniment is paramount. To accompany a vocal improvisation means to support the melody created right above and just underneath the fingers of the accompanist. To improvise with an accompanist on swing is the opposite approach of improvising on bossa-nova while respecting the origin of the latter, which is jazz itself. The mastery of this undertaking is to be discussed herein.