Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation

This article explores the characteristics of the second exposition of the melody in vocal jazz performances that use the same lyrics, referred to here as the second chorus. This practice is a crucial element in vocal jazz, which allows singers to explore and experiment with their vocal delivery and...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Elena Mîndru
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki 2024-12-01
Series:Trio
Subjects:
Online Access:https://trio.journal.fi/article/view/147932
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850072443213840384
author Elena Mîndru
author_facet Elena Mîndru
author_sort Elena Mîndru
collection DOAJ
description This article explores the characteristics of the second exposition of the melody in vocal jazz performances that use the same lyrics, referred to here as the second chorus. This practice is a crucial element in vocal jazz, which allows singers to explore and experiment with their vocal delivery and to showcase their interpretative and variational skills. A case study analysing the interpretative approaches of legendary singer Sarah Vaughan is included in this article. Selected recorded tracks from Vaughan’s album Live at Mister Kelly’s were transcribed and analysed, comparing them with the original published lead sheets. The musical analysis focuses on Vaughan’s interpretation of the melody and the variations she employs during the second chorus. Her mastery of this practice, through rhythmic and melodic variations, interplay with the band, and expressive use of lyrics, enhances the musical narrative and captivates the audience. The main research question is: What musical gestures and tools does Sarah Vaughan use in her recapitulation of the melody in the second chorus of jazz songs?
format Article
id doaj-art-cdde050cabf642dcb0e9015557fa2599
institution DOAJ
issn 2242-6418
2242-6426
language English
publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher The Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki
record_format Article
series Trio
spelling doaj-art-cdde050cabf642dcb0e9015557fa25992025-08-20T02:47:04ZengThe Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts HelsinkiTrio2242-64182242-64262024-12-011323666 Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation Elena Mîndru 0Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts HelsinkiThis article explores the characteristics of the second exposition of the melody in vocal jazz performances that use the same lyrics, referred to here as the second chorus. This practice is a crucial element in vocal jazz, which allows singers to explore and experiment with their vocal delivery and to showcase their interpretative and variational skills. A case study analysing the interpretative approaches of legendary singer Sarah Vaughan is included in this article. Selected recorded tracks from Vaughan’s album Live at Mister Kelly’s were transcribed and analysed, comparing them with the original published lead sheets. The musical analysis focuses on Vaughan’s interpretation of the melody and the variations she employs during the second chorus. Her mastery of this practice, through rhythmic and melodic variations, interplay with the band, and expressive use of lyrics, enhances the musical narrative and captivates the audience. The main research question is: What musical gestures and tools does Sarah Vaughan use in her recapitulation of the melody in the second chorus of jazz songs?https://trio.journal.fi/article/view/147932vocal jazzsecond chorusmelodic recapitulationmelodic variationsarah vaughansecond head
spellingShingle Elena Mîndru
Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation
Trio
vocal jazz
second chorus
melodic recapitulation
melodic variation
sarah vaughan
second head
title Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation
title_full Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation
title_fullStr Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation
title_short Exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz: a study of Sarah Vaughan’s melodic variation
title_sort exploring the second chorus in vocal jazz a study of sarah vaughan s melodic variation
topic vocal jazz
second chorus
melodic recapitulation
melodic variation
sarah vaughan
second head
url https://trio.journal.fi/article/view/147932
work_keys_str_mv AT elenamindru exploringthesecondchorusinvocaljazzastudyofsarahvaughansmelodicvariation