The jazz vocal art of Kurt Elling : lessons for South African singers

The dissertation researches the contemporary jazz vocalist Kurt Elling. His background, performing career and successes are explored before his artistry as a performer and pedagogue are examined in detail. A personal Skype lesson and a personal interview form part of the research material. Elling’s improvisatory art and his relationship with and opinions on scatting, and especially jazz vocalese are portrayed. To this end the author’s transcription of Elling’s vocalese based on Downtown (by Russel Ferrante) is included. Elling’s influence, creativity, spirituality and infusion of poetry into jazz are also investigated in order to show how he inspires audiences and students alike. The history of, and general descriptions of various jazz vocal styles are traced, whereafter the situation regarding the jazz vocal scene in South Africa is outlined. Local jazz vocal teaching in particular, and associated problems are discussed, and recommendations made. The author utilises her background as an accomplished performer and teacher to infuse these discussions with personal insights. Elling’s opinions on how cultural and ethnic differences can inspire South African jazz vocalists are also delineated.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Pretoria

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hinch, John de Courteille

• Kurt Elling
• Jazz vocal art
• Jazz vocals
• Jazz vocalists
• Scatting
• Vocalese
• South African jazz vocalists
• UCTD

Statement dc:rights

• © 2014 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

F14/4/490/lm

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/41499