What's Happening?
Janis Siegel, a renowned jazz vocalist and former member of The Manhattan Transfer, has released her new solo album, 'The Art of Vocalese.' This marks her first solo project since The Manhattan Transfer's retirement in 2023. The album features Siegel returning
to the vocalese style, incorporating lyrics by her late friend and collaborator Jon Hendricks, which she discovered among his unrecorded works. These include lyrics for jazz classics such as Charlie Parker’s 'Barbados' and Miles Davis’s 'Bye Bye Blackbird.' Siegel also included her own arrangements and lyrics for pieces like Dave Brubeck’s 'Square Dance.' The album features a jazz ensemble including pianist-arranger John Di Martino, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, with vocal guests Raul Midón and original Transfer member Laurel Masse.
Why It's Important?
This album is significant for the jazz community as it represents a continuation of the vocalese tradition, a style that Siegel helped popularize with The Manhattan Transfer. Her dedication to preserving and reinterpreting the works of jazz legends like Jon Hendricks, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis contributes to the genre's ongoing evolution and appreciation. The release also marks a new chapter for Siegel as a solo artist, allowing her to explore her artistic instincts more freely after decades with a group. Her approach to vocalese, which involves singing instrumental solos with newly written lyrics, offers a unique bridge between instrumental jazz and vocal performance, potentially introducing these classic compositions to new audiences while satisfying long-time jazz enthusiasts.
What's Next?
Janis Siegel is scheduled to hold an album release party for 'The Art of Vocalese' at Dizzy’s Club in New York on November 4. This event will likely feature performances from the new album, showcasing her interpretations and the ensemble's contributions. Following the release, Siegel is expected to continue promoting the album, potentially through additional performances, interviews, and collaborations. Her focus on vocalese and her experimental approach suggest that she will continue to explore diverse musical avenues in her solo career. The album's reception will also indicate the ongoing interest in vocalese as a jazz art form and Siegel's continued influence within the genre.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate release, 'The Art of Vocalese' highlights the enduring legacy of jazz improvisation and the creative ways artists adapt and honor it. Siegel's 'archaeological' discovery of Jon Hendricks' unrecorded lyrics underscores the rich, often hidden, history within jazz. This project also speaks to the artistic evolution of musicians post-group careers, demonstrating how established artists can reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots. The album's emphasis on collaboration and the interplay between vocalists and instrumentalists reinforces the communal spirit of jazz. It also serves as a masterclass in how to approach jazz standards with both reverence and innovation, offering a model for aspiring jazz musicians and vocalists.
