What do I do during an instrumental of a jazz song? I'm just standing there!?

Question

I sing every friday with a jazz song, about three songs and there are always instrumental parts...sometimes fast and sometimes slow and I have no idea what to do!

Answer 1

Listen to the soloist(s) or ensemble: the lyrics you sing (and as your craft evolves, the way you sing them) is part of a conversation; the passages that follow are a response within that conversation. You have to listen to understand your next contribution to the thread of discussion.

As for physical demeanor: be yourself, but try to avoid looking bored (the kiss of death for any performer. If you have to yawn- smile; the yawn will pass by your smile and the audience won't realize you did it!). It's a plus if you look like you enjoy being on stage, but being over the top isn't necessary and likely may make one look foolish. Only clap your hands or snap your fingers if you feel two and four as the rhythm section is playing it (they're the [primary keepers of the quarter note- anything unrelated is going to prove distracting).

Answer 2

Pick up a jazz instrument to play in the meantime with them.

Answer 3

Shake a tambourine, hit a clave or a cowbell with a drum stick or shake an egg shaker in time to the music. Like you mean it and in time and smile.

Answer 4

do what jazz singers do, SCAT. yup, scatting is improvisation for singers. You might want to check this video of Ella Fitzgerald scatting to the song One Note Samba:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PbL9vr4Q2LU



or Al Jarreau's scat on Spain:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q-LjnDLqGCs

Answer 5

Go over and hit the piano keys randomly, the pianist will adore you.

Answer 6

snap to the beat and move around.

Answer 7

Jzzz is a feel like thing, You do what ever you feel like.