Definition: a style of vocal jazz improvisation in which the vocalist substitutes nonsense syllables for lyrics. Scat singing is often used to imitate the type of melodic line that a jazz instrumentalist would play.
The term “bebop,” which refers to a 1940s and 50s jazz trend, is a prototypical scat singing utterance.
Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald are two singers renowned for their scat singing.
Also Known As: vocalese
