Reaching for the Moon - A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald's Vocal Technique and Her Most Famous Songs

Reaching for the Moon is a biographical film about the life of the American singer and songwriter, Ella Fitzgerald. Dubbed as "The First Lady of Jazz," she is known for her unique style of singing that combines technical skill, improvisation, and a soulful tone. In this article, we will explore Ella Fitzgerald's vocal technique and highlight some of her most famous songs.

Ella Fitzgerald's Vocal Technique:

One of Ella Fitzgerald's most distinctive features is her scatting ability. Scatting is a singing style that involves using nonsense syllables to improvise melodies and rhythms. Ella was a master at this technique, and it was partly due to her experience as a big band singer. She was often tasked with mimicking the sounds of the horns and other instruments in the band, and this led her to develop an ear for improvisation that served her well throughout her career.

Another notable aspect of Ella Fitzgerald's singing was her ability to manipulate her voice to create a wide range of textures and timbres. She could sing in a smooth, silky style that showcased her impeccable control of pitch and phrasing. But she could also add a growl or a rasp to her voice to give her singing a more bluesy or soulful feel. This versatility was a significant reason why she was so successful as a singer.

Songs that Showcase Ella Fitzgerald's Vocal Technique:

Ella Fitzgerald recorded many iconic songs during her career. One of the most famous is "Summertime," from the opera Porgy and Bess. In this song, Ella showcases her ability to sing with a smooth, languid tone that captures the lazy, hazy feeling of summer.

Another of Ella Fitzgerald's trademark songs is "Mack the Knife." This song is a fast-paced jazz number that requires nimble vocal acrobatics to keep up with the tempo. Here, Ella shows off her scatting ability, using her voice to mimic the style of a horn solo.

Finally, "How High the Moon" is a song that exemplifies Ella Fitzgerald's range and versatility as a singer. In this song, she switches effortlessly between smooth, sustained notes and lightning-fast runs of notes. It's an impressive display of technical skill that few singers could match.

Resources:

• To learn more about the techniques that Ella Fitzgerald used in her singing, check out Singing Carrots' articles on Twang, Belting, and Vibrato.
• Use Singing Carrots' Vocal Pitch Monitor to help you visualize your singing and improve pitch accuracy.
• Enroll in Singing Carrots' educational singing course to take your singing to the next level. The course covers singing theory and practical tips.