While each of us can name our favorite jazz vocalists, and there would be significant agreement on many of them, I doubt that we could articulate, and certainly not agree upon, what are the elements that make someone a “jazz” vocalist as opposed to some other genre. Do they have to be able to “scat”? Is everyone who sings from The Great American Songbook a jazz singer? Do you have to perform without background singers to be a jazz singer?
I have seen Al Jolson in the Jazz Singer and Neil Diamond in the remake of the same movie. Not one song sounded jazzy to me. Frank Sinatra sang torch songs, standards, even some rather silly tunes, but look out if you try to say he was anything but a jazz singer! On the other hand, even when she was playing it straight, Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz singer, 100%. Groups like Up With People and Sing Along with Mitch Miller made their living singing standards, yet no one would dare call them jazz singers. Then there is the case of Leslie Odom, Jr., one of the superstars of Hamilton. He announced to the world that he was a jazz singer, formed a group to back him up and went on the road. His voice and song presentation were amazing, but it sounded like a great Broadway performance. For the most part, he has abandoned the pursuit of being the next Nat King Cole.
In the pursuit of qualifying vocalists as a jazz singer or not, there are no objective criteria upon which we can rely. The tests are subjective, which means that there is a lot of wiggle room here for you to insert your own ideas and thoughts. Perhaps the following will trigger a conversation that we can pick up in future editions of The Weekender. So, let’s see if we can sketch out the characteristics that identify a vocalist as a jazz singer.
Self-Belief
The Leslie Odom, Jr. example aside, promoting yourself as a jazz singer is an important first step to being one. When George Benson went from being one of the top jazz guitarists in the world to being a hit making vocalist, he moved away from the jazz moniker. Doing so infuriated many jazz fans and critics, but his monster talents could not be derailed, and he is as big a musical icon and genius as anyone. The story of Nat King Cole, the jazz pianist who was dragged kicking and screaming to being a jazz vocalist, is different. Had he not been a jazz musician and had he not longed to remain being known as such, his vocal styling may have been viewed as being outside our genre. It was his self-belief and identification that ruled the day.
Song Presentation
A jazz singer presents themselves as a member of the band and not as a performer being backed up. Their instrument is their voice and, when it is their turn to play, they sing. They move to the side of the bandstand when a musician is featured. They repeatedly introduce the band members to the audience. They are proud to be part of an ensemble.
Song Choice
Rarely am I at a loss as to how to describe something, but a jazz singer’s song choices are different. They select tunes that can be changed and made more exciting by jazzing up the performance. The lyrics may be the same, but they add nuances, different phrasing and syncopated beats that “jazz” the songs up.
Venues
Jazz singers perform in Performing Arts Centers, jazz clubs and similar venues You will not find a jazz singer at a country fair, a rave or at a Rock ‘n Roll Festival. They select venues that provide comfort, class and collegiality, for jazz is a genre that is meant to be shared by the performers and the audience. Perhaps the most compelling adjective to describe a jazz venue is “intimate.” That does not necessarily mean small, but it does mean not large. Generally, the venue is cabaret style or theater seating. No large “pit” in the front of the stage so that fans can dance. The latter is a bit ironic, for jazz became popular as the music to dance to.
I believe that I have steered away from saying anything controversial, but with only a few sentences left, I am throwing caution to the wind and going for it. Ready?
- Kurt Elling is a jazz singer, Michael Bublé is not.
- Peter Cincotti is a jazz singer, Michael Bolton is not.
- Dee Dee Bridgewater is a jazz singer, Norah Jones is not.
- Samara Joy is a jazz singer, Sade is not.
- Cécile McLorin Salvant is a jazz singer, Adele is not.
- Harry Connick, Jr. is a jazz singer, because I say he is! 😊
Having your own column in your own mailer is fun. Being the writer, the editor and the publisher is a hoot. I love sharing thoughts with our amazing fans and I cannot wait for the reactions to this particular story.
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.
Benny Benack III’s This is the Life
For the first time in his recording career, Benny Benack III has released a live album. Recorded over two nights at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan, This Is the Life captures Benny’s unique combination of charisma and chops, all too familiar to guests of The Jazz Cruise and Botti at Sea. Recently voted #1 Rising Star Male Vocalist and #8 Rising Star Trumpeter in the 2025 DownBeat Readers Poll, Benny is a true double threat as a vocalist and trumpeter. He was accompanied by longtime collaborators Mathis Picard (piano), Russell Hall (bass) and Joe Peri (drums), as well as his father, Benny Jr., a veteran of the Pittsburgh jazz scene, featured as a special guest.
“With A Lot of Livin’ to Do, I was saying ‘there’s so much ahead,’” Benny III explained. “But this one shows what I’ve lived. I’m so thrilled with how the live record came out. Mathis, Russell and Joe played their butts off, and having my Dad, Benny Jr., play on a handful of tunes was a special treat as well.”
Mitch Towne’s Refuge
The keyboardist and organist Mitch Towne will be sailing with us on the David Foster Hitman Cruise, as a member of the Yacht Jazz Trio, along with saxophonist Tom Scott and drummer John JR Robinson, two of the most recorded instrumentalists in contemporary music. Belying his own career as a first-call studio musician and in-demand sideman, Mitch has just released Refuge, his first album as a leader, in the traditional jazz organ trio format, featuring Mitch on the Hammond B-3, Tetsuya Nishiyama on guitar and Jeffery Johnson on drums.
The album’s seven selections include six originals that combine jazz, blues and funk that swings hard. In addition, Kenny Kirkland’s “Steepian Faith” is a passionate tribute to the late pianist.
Christian McBride in Forbes Magazine
Forbes Magazine senior contributor Steve Balkin recently interviewed Christian about McBride’s World at Sea and his role as a veritable ambassador of jazz. Click below to read their conversation.
Stateroom Availability
Cruise Programs – 2025
| Journey of Jazz | Over 98% Reserved. Final Pricing for Remaining Staterooms (Veranda and Inside) Now Announced on Website |
Cruise Programs – 2026
| David Foster: The Hitman Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| Christian McBride’s World at Sea | Open Booking Now; For Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use Promo Code: CMW |
| The Jazz Cruise ’26 | Over 80% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| Top Shelf Country Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 | Over 85% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| Botti at Sea ’26 | Open Booking Now; Final Lineup Announcement Soon! |
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
Journey of Jazz ’25 – Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Journey of Jazz is more than 98% reserved! There are less than 30 available staterooms consisting of Veranda and Inside Staterooms. These remaining staterooms are currently at their final, lowest price. Don’t miss your chance – join us on our Journey this September! *New reservations only
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise – 5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard. Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice.
Christian McBride’s World at Sea – Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Open Booking has begun! Special pricing available for a limited time on Ocean View & Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only
The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking
The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are Fully Reserved
Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.
Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking
With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking
For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!
Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking
We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26 in Fall 2026. Reserve your stateroom today!