Sing Like a Horn: Chet Baker as a Model

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In addition to being a great trumpeter, Chet Baker was also one of the finest scat singers in the history of jazz and has become a model for aspiring jazz vocalists. This workshop will present a clear approach for singers to become more fluent improvisers, using Chet Baker melodic phrases from recordings. Suzanne Pittson is an accomplished jazz vocalist living in New York. She began piano studies at age 8, and earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Music (as a classical pianist) from San Francisco State University, before turning her attention to jazz voice. With a fluid phrasing and stunning tone, she uses her voice as another instrument, improvising and playing with the melodies.” (All About Jazz). Jazz Inside New York says: “Some controversy exists over just what makes a jazz vocalist. Listen to Suzanne Pittson and you’ll know.” Suzanne has released three critically-acclaimed CDs: Blues and the Abstract Truth, Resolution: A Remembrance of John Coltrane and Out of the Hub: The Music of Freddie Hubbard. This recording is a perfect marriage of Hubbard’s music and Suzanne’s lyrics and also showcases her amazing skill as an improvising jazz musician. The lyrics were a collective collaboration by the Pittson family: Suzanne, Jeff and their son Evan, and were approved by Freddie just three months before he passed away. A great honor indeed!! Ms. Pittson is Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Jazz Vocal Studies at the City College of New York, where she directs the BM Jazz Vocal Program.