What is a Jazz Singer?

Listen Up: Seminars on Music is a weekly gathering of music lovers every Wednesday morning, hosted by AZMF’s Resident Artist, Josh Condon.  Each session combines music history, analysis, active listening, and discussion, designed to enhance your listening experience and overall music appreciation.  Listen Up covers all genres, emphasizing our common humanity across all musical styles!  Coffee and refreshments provided.

Is it the phrasing? The tone? The way a voice can dance around the beat or dive deep into emotion? In this seminar, we explore what defines a jazz singer—from legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday to modern innovators like Diana Krall and Gregory Porter. Through active listening and discussion, we’ll examine how jazz vocalists interpret melody, use improvisation, and bring personal expression to every note. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just curious, come ready to listen closely and maybe even hear your favorite voices in a whole new way.