"Almost Instrumental": A Dissection

Last Sunday Blam Jam celebrated 150 shows with an hour
of tunes made up of very little words, and in some cases,
just a load of random but entertaining noises emitted
from the mouth.

The audio can be heard here, and let's take a closer look
into the oral delights...

Players Association - "I Like It"

A sessions band from New York who had a big impact on the
US and UK disco scene, with infectious rhythms and very little
lyrics, perhaps best known for the floorfiller "Turn The Music Up".

This offering "I Like It" comes from the band's debut album
from 1977, setting the benchmark for jazzy disco, and still
pulls in the mature movers.

Kitty Winter - "New Morning"

A tune brought to public light on Gilles Peterson's "Talkin Jazz"
compilation released in the mid 90s, becoming known in
some circles as the "Clap Clap" song.

Later covered by Quantic and the Combo Barbaro in 2009.

Earth Wind and Fire - "Runnin"

One of many winners from the band's 1977 LP "All 'N' All",
clinging on to the band's jazz roots around a time when
they were gradually converting to a more mainstream soul sound.

Philip Bailey's scat vocals are on fine form, and the improvising
halfway through takes the listener on a crazy euphoric ride.

Ned Doheny - "To Prove My Love"

One that fits into the "almost instrumental" selection,
as the vocals consist of just the song title and tightly-positioned
scatting in the refrain.

Ned Doheny himself being a guitarist and one of the West Coast's
well recognised musicians.

Victoria Urusova - "Sunny Day"

Proof if needed that jazz scatting is still prominent in present day recordings,
from the Russian singer and musician.

El Coco - "Let's Get It Together"

Not recognised as much for it's lack of lyrics, but moreso as a
crowd pleaser at the Caister Soul Weekenders in Norfolk
with it's own dance steps.

A routine it shares with Whigfield's "Saturday Night" in
not being able to stick to 4/4 time.

Ella Fitzgerald - "One Note Samba"

One of the masters of the art form, a scatting tour-de-force,
as recorded live by Ella and her players at the Cave Supper Club
in 1968.

This rendition of the Antonio Carlos Jobim standard is one where,
it's OK to laugh even if you trying hard not to do so.

And yes, she does break into "Sailor's Hornpipe" 56 seconds
into the song.

George Benson - "Fingerlero"

How could we leave this man out?

Not just a stunner at scatting but unique in being able to
synchronise his singing by playing the exact notes on his guitar
at the same time.

This one's from his most recent LP "Guitar Man" and when
it comes to jazz guitarists, Benson takes some beating.

The Heath Brothers - "Dreaming"

Very popular rare groove instrumental, featuring the sax playing
of Jimmy Heath and produced by Mtume, best known for
the song "Juicy Fruit".

Cleo Laine and Dudley Moore - "Strictly For The Birds"

When it comes to scat-singing Cleo Laine is normally the first singer
who springs into people's minds for the right or wrong reasons.

In this delightful duet with Dudley Moore (who also penned this
tune) the pair show off what can be done with just a piano
and very little in the way of words.

Guida De Palma - "Aldeia De Ogum"

Translated as "Village Of Ogum" Guida does a fine job with the Brazilian
jazz offering originally recorded by Joyce, as recently sampled by
Lack Of Afro on their forthcoming release "Carnival".

Swing Out Sister - "Coney Island Man"

Best known for the mid 80s hit "Breakout", this offering from Corrine
and Andy's 1989 album "Kaleidoscope World" pays homage to the
easy-listening sound inspired by acts such as The 5th Dimension,
and showcases Corrine's scatting to it's finest.

Also worth checking out the live version on their "Jazz Cafe"
album where the song is "mashed up" with Burt Bacharach's
"Wives And Lovers".

Incognito - "Colibri"

Maysa Leak provides the vocals on what has become a fan-favourite
at the Cog's live gigs.

The rhythm and bassline penned by Richard Bull owe a nod
to Dizzy Gillespie and Lalo Schifrin's "Unicorn", and the song
itself was inspired from a David Attenborough documentary
on the hummingbird of the same name.

Blam Jam returns this Sunday from 6pm with the return of
the usual features.

Be listening at csrfm.com!