In this video seenherewith…..Manhattan Transfer does a whole piece that includes a medley of Eddie Jefferson songs….as they review old performances by the great jazz lyricist….while practicing the “vocalese licks” that he made famous.
Eddie Jefferson (August 3, 1918 – May 9, 1979) was a jazz vocalist and lyricist….who is credited as an innovator of “vocalese”….as a musical style in which lyrics are set to an instrumental composition or solo. Jefferson himself claims that his main influence was Leo Watson. Perhaps his best-known song is “Moody’s Mood for Love”….although it was first recorded by King Pleasure….who cited Jefferson as an influence…..while Jefferson’s songs “Parker’s Mood” and “Filthy McNasty” were also hits.
