VOCALITATE ŞI LIBERTATE DE EXECUŢIE ÎN MUZICA JAZZ: STUDIUL COMPARATIV AL STANDARDULUI “IT DON’T MEAN A THING” INTERPRETAT DE ELLA FITZGERALD, NINA SIMONE ŞI AURA URZICEANU
VOCALITY AND FREEDOM OF EXECUTION IN JAZZ MUSIC: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE STANDARD “IT DON’T MEAN A THING” AS INTERPRETED BY ELLA FITZGERALD, NINA SIMONE AND AURA URZICEANU

Summary/Abstract: In the present paper, the relationship between vocality and interpretative freedom in jazz music is explored through the standard It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) as a representative model. Within the study, three different interpretations of the above-mentioned standard are comparatively analyzed, namely those performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Aura Urziceanu, with the aim of highlighting the differences in style and vocal approach. The analysis focuses on how each artist interprets the musical material through phrasing, rhythm, and improvisation. The research findings show that, Ella Fitzgerald emphasizes swing and scat improvisation, Nina Simone adopts a blues and gospel-influenced approach, closer to text expression, while Aura Urziceanu combines these directions through a dynamic and expressive performance. In this context, Aura Urziceanu’s interpretation reflects the influence of the American vocal style, approaching Ella Fitzgerald’s model through the use of scat, while also bringing her own elements, such as the extension of the high register and a particular vocal ease, which shape a distinct interpretative identity.

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