Enjoyable yet slow down a little, Mr. Stoloff! Stoloff goes into a a brief history of how the scat style came about and then dives straight into jazz theory without giving well understood reasons on how it applies to his scat examples(e.g. Some Theory and then many examples, some more theory and then more examples.) The theory that's introduced with each chapter appears very academic and dry at times. Perhaps this is understood with Stoloff's educational background. However, I wish Stoloff would have kept in mind that the majority of singers out there who wish to delve into this subgenre of vocalization are not necessarilly theory-based and the text could have been adjusted accordingly. I would have liked the author to cover more of his personal philosophy and approach to vocal improvisation beyond the "just do what I've written and you'll be fine" mentality.
The big benefit and treasure of this book is the accompanying CD though. However, I do have two complaints: 1) it still purveys the "I'll do it and you copy me" approach and you just hope somewhere down the line, everything will come together 2) some of example melody lines he's flying by in lightning speed(I had to get a wave editor to slow down some of his jazz runs). The benefits: This CD is indeed great for loosening up your vocal chords, lips, nervousness and perhaps just to loosen up your entire 'soul' before a gig. I've been working with this book/CD for over six months now and have noticed a more relaxed approach to my melody lines in practice or performances after warming up with the CD examples.
The last part of the book covers vocal drumming for the Bobby McFerrin/ rap beat boxer types. He does an impressive job with the examples but it was only amusing at best. I feel that it takes a little too much real estate in the book and CD though. Again, I felt that he doesn't properly explain how this section connects with the rest of the material.
Overall, I am thankful that I ran into this book though for the sake of finding something to counter balance the regimen of scales and typical vocal exercises. I do know that I am a more confident improviser and not afraid to stretch out the melodies because of Stoloff's material. Recommended but be creative how you practice the material!
