Social Call (vocal) – Jon Hendricks & Gigi Gryce

One of our most popular selections, this Gigi Gryce standard has a charming lyric by Jon Hendricks. Available in six keys and suitable for both male and female singers. Click each album cover to hear clips and read detailed descriptions and historical notes.

Jon Hendricks

born on September 16, 1921

Jon Hendricks is an acclaimed jazz vocalist and lyricist known as the "Father of Vocalese." He is considered by numerous critics to be one of the best living scat singers and was named by jazz journalist the "Poet Laureate of Jazz." At 14, Jon frequently sang with Art Tatum. During his college years in Toledo, Ohio, he sang with Charlie Parker, who encouraged him to sing professionally. Jon made his recording debut in 1955 with Dave Lambert; in 1957, he recorded with Lambert and Annie Ross. The trio became one of the best-known jazz vocal groups, known for their use of vocalese and their innovative arrangements. From 1968-1973, Jon worked in Europe; on his return, he worked for the .San Francisco Chronicle. His theatrical work about the history of jazz, The Evolution of the Blues, ran for five years off-Broadway. Jon's lyrics to compositions by Carmen McRae, Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, and many others. Read more...

3 songs available.

Gigi Gryce

November 28, 1925 – March 17, 1983

Gigi Gryce was a fine altoist in the 1950s, but it was his writing skills, both composing and arranging (including composing the standard Minority) that were considered most notable. After growing up in Hartford, CT, and studying at the Boston Conservatory and in Paris, Gryce worked in New York with Max Roach, Tadd Dameron, and Clifford Brown. He toured Europe in 1953 with Lionel Hampton and led several sessions in France on that trip. Read more...

33 songs available.