Donald Fagan vs Sammy Davis Jr: Unpacking the Jazz Singer Debate
When assessing the quality of a jazz singer, the fundamental criteria are clear: pitch, timing, and enunciation. However, the breath control, use of raspiness, whisper growl, and other timbre alterations are all matters of personal taste. Additionally, a singer's ability to “sell the song” is paramount. Based on their respective performances, neither can be unequivocally declared the better singer.
Sammy Davis Jr: A Different Breed
Sammy Davis Jr is not even a contest. The comparison to Donald Fagan as a jazz singer is highly questionable. Davis sits firmly in the showbiz big-band tradition, whereas Fagan's style is shaped by the unique contours of his compositions. While I find absolutely no fault in Sammy's performance, I find Donald more interesting in the context of his work.
Personal Preferences and Appreciation
I cannot declare which singer is better, but as someone who appreciates both, I prefer Donald Fagan. It's not about being the better singer; it's about the songs he sings and how he sings them. Even if Sammy Davis Jr is considered a better singer, I still have a personal preference for Donald Fagan. My appreciation for Donald is rooted in his ability to infuse enjoyment and emotion into his performances.
Comparative Analysis
The comparison between Donald Fagan and Sammy Davis Jr can be likened to comparing apples to pomegranates. Sammy Davis Jr brings a unique style to his performances, relying heavily on big-band arrangements and showmanship. On the other hand, Donald Fagan’s work is characterized by intricate compositions and a more intimate approach to jazz. Each brings their unique strengths to the table, making the comparison a bit of an academic exercise.
Instrumental Parts and Personal Tastes
It's true that the instrumental parts of Steely Dan’s music play a significant role in my enjoyment of their work. However, Sammy Davis Jr doesn’t really sing songs that I enjoy, regardless of the musicians playing behind him. His singing style is more about show business and big-band tradition, which may not align with my personal tastes. In conclusion, while both are talented, the comparison is somewhat like comparing different genres, making it hard to declare one as definitively better than the other.
Key Takeaways:
Criteria like pitch, timing, and enunciation are universally important. A singer's ability to use raspiness, whisper growl, and other timbre alterations is a matter of personal taste. Donald Fagan and Sammy Davis Jr bring different styles to the table, making the comparison complex. Personal preference plays a significant role in deciding which singer is 'better'.Conclusion: While both Donald Fagan and Sammy Davis Jr have distinct styles and approaches, the debate about which is the better singer ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both bring unique qualities to the genre, and while Sammy Davis Jr's singing is impressive, Donald Fagan's work has a certain appeal that resonates with me.