The stress comes on the first beat and the moment the second third and the third quarter of the beat. Needless to say, this does not follow a regular, steady rhythm. Different instruments may be responsible for each melody. A riff is a musical phrase that is repeated over and over until it becomes almost hypnotic. Popularized by Louis Armstrong in the late twenties, scat has its roots in West African vocal percussion.
Singers often use scat to express their individual style as well as the popular musical styles.
During the Swing Era, Cab Calloway , pictured right, composed a number of songs that centered around scat singing. Both styles were popular for dancing. Ballrooms tended to play them alternately to give dancers a rest from doing the Lindy Hop to the faster tunes. From Kansas City to Chicago and New York, the music took on a flavor unique to its region. It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot . . .