Episode 35: Scat Singing, Physics, and Getting Roasted by Jazz Times with Lorin Benedict

We sit down with scat singer and physicist Lorin Benedict to explore his highly unique vocal improvisations and what it’s like to start a serious music career at age 31. Lorin explains the extra-musical origins of his nonsense-syllable language and why he treats his voice like a horn, drawing inspiration from instrumental giants. He shares hilarious insights into his own self-awareness, discussing why he proudly displays a negative Jazz Times review on his website, and reflects on how his intense listening habits were shaped by a childhood surrounded by Cleveland Orchestra musicians. We also dive into how Steve Coleman convinced him to jump into the scene, his collaborations with Kim Cass and Louis Cole’s Knower, the parallels between physics and music, and his upcoming duo albums with Anthony Fung and Caroline Davis.