Tips for singing for a Jazz combo?

I sing vocals for a Jazz combo at my school, I have sang and stuff before..but are there any specific things that Jazz singers do?

I think the biggest help would be to listen to lots of jazz music, and emulate what you hear. I suggest listening to recordings of Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn. To me, they are some of the best female jazz singers. Also listen to instrumentalists (Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ben Webster to name a few).

the whole point in jazz is ..
improvisation ,comping and swinging.

the only thing You need to know,is "YOUR" tonic note ,once You now that ,the band jazz will "transpose" to Your voice and from there feel free to sing and swing any ,just any song,on the certainties that all the music is jazz based.
since jazz is only "playing with the chords"(stretching the instruments)

bottom line......
the sounds of the music roots.

final comment....
You are not suppose to adap to the band.
the band MUST adapt to the vocals(You throat is the only instrument in the band that can not transpose)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErUrPXt31...

Listen to other jazz singers. Pay attention to how they phrase music and how they listen to the band. The band can be your greatest friend because they can help your phrasing and complement your voice. Don't be afraid to try new things. remember jazz is about reflecting your style, your art , your ideas into the music.

Have Fun!!!!

I would listen to lots of jazz, especially singers, so you you can hear jazz jazz in your head. I would also start to consider learning to play some piano. Learn how to play chords and chord changes to tunes on the piano. You should also start studying some theory too. You, as a singer, have a responsibilty to know what is going on structurally in the tunes your singing over, so that you can really sing over changes, not just "skate" over them.