Riff like Ella Fitzgerald

SCAT

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n**\"Vocal improvisation with nonsense syllables\"**\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the concept of scat singing without directly referencing Ella Fitzgerald or repeating the original clue. It focuses on the defining characteristic of the answer while keeping it accessible."]

The clue "Riff like Ella Fitzgerald" leads to the answer **"SCAT"** through a combination of musical terminology and a reference to the iconic jazz singer. - **"Riff"** suggests a short, improvised musical phrase, which is a key element of scat singing. - **"Like Ella Fitzgerald"** points to the legendary jazz vocalist known for her mastery of **scat singing**, a vocal improvisation technique using nonsensical syllables (e.g., "doo-ba-doo"). Thus, the answer **"SCAT"** directly refers to the style of singing Ella Fitzgerald popularized, making it a fitting solution to the clue.