There are of course many more arrangers and composers using vocalists in their big bands and large ensembles.
Many of the composers and arrangers I have looked at use single vocalists in very similar ways as Kenny Wheeler used the voice in his large ensemble works. They usually double some kind of horn-line as the main melody and then are integrated into the backings doubling another horn.
- Ed Partyka
Often uses voice with lyrics, then inegrates the voice instrumentally in the backings in the solo-parts. He also has a french horn in his fixed band line up, which also adds a very interesting new color to a traditional big band line-up. Example: "Overcast"1
- Cinzia Catania
- Benjamin Knecht
- Sarah Chaksad
Instrumental use of the voice without lyrics, yet with more freedoms in the voice in use of syllables and scatting. Also a seamless integration of the voice in the sections as an added colour. Example: "The Insensitive Lady" (the first piece played in this "compilation-video")4
- BuJazzO
The german national youth big band (Bundes Jazz Orchester or BuJazzO) always has multiple singers in their line-up. They form an extra kind of "jazz choir" to complememt the big band, but are mostly used as just that - a choir, mostly singing multiple part voicings with lyrics together, backed by the big band. Example: "I'll Look Around"5
- and of course many more! I made a little playlist where interested parties can listen to some more music that I compiled about this research.