Jazz Singer Michael Mayo Astounds With a Stunning Voice
Jazz singer Michael Mayo is young but has a stunning voice and unique approach that blends tradition and his own material into one hypnotic sound.
vocal jazz
Diana Panton Sings Soft and Easy Songs of Love
Jazz singer Diana Panton’s voice suggests the present tenuousness is part of love’s charm. That’s vital to its truth and beauty (“soft winds and roses”).
Fay Victor Puts Jazz Pianist Herbie Nichols in Today’s Vanguard
This is Fay Victor’s best recording to date because it looks at a past great composer and reimagines that tradition as part of jazz music’s daring vanguard.
Sheila Jordan’s ‘Portrait of Sheila’ at 60
The DNA of jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan’s Portrait of Sheila can be heard in so much popular music of the intimate, dreamlike, and nocturnal kind across genres.
Pirate Rickie Lee Jones Plunders Great American Songbook for ‘Pieces of Treasure’
Rickie Lee Jones is a pirate who plunders the treasures of the Great American Songbook for all of its riches. The music is as timeless as she is.
Jazz Singer Catherine Russell Bridges the Century with Soul
Singer Catherine Russell is one of the best voices in the world, whether she is backing up international acts like Steely Dan or touring with her small band.
‘Think Twice’ Is Savoir Faire’s Irresistible, Jazz-Infused Take on the Big Issues
Savoir Faire’s three-song EP Think Twice goes a long way in demonstrating her penchant for combining topical lyrics with deeply felt, retro-themed jazz and pop.
Ella Fitzgerald Live at the Hollywood Bowl in 1958 Rediscovered
Ella Fitzgerald mixed styles in a unique way while sticking to the work of one songwriter at a time. This recording shows how she could masterfully do this with a live orchestra.
Frank Sinatra on Top of the Heap: Revisiting ‘Sinatra at the Sands’
Sinatra at The Sands is my favorite Frank Sinatra performance – cocky, charming but not oily, warm but not soppy. Each listen lays bare the sheer “cuckoo calculation” of it all.
Norah Jones Plays It Cool, Classic, and Timeless with ‘I Dream of Christmas’
Norah Jones’ I Dream of Christmas feels like a soothing salve on what seems like another troubled holiday season. It’s a wonderful soundtrack for the festivities.
Abbey Lincoln’s Classic ‘Abbey Is Blue’ Gets a Richly Deserved Vinyl Reissue
Celebrated jazz singer Abbey Lincoln’s landmark 1959 album marked a distinctive turning point in her career. It’s a welcome addition to jazz fans’ collection.
Cabaret Jazz Artist Annabelle Chvostek Dons a ‘String of Pearls’
Like a real String of Pearls, the effect of cabaret jazz singer Annabelle Chvostek’s album is more impressive than each gem.