More female vocals

I have just recently found Nina Simone.

Patty Larkin
Jennifer Warnes
Natalie Cole
Bonnie Raitt
Eva Cassidy
Holly Cole
Etta James
Cesaria Evora
Patricia Barber
Dinah Washington
Shemekia Copeland
Macy Gray
Phoebe Snow
Della Reese
Norah Jones

Shirley Horn
Cassandra Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Betty Carter
Abbey Lincoln jane Monheit
Sarah Vaughn Carmen Lundy Lizz Wright
Ella Fitzgerald Etta Jones Rosenna Vitro
Nnenna Freelon Dianah Washington Carmen McCrae
Karen Francis Micki Howard
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Make sure you sample before you buy. Some artist will make a great LP then an average one. But I can't remember
Shirley Horn making a bad album ever.

There are many many more. Dee Dee Bridgewater will amaze you. Live in several places.

Happy hunting.
Not jazz but you have to check out Eva Cassidy.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Diane Shuur. Perhaps the greatest jazz vocalist I know (Ella on steroids). I 2nd Diane Washington and Shirley Horn. I have many CDs by Shirley Horn but this is the best one http://www.amazon.com/You-Wont-Forget-Shirley-Horn/dp/B0000047BK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1270340064&sr=8-2

Mary Stallings, Rene Marie, and Laverne Butler are excellent JAZZ singers. Each very different but they are not warmed up pop singers! :-) You should try them if you can. BTW, Etta Jones is great.

If you haven't got it there is a recent compilation disc on HighNote "Always In Our Hearts", "Etta Jones as we loved her". For anyone starting out this is as good a place as any.

And, if you want a real jazz singer who accompanies herself, and you appreciate something a bit laid back, I endorse previous recommendations for Shirley Horn.

And, lastly, I'm also going to endorse recommendations for Eva Cassidy - she really hits a chord for me and reaches into my heart with several of her renditions of popular songs. I save her music for special occasions!

Enjoy.............