what style is this ?


I am looking for music that I have heard on various tv
programs. It is usually in movies or shows that take place
in the speak-easys' during the prohibition period. They usually are female singers backed by a piano or small band.
The singers are the low sultry voice types in slow to medium
paced songs. The most recent example that I can think of is
an episode of 'Sliders' where they were in a world that had
outlawed caffine. Remi was playing the piano for a black
female singer that sold caffiene in a speak-easy and also sang. This kind of music is what I am trying to find on CD. Can anyone help with suggestions, please ?
saki70
Here are a few to check out ----

Nancy Wilson with Cannonball Adderley

Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown

Dinah Washington

Nina Simone

Carmen sings Monk

Big Maybelle Smith

Billie Holliday

You can go to several different music sites that will let you listen to 30 second pieces of several songs on their albums -- go and listen to some of this stuff and see if this is what you're seeking.
Yes, Torche Singers seems to be the one. Upon first glance
at Amazon, there only seems to compilations. Does anyone
know of entire CD's of this style by a single artist. ie.
Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Leadbelly, John Mayr etc.? These
are the only ones that I have heard and liked so far.
Are you looking for classic torch songs where a woman is pining away for her man? Or, are you looking for blues sung by jazz singers? I don't know of a
an entire CD of torch songs by a single artist. There is a 3 CD series called
"The First Torch Singers' that looks pretty interesting.