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Need help with Jazz

Hi. I'm a veteran audio nut with a decent bit of kit; mostly Musical Fidelity separates piped through some of Albert Von Schweikert's finest. I have a very eclectic taste in music, but I've never been drawn to Jazz until recently. I'm looking for recommendations for Jazz with good female vocals, and with an "upbeat" tempo: you know, the kind of music that tends to exploit one's awesome components! For example, I've tried Patricia Barber, and she's just a bit too dark. I do enjoy Diana Krall, but I'd like something with more brazen instrumentals. All suggestions welcome! Thanks.
klipschking
tarsando
578 posts
 
Your criteria eliminates at least 90% of the great recorded jazz currently available. The tail (system) is wagging the dog (music)....imo
bojack
652 posts
 
Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable" is a GREAT album...every song is a winner w/good sonics. Also, I'm a big fan of Rosemary Clooney's songs recorded in her prime (that is in her older years). Concord has some good stuff of hers, and the Concord engineers, IMO, always get it right. Last, check out Shirley Horne's faster tempo songs. She can do slow (and I mean barely alive slow), but her up tempo songs swing.
dawgfish
157 posts
 
The "usual suspects" among female vocalists include great names like Eva Cassidy (Live at Blues Alley), Ella Fitzgerald (love her duets with Louis Armstrong), Cassandra Wilson, Sara K, etc. Some lesser known by amazing voices with good recordings include Radka Toneff and Melody Gardot.

I also think that great piano jazz shows off a system's chops: Kenny Barron trio (Live at Bradley's, both volumes); Bill Evans; Mike Garson (Jazz Hat); Keith Jarrett; the list goes on and on.

Happy Listening!
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
Try Holly Cole's "Don't Smoke in Bed" and "Shade". I second the Diane Schuur recommendation--try the "Deedles" album.
dayglow
1,928 posts
 
Ernestine Anderson is what your looking for. She mixes blues-r&b and even a little gospel in her vocals, but is also capable of the "Ella" style when called for. Has about a dozen recordings on Concord Records, audiophile sound without the audiophile $$$.
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