Need help with Jazz

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!

Try Holly Cole's "Don't Smoke in Bed" and "Shade". I second the Diane Schuur recommendation--try the "Deedles" album.

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 $$$.

Don't leave out Nina Simone.

Some further suggestions:
Betty Carter. Always underappreciated. Massively musical, a "dark" voice but lots of fast tempos. Her nickname was Betty "be-bop" Carter. She also kills, KILLS on ballads.
My favorite for upbeat Betty Carter is
LIVE WITH THE AUDIENCE. Simply brilliant throughout.

Also, for upbeat vocals with orchestra, you can't beat Ella Fitzgerald sings
The Gershwin Songbook. Or the Cole Porter songbook. Or the Irving Berlin songbook. Ella Fitzgerald's numerous live albums tend to be quite lively as well, if you prefer her with a piano trio.

If you're ready for some gorgeous downbeat jazz vocals, you must listen to Shirley Horn. A balladeer with exquisite taste and class and intimacy. Her late work with orchestra includes
HERE'S TO LIFE--breathtaking, including Miles Davis
and Horn with piano trio (she's a fine fine pianist) I LOVE YOU, PARIS