Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.

Fly Me to the MoonHalie Loren

Fly Me to the Moon – Halie Loren at the Cotton Club Tokyo

Born in 1984, Haley Loren is a female singer gaining attention as a young jazz vocalist.

Beyond standard numbers, her free-spirited work—original songs and cover versions that reinterpret classic pop and rock tunes—extends well beyond the traditional jazz canon, evoking the great female jazz singers of the past.

Keep an eye on her endlessly versatile style.

UntilCécile McLorin Salvant

Cécile McLorin Salvant – Until (Official Video)

Cécile McLorin Salvant is an American talent who shines brilliantly on the contemporary jazz scene.

Her music, which weaves together blues and even Baroque elements on a foundation of jazz, feels like listening to an epic story.

Her extraordinary gifts are evident in achievements such as winning the Grammy Award three years in a row and being hailed as a “genius” by the MacArthur Foundation.

Her ability to breathe new life into historical themes—exemplified by works like Mélusine, centered on a French folktale—is nothing short of remarkable.

With deep reverence for tradition and her own interpretive flair, her voice creates an entirely new world—one that will surely enrich your musical experience.

It Never Entered My MindAnn Burton

Ann Burton – It Never Entered My Mind (1969)

This is a track from European jazz singer Ann Burton’s second album.

It isn’t flashy, but her gently conversational singing is truly soothing.

The unadorned, sincere way she sings is captivating, and it’s a song you’ll want to listen to with a calm, relaxed mind.

Once upon a summertimeBetty Carter

“Once upon a summertime”, Betty Carter à Cannes en 1968

Many of you have probably been captivated by the thrilling allure of jazz improvisation.

Betty Carter, an American vocalist, could truly be called a one-of-a-kind singer who embodied that very spontaneity using only her voice.

Her technique of subtly shifting the melody creates a sense of suspense, like a daring game that defies the listener’s expectations.

Because of her innovative style, there’s even a famous story that she was fired seven times from the Lionel Hampton band—a testament to the strength of her convictions.

In addition to winning a Grammy, she also devoted herself passionately to mentoring young musicians, a facet of her legacy well worth noting.

On The Sunny Side Of The StreetKeely Smith

On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Keely Smith, the American singer hailed as the “Queen of Las Vegas Swing.” Though she won a Grammy for her lively duo with her husband, jazz musician Louis Prima, her prowess as a solo singer was equally exceptional.

Unpretentious in personality, yet once she took the stage her commanding performances captivated audiences—she was the idol of countless fans.

Masterful with ballads and praised for a voice that could make any song swing when she sang it, she kept performing right up into her later years—an undeniably cool legacy.

Route 66Natalie Cole

Route 66

As you can tell from her name, Natalie is also the biological daughter of Nat King Cole.

He sang this song as well, and his version is famous too.

The song mentions several place names along the real Route 66 in the United States, so it might be fun to listen to it while looking at a map.

Bewitched, Bothered and BewilderedStacey Kent

Stacey Kent – Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

It’s a renowned jazz ballad also known in Japan under the title “Miserarete.” The lyrics express a woman’s bittersweet feelings of love, and many female vocalists have delivered celebrated performances of this song.

In Stacey’s version, the emotions of love are sung with a gentle, tender touch.