Despite a global pandemic and a year of difficult unrest, Pink Martini's China Forbes soldiers on with her band's sharp eye for optimism and a newfound life mission.
Singer and pianist Kandace Springs tackles a dozen songs associated with her jazz vocal heroes, and the combination of simplicity and sincerity is winning.
Though called "The First Lady of Song", Ella Fitzgerald is more lauded for her spectacular vocal sound than for her interpretations of lyrics, but a new reissue should help correct that understanding of her art.
Jazz vocalist Samantha Sidley gives a fabulous performance with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" ahead of her New York City residency.
Singer Svetlana brings joy and jazz to a cover of Pharrell Williams' positive pop hit "Happy".
Svetlana's acclaimed album Night at the Movies features music from some screen gems, including "Moonlight" from the 1995 film Sabrina.
Rachael & Vilray is an absolute reflection of the jazz era while also firmly integrating the sound and energy into the contemporary moment.
The second album from the unique New York jazz/pop/soul outfit GADADU is an odd – and oddly inviting – collection of songs that combine old-school tradition with new ideas.
This latest release of Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely only reaffirms Sinatra's reputation as the most majestic vocalist of his time.
Every line, every note of Luciana Souza's program of poetry turned into song as The Book of Longing is imbued with the power of feeling expressed through compression rather than explosion.
From a singer who sometimes does so much that it's too much, a set of duets with pianist Sullivan Fortner is the very best of her art.
The Columbia recordings of Aretha Franklin between 1960 and 1965 are not her best, but they show us an artist learning her craft and gathering the tools that would change American music.
A consummate singer, Fay Victor, demonstrates that it is her right and ability to improvise freely, and in so doing she creates a potent connection with her band and her listeners.
One of the best singers of the moment just happens to be singing jazz, or today's hybrid version of jazz. That is Kurt Elling.
With lush arrangements courtesy of Vince Mendoza, Gregory Porter shines on a tribute to one of his major influences Nat "King" Cole.
© 1999-2020 PopMatters.com. All rights reserved.
PopMatters is wholly independent, women-owned and operated.
