Jazz lovers often struggle to find fresh voices in the modern scene. Female jazz singers are reshaping the genre, bringing new energy and perspectives to this timeless art form.
This blog post will introduce you to some of the most talented women in contemporary jazz.
We’ll analyze the sounds and stories of singers who are making waves in the jazz world.
From Diana Krall’s piano-driven melodies to Esperanza Spalding’s bass-infused vocals, these artists are redefining what it means to be a jazz singer today.
Get ready to uncover the diverse talents of modern female jazz vocalists. We’ll examine their backgrounds, musical styles, and impact on the genre.
This tour will take you through today’s jazz scene and open your ears to exceptional music.
List of Modern Female Jazz Singers
1. Diana Krall
Hit songs: “The Look of Love,” “Peel Me a Grape“
Diana Krall’s smooth voice and piano skills have made her a top jazz artist. She’s won two Grammy Awards and several Juno Awards.
Krall, from Canada, is known for her deep, rich vocals. Many people enjoy her music, making her one of the most popular jazz singers today.
3. Cécile McLorin Salvant
Hit songs: “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was,” “Wives and Lovers“
Cécile McLorin Salvant is a standout vocalist with a unique style. She mixes old and new jazz in her performances. Salvant has won three Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Her powerful voice and fresh approach to jazz remind many listeners of the great Sarah Vaughan.
2. Madeleine Peyroux
Hit songs: “Dance Me to the End of Love,” “Don’t Wait Too Long“
Madeleine Peyroux brings a special touch to jazz with her soft, intimate singing. She earned the BBC International Artist of the Year award.
Peyroux is often compared to Billie Holiday because of her distinctive voice. She’s known for her thoughtful cover songs and personal vocal style.
3. Gretchen Parlato
Hit songs: “Weak,” “Butterfly“
Gretchen Parlato has a light, airy voice and uses complex timing in her singing. She won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition.
Parlato’s music often has a Brazilian feel mixed with jazz. Her unique style makes her stand out among modern jazz singers.
4. Jane Monheit
Hit songs: “Over the Rainbow,” “Começar de Novo“
Jane Monheit is an American jazz singer blends Brazilian rhythms with well-known jazz songs. She was the runner-up at the Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition.
Many listeners say her voice reminds them of Ella Fitzgerald. Monheit’s skill in mixing different jazz styles has made her popular with fans.
6. Esperanza Spalding
Hit songs: “I Know You Know,” “Radio Song“
Esperanza Spalding plays bass and sings, mixing jazz with R&B and soul. She’s won four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 2011.
This win was special because she was the first jazz artist to get this award. Spalding’s music brings together different styles in a fresh way that many people enjoy.
7. Cyrille Aimée
Hit songs: “Nuit Blanche,”It’s a Good Day“
Cyrille Aimée is a French-Dominican jazz singer who won the Montreux Jazz Festival Vocal Competition. She’s known for her skilled scat singing and her unique mix of gypsy jazz and Brazilian rhythms.
Aimée’s ability to make up melodies on the spot during her performances makes her shows exciting and fresh.
8. Lizz Wright
Hit songs: “Dreaming Wide Awake,” “Walk with Me Lord“
Lizz Wright sings jazz and gospel with a deep, soulful voice. She’s been nominated for NAACP Image Awards.
Wright’s music often naturally and heartfeltly combines jazz, gospel, and R&B. Her rich vocals and mix of styles have won her many fans.
9. Jazzmeia Horn
Hit songs: “Tight,” “East of the Sun“
Jazzmeia Horn is a young jazz singer who has earned Grammy nominations and won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition.
She combines old-school jazz with lyrics about social issues and strong storytelling. Horn’s powerful voice and meaningful songs make her stand out in today’s jazz scene.
10. Kavita Shah
Hit songs: “Visions,” “Little Green“
Kavita Shah is a global jazz artist who mixes Indian, Latin, and West African sounds in her music. She was named Best New Artist in the DownBeat Critics Poll.
Shah’s style brings a modern, international feel to jazz. Her unique blend of cultures in music offers listeners a fresh and worldly experience.
11. Norah Jones
Hit songs: “Don’t Know Why,” “Come Away with Me“
Norah Jones has won nine Grammy Awards and is known for her soft, smooth voice. Her jazz, pop, blues, and country mix appeals to many music fans.
Jones’s ability to bridge different music styles has made her popular with a wide audience.
12. Becca Stevens
Hit songs: “I Asked,” “Weightless“
Becca Stevens is a jazz singer-songwriter who blends folk, jazz, and indie rock in her music. She was nominated for a Grammy for her work with Snarky Puppy.
Stevens is known for her subtle voice and skilled guitar playing. Her music combines different styles in a way that feels new and personal.
13. Tierney Sutton
Hit songs: “Route 66,” “Body and Soul“
Tierney Sutton has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards. She’s known for her takes on classic American songs and jazz standards.
Sutton’s voice brings new life to well-loved tunes, making them feel fresh and exciting for today’s listeners.
14. Melody Gardot
Hit songs: “Baby I’m a Fool,” “Who Will Comfort Me“
Melody Gardot sings jazz and blues with a deep, captivating voice. She’s been nominated for a Grammy Award.
Gardot often weaves her own stories of overcoming tough times into her music. This personal touch makes her songs feel real and moving to her fans.
15. Nikki Yanofsky
Hit songs: “I Believe,” “Something New“
Nikki Yanofsky is a Canadian singer who mixes jazz with modern pop. She’s been nominated for a Juno Award. Yanofsky became famous for her strong voice and jazz skills when she was young.
Her music combines old-school jazz and current pop sounds in a way that appeals to many listeners.
16. Irini Konstantinidi
Hit songs: “Summertime,” “On the sunny side of the street“
Irini Konstantinidi is a Greek jazz singer with a clear, bright voice. She performs old and new jazz songs with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Konstantinidi has been featured in big jazz festivals around the world. Her singing brings a touch of Greek warmth to the jazz world.
17. Youn Sun Nah
Hit songs: “Calypso Blues,” “Momento Magico“
Youn Sun Nah is a South Korean jazz singer who won the Echo Jazz Award for Best International Female Singer. She’s known for her wide range of vocal skills and for mixing different types of music.
No blends jazz with classical and experimental sounds to create her unique style.
18. Tessa Souter
Hit songs: “Beyond the Blue,” “Afro Blue“
Tessa Souter sings jazz with a deep, rich voice. She’s known for adding world music sounds to her jazz songs.
Souter has gotten good reviews from big jazz magazines like JazzTimes and DownBeat. Her music takes listeners on a global trip through different musical styles.
19. Emilia Mårtensson
Hit songs: “Loredana,” “And So it Goes“
Emilia Mårtensson is a Swedish singer who mixes jazz with folk music. She won the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Vocalist.
Mårtensson’s voice is known for its deep feeling and emotion. Her music combines the warmth of folk songs with the freedom of jazz.
20. Emma-Jean Thackray
Hit songs: “Say Something,” “Yellow“
Emma-Jean Thackray is a British artist who plays trumpet, sings, and makes her music. She’s been nominated for a Jazz FM Award.
Thackray is known for her forward-thinking style, which combines electronic music and jazz. Her work pushes the limits of what jazz can be, creating new and exciting sounds.
Wrapping Up
As we wrap up our look at today’s female jazz singers, it’s clear that the genre is alive and growing.
These women bring fresh sounds and ideas to jazz, keeping it exciting and new.
From Diana Krall’s smooth piano-backed vocals to Emma-Jean Thackray’s bold mix of jazz and electronic music, each artist adds her special touch to the jazz world.
They show us that jazz can be soulful, experimental, or a blend of cultures.
What’s next for jazz? That’s up to these talented women and the new voices yet to come. As fans, we get to enjoy this ever-changing music scene.
Why not explore some of these artists’ music today? You might find your new favorite singer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Young Female Jazz Singers Making Waves?
Yes, singers like Jazzmeia Horn and Esperanza Spalding bring fresh energy to jazz with their unique styles and powerful voices.
Which Female Jazz Singer has Won the Most Grammys?
Norah Jones has won 9 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most decorated female jazz artists of recent times.
What Makes Modern Female Jazz Singers Different from Earlier Generations?
Modern singers blend different genres with jazz, like R&B, world music, or electronic, creating new and exciting sounds.
