Vocal Jazz Albums with a Distinctive Point of View

A great vocal jazz album is never simply a singer delivering a standard while a band plays politely in the background. The magic happens when a vocalist treats familiar songs as personal confessions, bending rhythm and melody to reveal something unexpected, while entering into a living, responsive conversation with the musicians. Curated by listening for melody, ensemble interaction and unmistakable personality, this collection introduces twelve landmark vocal albums that offer newcomers a welcoming entry into jazz. From smoky after-hours cool and lush orchestral ballads to virtuosic bass-and-voice interplay and soulful civil rights anthems, each record presents a singular artistic point of view.