# Trad Pop / Vocal Jazz Album Recommendations **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 12, 2011, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385 "2011-10-12T03:52:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![deadindays](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce73a5/32.png) [@deadindays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deadindays)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/1 "2011-10-12T03:52:29Z")
Please recommend more albums of the genre please? WHich are considered the best? I am currently listening to Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Book, Ella SIngs Gershwin, a bunch of early Sinatras (In The Wee Small Hours, Where are You? Only the Lonely), Helen Merrill, Jo Stafford (Autumn in NY) , a few Julie London albums, Joni James sings Kern, Anita o’Day SIngs the Most, Doris Day, Billie Holiday’s Solitude. Who am I missing? Any must-haves I should have? I just started listening to this type of music a couple of months ago and I would love to listen to some more. THank you. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/2 "2011-10-12T05:24:20Z")
Irene Kral. Tierney Sutton Mel Torme, fer Pete’s sake. If you’re into vocalese (a bebop vocal form), go with Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. Also Eddie Jefferson. And King Pleasure (little-known fact about King Pleasure. That was just a stage name; his parents’ last name wasn’t really Pleasure, and they didn’t give him “King” as a first name. But that’s not the little-known fact. It’s that his real name was Clarence Beeks, which was the name of the villainous private detective played by Paul Gleason in _Trading Places_). Also the Manhattan Transfer (as long as Jon Hendricks is listed as being involved in the production) for vocalese. If you like Billie Holiday’s voice, but it breaks your heart to listen to the recordings she made in her declining years, check out Madeleine Peyroux. It’s heaven. Louis Prima and Keely Smith. The Nat Cole Trio. His early vocal stuff. _Mona Lisa, Unforgettable,_ and _Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer_ probably were the kind of things that left his family financially sound after he died, and bless him for that, but when he was with the trio some of what they put out was _magical_. Also the soundtrack to _Cat Ballou_ (just kidding). That’s probably enough for now. Check out a few on youtube to give yourself a feel for what they’re about, and let me know if they resonate with you. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/3 "2011-10-12T06:46:09Z")
For one thing, get the rest of Ella Fitzgerald’s \*Songbook \*series. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/4 "2011-10-12T07:37:45Z")
Don’t forget Sarah Vaughan. Here she is doing [Lullaby of Birdland](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8cFdZyWOOs). ---
**Author:** ![deadindays](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce73a5/32.png) [@deadindays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deadindays)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/5 "2011-10-12T09:13:46Z")
Thanks for the recommendations. I like the early Sinatra and early Holiday when they sounded so young. Checked out Mel Torme on YouTube. Irene Kral - wow! ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/6 "2011-10-12T13:02:01Z")
Another approach: look for songwriter compilations. Two of my faves: [_'S Marvelous_](http://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Gershwin-Songbook-Various-Artists/dp/B0000046TD/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1318424109&sr=8-8) _[American Songbook](http://www.amazon.com/American-Songbook-Various-Artists/dp/tracks/B00005RVUM/ref=dp_tracks_all_1#disc_1)_ (3 CDs, one each for Berlin, Gershwin, and Porter) ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/7 "2011-10-12T13:48:43Z")
Anything by Kenny Rankin, but especially [A Song for You.](http://www.amazon.com/Song-You-Kenny-Rankin/dp/B000068359) He spans categories too much to hang a genre label on, but I guess jazz is how I think of him. He will be missed, and in time praised for his music. The weird thing about Kenny is that when we saw him in person at a little joint near where we live, he made specific request of the audience not to smoke as it affected his voice. I gather he was a non-smoker. Ironically his cause of death was [lung cancer!](http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jun/09/local/me-kenny-rankin9) ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/8 "2011-10-12T13:59:29Z")
Dave Brubeck Cleo Laine ---
**Author:** ![LaurenIpsum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@LaurenIpsum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LaurenIpsum)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/9 "2011-10-12T14:55:14Z")
I recommend the album “Black Coffee” by Peggy Lee. ---
**Author:** ![Sandra\_Battye](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sandra_battye/32/552_2.png) [@Sandra\_Battye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sandra_Battye)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/10 "2011-10-12T14:59:24Z")
To get an overview by internet radio, go to [http://www.martiniinthemorning.com/page.php?9](http://www.martiniinthemorning.com/page.php?9) and click Listen Live, then chose the option that fits your device. They play everything from Billie Holiday and Sinatra to Michael Buble and Renee Olstead. It isn’t the albums you’ve requested but it should give you some ideas for more voices you like. ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/11 "2011-10-12T15:12:09Z")
[_John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Coltrane_and_Johnny_Hartman). Unbelievably good! ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/12 "2011-10-12T15:24:52Z")
Listen to **Labdad**. I’m sorry I missed that one. ---
**Author:** ![Jaledin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jaledin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaledin)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2011, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/13 "2011-10-12T21:20:43Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > If you’re into vocalese (a bebop vocal form), go with Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. Yes! When it’s late and somebody’s crashing on my futon and we’re both drinking beer, I always put on “Sing A Song of Basie.” Perfect album. I like Johnny Hartman with Coltrane and his “boys,” and a number of Nancy King albums (she’s from Bay Area, but played in Portland when I was a teenager and the bartenders let me sneak in, sometimes under the influence of grass, and I still think she’s the tops for a bebop singer, right there with Annie Ross at the very top of the “heap.” More pop than straight jazz, but Tony Bennett’s album with Bill Evans is classic – great jazz/pop singer with one of the greatest pianists ever, just one to one. Aretha’s earlier albums covering standards are gorgeous. Glad someone mentioned Sarah Vaughan, and also Peggy Lee – that whole album “Black Coffee” merits her entire reputation, AFAIC. ---
**Author:** ![cjepson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/14 "2011-10-13T16:25:20Z")
I replied earlier but it seems my post didn’t make it… Joe Williams, _[A Man Ain’t Supposed to Cry](http://www.amazon.com/Man-Aint-Supposed-Cry-Williams/dp/B000GPI2MW)_ Nancy Wilson, especially her earlier stuff ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2011, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/15 "2011-10-13T17:11:45Z")
[Jimmy Scott](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFLL26aKr5w) did a good job on the standards, although his painfully slow versions of some songs grate on my nerves at times. The linked song is when he’s at his best. ---
**Author:** ![Wilson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/96bed5/32.png) [@Wilson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wilson)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2011, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/16 "2011-10-13T17:35:43Z")
I second the recommendation of Madeleine Peyroux. Robin McKelle is another current singer who does standards - her first album was the best, IMO. Jo Stafford is another of the all-time greats. I can’t remember the name of the album of hers that I have. John Pizzarelli is best live - his Liva at Birdland album is excellent. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2011, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/17 "2011-10-13T19:15:12Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > I > > If you like Billie Holiday’s voice, but it breaks your heart to listen to the recordings she made in her declining years, check out Madeleine Peyroux. While I’ve got you here; what album shows off her voice at it’s best? ---
**Author:** ![C.Montgomery\_Burns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecd19e/32.png) [@C.Montgomery\_Burns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C.Montgomery_Burns)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/18 "2011-10-14T13:06:36Z")
Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald recorded quite a few duets. My favorite is _A Fine Romance_. Plenty of Peggy Lee. She recorded some great stuff with Benny Goodman. Her best solo work, in my opinion, was in the late 1940s and 1950s. The Ink Spots are also fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/19 "2011-10-14T14:20:25Z")
Here’s a suggestion for finding some good singers with hour-long streaming audio shows with chat and multiple songs: [Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz](http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=24&agg=1) is one of quite a few shows on [NPR Music](http://www.npr.org/music/) and in spite of its title it often features non-pianist musicians and/or vocalists who also play instruments. Here are some links to specific vocalists’ shows that might appeal to you: > **[Sheila Jordan On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/10/07/120888194/sheila-jordan-on-piano-jazz)** > > Sheila Jordan's singing style lights up Piano Jazz with guest host Jon Weber. Sheila Jordan On Piano Jazz > **[Bobby Short On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/09/09/106742673/bobby-short-on-piano-jazz)** > > He was one of the greatest cabaret performers of the 20th century: a powerful singer whose "two-fisted" piano playing never overpowered his infectious warmth. Piano Jazz continues its 30th-anniversary celebration with an encore broadcast featuring... Bobby Short On Piano Jazz > **[Esperanza Spalding On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/07/08/103207666/esperanza-spalding-on-piano-jazz)** > > The bassist and singer performs "Prelude To A Kiss" with Marian McPartland in a 2008 session. Esperanza Spalding On Piano Jazz > **[Eliane Elias On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/06/03/96054860/eliane-elias-on-piano-jazz)** > > She plays and sings a previously unreleased Evans tune, "Here Is Something for You," for which she has written a lyric, and host Marian McPartland gives her own Evans tribute on "B Minor Waltz." Eliane Elias On Piano Jazz > **[Grace Kelly On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/05/27/97831193/teen-saxophonist-grace-kelly-on-piano-jazz)** > > The then-16-year-old jazz phenom sings "All the Things You Are" and plays "Round Midnight" in a 2008 session with Marian McPartland. Grace Kelly On Piano Jazz > **[Dianne Reeves On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/05/13/136275834/dianne-reeves-on-piano-jazz)** > > On this episode of Piano Jazz, host Marian McPartland accompanies Reeves in "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" and "Million Dollar Secret." Dianne Reeves On Piano Jazz > **[Karrin Allyson On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/05/06/136055280/karrin-allyson-on-piano-jazz)** > > One of the most in-demand performers on today's jazz scene sings "I've Got the World on a String" and more in a session from 1998. Karrin Allyson On Piano Jazz > **[Veronica Nunn On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/04/15/90130795/vocalist-veronica-nunn-on-piano-jazz)** > > Hear the jazz singer demonstrate her soulful technique in this 2008 episode hosted by Marian McPartland. Veronica Nunn On Piano Jazz > **[Roberta Gambarini On Piano Jazz](https://www.npr.org/2011/04/01/135044205/roberta-gambarini-on-piano-jazz)** > > Vocalist Roberta Gambarini continues the legacy of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae, and she's well-qualified to fill their famous heels. On this episode of Piano Jazz, she sizzles on a set of tunes from the Great American Songbook. Roberta Gambarini On Piano Jazz > **[Piano Jazz Presents: The Women Of Song](https://www.npr.org/2011/03/04/134260576/piano-jazz-presents-the-women-of-song)** > > The program celebrates Women's History Month with selections by renowned female singers from the show archives. Marian McPartland accompanies luminaries and contemporary stars on a set of standards, and discusses a woman's musical life in depth. Piano Jazz Presents: The Women Of Song Be sure to check the archives, which go back several years, for other possibilities. The hour format gives Marian a chance to explore all sorts of topics with her guests. A trivia goldmine! ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trad-pop-vocal-jazz-album-recommendations/599385/20 "2011-10-14T14:40:33Z")
Curtis Stiger’s “The Collection”. Especially his cover of Dylan’s _Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright_ which is so perfect. Katie Melua “Call off the Search” and the eponymous song just makes me wanna cuddle up with my sweetie with its soft tones, sweet phrasings, and champagne-flute-style piano. For something unexpected, check out Queen Latifah’s album “Trav’lin’ Light” which includes classics like Peggy Lee’s _I Love Being Here with You_ and Phoebe Snow’s _Poetry Man_. For something possibly difficult to find, local Minnesota jazz singer Prudence Johnson (backup vocalist to Greg Brown and occasional guest on NPR/_MPR’s A Prairie Home Companion_). Her album “Moon Country” is all from the Hoagy Carmichael songbook and definitely worth a repeated listen.