If there was ever an award for the “coolest” jazz vocalist it would have always gone to Carmen McRae.  
 

Eight years younger than her idol, Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae was a contemporary of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Ella and Sarah were already well established by the time Carmen came onto the scene, but it wasn’t long before Carmen was considered their artistic equal, although she never achieved their wide popularity. She never had a huge hit nor did she ever receive a Grammy.  But, on the other hand, she never made a bad record nor compromised her high standards.

Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan inspired awe with their vocal prowess.  Ella – with her perfect pitch and unerring sense of time – could reproduce any instrumental jazz riff, and Sarah – with her multi-octave range and ultra-flexible voice – could change octave and color on a single note.  Carmen, however, could bring a tear to the eye or a lump to the throat, with her reading of a lyric. That was her great talent.  She combined the ability to project the emotional connotations of a song with a musical intelligence that was derived in part from her knowledge of the piano. She perfected a style musicians called singing “behind the beat.” 

Diva Jazz Orchestra "Live at Birdland - Caravan"

 

Headed by swinging drummer Sherrie Maricle, DIVA exudes the excitement and force found in the tradition of the historic big bands but with an eye towards today’s progressive sound of originality and verve. With New York as their home base, DIVA performs all over the world playing contemporary, mainstream big band jazz composed and arranged to fit the individual personalities and styles of the musicians themselves. Audiences can expect to hear high-energy performances packed with unique improvisation, spontaneity, and fun.

The inspiration for DIVA came from Stanley Kay, one-time manager and relief drummer for Buddy Rich. In 1990, Kay was conducting a band in which Sherrie Maricle was playing the drums. Stanley immediately picked up on her extraordinary talent and began to wonder if there were other women players who could perform at the same level. In 1992 the search was on, and through nationwide auditions the foundation for DIVA was poured. What emerged is the dynamic musical force that holds forth to the present day.

https://divajazz.com/

Rachael Price “What I'm Doing Here”

 

Rachael Price, the powerhouse vocalist behind the band Lake Street Dive, isn't your average singer. With a voice that swings effortlessly between smoky jazz and soulful blues, she captivates audiences with her impressive range and undeniable stage presence. “When Rachael Price opens her mouth and lets loose with her cool cannon blast of a voice, you sort of forget to breathe,” wrote Rolling Stone.

 

Born in Australia but raised in Tennessee, her musical roots run deep, with a family lineage steeped in music and performance. Graduating from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, she honed her skills and went on to become a central figure in the band's success, captivating fans with her dynamic performances and timeless vocals.

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Enjoy this marvelous sultry voice as you soulfully move into Spring!

Nicole Zuraitis “A Star Emerges”

 

Nicole Zuraitis, the 2024 Grammy winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her work "How Love Begins," has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and sophisticated interpretations.

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Zuraitis' rise to prominence began with her nomination for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in the same category, a testament to her early potential. However, it was her 2024 album "How Love Begins" that truly propelled her into the spotlight. The album, praised for its emotional depth and innovative arrangements, garnered critical acclaim, and ultimately earned her the coveted Grammy Award.

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While information on Zuraitis' specific musical influences is limited, "How Love Begins' ' offers clues to her artistic preferences. The album showcases her versatility, seamlessly weaving between classic jazz standards and contemporary compositions. Her vocal delivery is both powerful and nuanced, conveying a profound understanding of the emotional core of each song.

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Beyond the recording studio, Zuraitis is known for her captivating live performances. Her stage presence is captivating, drawing audiences in with her heartfelt delivery and genuine passion for the music.

With the Grammy Award in hand, Nicole Zuraitis has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz. Her combination of vocal prowess, artistic depth, and genuine connection with her audience positions her for a long and successful career. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, one can only anticipate the musical treasures that await in the years to come.

Happy Birthday Nina Simone!

February 27, 1933 - April 21, 2003

 

Ms. Simone: A Songbird With Fire in Her Soul 

 

Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933, wasn't just a jazz singer. She was a fiery whirlwind of talent, activism, and raw emotion, leaving an indelible mark on music and society. Though categorized as jazz, her genre-bending sound incorporated blues, folk, gospel, and classical, reflecting the depth and complexity of her artistry and life.

 

Simone's journey began in rural North Carolina, where dreams of a concert pianist career burned bright. Despite facing racial discrimination, she secured funding to study at Juilliard, only to abandon it due to financial hardship. Instead, she began singing in Atlantic City nightclubs under the pseudonym Nina Simone, crafting a persona that would captivate audiences.

 

Early success with "I Love You Porgy" belied the growing social unrest brewing within her. The brutal murder of Emmett Till in 1955 ignited a fire, and Simone poured her grief and anger into the protest anthem "Mississippi Goddam," a defiant cry against racial injustice. This marked a turning point, transforming her into a powerful voice for the Civil Rights Movement.

 

Through songs like "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" and "Ain't Got No, I Got Life," Simone became a soundtrack for the movement. Her smoky vocals carried tales of struggle and resilience, laced with vulnerability and rage. She wasn't afraid to confront injustice head-on, her music becoming a weapon wielded with grace and fury.

 

But Simone's complexities extended beyond activism. She explored love, loss, and personal demons with unflinching honesty. Songs like "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "Feeling Good" unveiled emotional depths, resonating with audiences far beyond the boundaries of race and politics. Beyond her activism, Simone explored a vast musical landscape. She reinterpreted classics like "I Put a Spell on You" infusing them with her unique style. Her piano playing, often percussive and bluesy, complemented her smoky vocals, creating an intensely personal and captivating sound.

 

Despite her immense talent and cultural impact, Simone's career was riddled with personal and professional struggles. Mental health issues, industry exploitation, and political tensions led to self-imposed exile in Europe in the 1970s.

 

Nina Simone passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Her music remains a timeless testament to the power of artistic expression in the face of adversity. More than just a singer, she was a force of nature, a complex artist who dared to confront the world with her truth, forever etched in the tapestry of music and activism.

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https://www.ninasimone.com/

Celeste “Hear My Voice”

 

Simple words with a profound underscore, Celeste becries the following:

 

“Hear my voice

Hear my dreams

Let us make a world, world, in which I believe 

Hear my words 

Hear my cries 

Let me see a change through these eyes”

 

Celeste performs “Hear My Voice” in London’s Union Chapel, July 2021. The song is featured in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” The call for a better world is still being asked today. 

 

Born in the US but raised in the UK. Celeste Epiphany Waite Is a generation-defying icon in the making. Her larger than life blend of Jazz, Soul, and R & B, brings forth the whispers of the ancestor greats. We hear the subtle rhythms of Ella Fitzgerald and the pain of Aretha Franklin. There are some who hear the strains of Adele, the rugged passion of Amy Winehouse, and the fragility of Billie Holiday. Some have stated Celeste is the finest talent to emerge from the UK in years.

 

And yet, the approach is distinctively Celeste who is forging toward creating her own irresistible presence. 

Enjoy!

 

https://www.celesteofficial.com/