vocal jazz
what it is
Vocal jazz is a popular song style that emerged in the USA in the early 20th century. The primary focus and main "instrument" is the voice, with an emphasis on song-based forms and the intimacy and passion of the lead delivery rather than avant-garde structures and extended instrumental improvisation. The Jazz backing is generally intended to complement the singing and to set the mood to the singer's story.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make vocal jazz a playlist
turn these 35 artists into something you can press play on.
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questions
What is vocal jazz?
Vocal jazz is a popular song style that emerged in the USA in the early 20th century. The primary focus and main "instrument" is the voice, with an emphasis on song-based forms and the intimacy and passion of the lead delivery rather than avant-garde structures and extended instrumental improvisation. The Jazz backing is generally intended to complement the singing and to set the mood to the singer's story.
What are good vocal jazz albums to start with?
Try Worrisome Heart by Melody Gardot, In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra, De todas las flores by Natalia Lafourcade, and I Put a Spell on You by Nina Simone.
Who are some women making vocal jazz?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/vocal-jazz/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making vocal jazz, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20