Modern day female jazz recommendations


We all know the classics from decades ago. What are your favorite your more contemporary female jazz singers of today?

Living close to Nashville I have the opportunity to see and hear a lot of up and coming artists. Nashville is NOT just country music by a long shot.

I'll start with Diana Krall....
dean_fuller
-Rachelle Ferrell - "First Instrument." More upbeat. Two mellow songs, one beautifully written and played on piano by her. She has a really incredible voice which refers to the album title.
-Dianne Reeves - "I Remember." A simply great one from Dianne!!
This stuff kills me in such a good way!!
I'll gladly nominate two vocalists that should be put on any list: Flora Purim and Joan Armatrading. Purim's effortless improvisations on Chick Corea's "Return to Forever" are inspired and deft. Armatrading, likewise, excels with vocals that are spot on in terms of power and intonation. Anyone who enjoys good music and performance that is professionally wrought and competently handled should give these two songbirds high marks for agility, song-craft, and for putting soul back into the music.
Jazz: Flora Purim, Joan Armadrading
Rock: Grace Slick, Chrissie Hynde
Classical: Kiri Te Kanawa, Beverly Sills
Avant Garde: Laurie Anderson, Cyndi Lauper

Geeze, guys, this is one tough nut!