Modern Vocal Jazz

Modern Vocal Jazz: The Soulful and Sophisticated Revival of a Classic Genre
Modern vocal jazz is a contemporary interpretation of a timeless genre, blending the soulful essence of traditional jazz with innovative influences from pop, R&B, and even electronic music. Today’s vocal jazz artists carry forward the legacy of legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra while introducing fresh perspectives, unique styles, and modern production techniques. The result is a vibrant and evolving genre that appeals to jazz purists and new audiences alike.

Whether you’re drawn to smoky ballads, scat improvisations, or reimagined standards, modern vocal jazz offers a sophisticated and emotionally rich listening experience.

What Defines Modern Vocal Jazz?
Fusion of Styles: Modern vocal jazz often incorporates elements of pop, R&B, and soul, creating a genre that feels fresh while respecting its roots.
Creative Interpretations: Contemporary vocal jazz artists breathe new life into standards, infusing them with unique arrangements, unexpected tempos, and modern production.
Original Compositions: Many modern vocal jazz artists write their own music, blending the lyrical depth of jazz with personal storytelling and contemporary themes.
Impeccable Vocal Technique: Rooted in the jazz tradition, modern vocal jazz emphasizes vocal control, phrasing, and improvisation, often showcasing the artist's unique timbre and range.
Collaborations Across Genres: Modern vocal jazz frequently includes collaborations with instrumentalists, producers, and artists from other genres, broadening its appeal.

Key Artists in Modern Vocal Jazz
1. Norah Jones
Sound: A blend of jazz, pop, and country influences with a warm, intimate vocal style.
Signature Songs: "Don’t Know Why", "Come Away With Me"
Why She’s Important: Norah Jones brought jazz-infused vocals into the mainstream with her Grammy-winning debut Come Away With Me, making her one of the most recognizable names in modern vocal jazz.
2. Gregory Porter
Sound: A rich baritone voice with influences from gospel, R&B, and classic jazz.
Signature Songs: "Liquid Spirit", "Hey Laura"
Why He’s Important: Porter’s storytelling and emotionally resonant performances have revitalized vocal jazz, earning him Grammy Awards and a global audience.
3. Esperanza Spalding
Sound: A fusion of jazz, soul, and experimental elements with virtuosic bass playing and ethereal vocals.
Signature Songs: "I Know You Know", "Good Lava"
Why She’s Important: Spalding’s innovative approach to jazz, coupled with her genre-defying compositions, has earned her critical acclaim and made her a leading figure in modern vocal jazz.
4. Cécile McLorin Salvant
Sound: A versatile vocalist known for her dramatic storytelling and ability to reinterpret jazz standards with emotional depth.
Signature Songs: "Wives and Lovers", "If You’ve Got a Heart"
Why She’s Important: Salvant’s theatrical and deeply nuanced interpretations have earned her multiple Grammy Awards and cemented her as one of today’s premier jazz vocalists.
5. Diana Krall
Sound: A sultry, smoky voice combined with virtuosic piano playing and sophisticated arrangements.
Signature Songs: "The Look of Love", "Peel Me a Grape"
Why She’s Important: With her impeccable phrasing and understated elegance, Krall has become one of the most successful contemporary jazz artists worldwide.
6. Melody Gardot
Sound: A fusion of jazz, blues, and bossa nova with a sultry and introspective vocal style.
Signature Songs: "Baby I’m a Fool", "Who Will Comfort Me"
Why She’s Important: Gardot’s deeply personal lyrics and sophisticated arrangements bring a unique, modern sensibility to vocal jazz.
7. José James
Sound: A smooth blend of jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop influences.
Signature Songs: "Trouble", "Come to My Door"
Why He’s Important: James bridges the gap between jazz and contemporary genres, creating a fresh, genre-defying sound that appeals to diverse audiences.
8. Lizz Wright
Sound: A warm, soulful voice with elements of gospel, folk, and jazz.
Signature Songs: "Salt", "My Heart"
Why She’s Important: Wright’s evocative storytelling and deeply emotional performances have made her a standout in the modern vocal jazz scene.

Classic Jazz Standards Reimagined
Modern vocal jazz often pays homage to the Great American Songbook and other timeless standards, giving them a contemporary twist. Popular reimagined standards include:

"My Funny Valentine"
Artists like Cécile McLorin Salvant and Diana Krall reinterpret this classic with their unique phrasing and emotional delivery.
"Nature Boy"
José James brings a soulful, modern touch to this introspective jazz standard.
"Cry Me a River"
Diana Krall’s sultry rendition highlights the song’s timeless appeal.
"Summertime"
Contemporary artists often add fresh interpretations to this Gershwin classic, blending jazz with blues or even electronic elements.
"I’ve Got You Under My Skin"
Gregory Porter’s warm baritone gives this Sinatra favorite a soulful, modern feel.

Original Compositions in Modern Vocal Jazz
Many modern vocal jazz artists contribute original compositions that reflect their unique voices and contemporary themes. Examples include:

**Norah Jones – "Sunrise"
A light, jazzy tune that captures the intimacy and warmth of her vocal style.
**Esperanza Spalding – "Radio Song"
A dynamic, genre-blending piece that showcases her creativity as both a vocalist and instrumentalist.
**Melody Gardot – "Love Me Like a River Does"
A hauntingly beautiful love song with a minimalist arrangement.
**Gregory Porter – "Be Good (Lion’s Song)"
A tender and poignant original that highlights Porter’s lyrical storytelling.

Why Modern Vocal Jazz Resonates
Timeless and Fresh: Modern vocal jazz strikes a balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation, appealing to both seasoned jazz fans and new listeners.
Emotional Depth: The genre’s focus on storytelling and improvisation creates a deeply emotional listening experience.
Crossover Appeal: By blending jazz with elements of pop, soul, and other genres, modern vocal jazz reaches a broader audience.
Reinterpretation of Classics: Contemporary artists breathe new life into timeless standards, keeping the rich legacy of jazz alive and relevant.

Modern Vocal Jazz on Internet Radio
For fans of modern vocal jazz, internet radio stations offer curated playlists featuring a mix of classic standards and fresh, original songs by today’s top artists. These stations provide a perfect way to discover new voices while celebrating the enduring appeal of vocal jazz.

Modern vocal jazz is a vibrant and evolving genre that bridges the gap between timeless tradition and contemporary innovation. Whether revisiting beloved standards or exploring original compositions, today’s vocal jazz artists bring sophistication, soul, and creativity to every performance. Their music offers a deeply personal and universally resonant experience, ensuring that jazz continues to thrive in the modern era.