It’s time to celebrate the women of jazz! While jazz has long been masculine domain, there have been plenty of women making their name as exceptional musicians. And they’re not just singers, we’ve collected together some of the finest instrumentalists, composers and singers who have been holding their own in a man’s world – for decades
WOMEN OF JAZZ COLLECTION
No matter what genre of jazz you love – this collection features all the women artists we have in store in one place. From Ella Fitzgerald to Alice Coltrane, Diana Krall to Brandee Younger, dive into a wealth of jazz.
LEGENDARY DIVAS
Ella, Nina, Lady Day, and many more…the golden age of jazz was studded with some of the most memorable voices ever recorded. But women weren’t just limited to vocals; flautist Bobbi Humphrey, harpists Dorothy Ashby, and Alice Coltrane, pianist, composer and label owner Mary Lou Williams, and pianist Jutta Hipp are just a few of the women carving their own paths.
ICONS ON FILM
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GREAT WOMEN OF SONG COLLECTION
Looking for the biggest hits, or jumping off point to explore a legendary voice? Verve’s Great Women of Song series is a carefully curated selection of the best of the best.
STORIES
THE SOUL OF MISS SIMONE
Broadcaster and author Jeffrey Boake reflects on the life, music, and enduring legacy of one of the most distinctive voices in jazz – Nina Simone.
ELLA FITZGERALD’S MOMENT OF TRUTH
In 1967 Ella Fitzgerald was in the middle of a 3 year tour with Duke Ellington. Thanks to newly unearthed tapes from the personal collection of Norman Granz, fans of Ella can now hear it. Read Will Friedwald’s essay from the liner notes of this thrilling new discovery.
THE LIFE, LOVES AND ARTISTRY OF ‘QUEEN OF THE BLUES’ DINAH WASHINGTON
Dinah Washington was one of the most distinctive voices of the 20th century, comparable to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Despite her tragically short life, her career was prolific and star studded. We explore what made the life and music of this gifted jazz singer so great.
THE MYSTERY OF JUTTA HIPP
Jutta Hipp played with Zoot Sims and Charles Mingus, and recorded three albums for Blue Note. The German pianist was one of the most unlikely shooting stars of the 1950s New York jazz scene. Then she walked away from her career.
BOBBI HUMPHREY’S “FANCY DANCER” – A JAZZ FUNK CLASSIC
With “Fancy Dancer”, her fifth full-length effort, flautist and singer Bobbi Humphrey created a certified classic of the jazz-funk genre and a landmark album for jazz flute playing.
THE ART OF JAZZ HARP
From transcendental meditations to soulful RnB, there’s a lot more to the harp than heavenly vibrations, and Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby started it all.
TODAY’S WOMEN OF JAZZ
From the glittering harp of Brandee Younger, to the roots infused songs of Norah Jones, the technical mastery of supergroup ARTEMIS, to the keyboard pyrotechnics of Hiromi, today’s women of jazz hold their own on any stage.
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The Women Making Waves in Jazz Today
While they might once have been limited to singing the blues, today’s women of jazz are shining in every seat in the band. From the stunningly flexible vocals of young diva Samara Joy, to the Queen of Cool Diana Krall, the groove laden, socially conscious music of bassist, vocalist and producer Meshell Ndegeocello to the multi talented supergroup ARTEMIS, we’ve handpicked some of the most dynamic women working in jazz today.
STORIES
IN CONVERSATION WITH SAMARA JOY
When Jumoké Fashola sat down for a chat with vocal superstar Samara Joy at this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival, she knew the audience was in for a treat, but could she also get an invitation to be Samara’s +1 at the Grammys?
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO DOESN’T PLAY JAZZ, SHE WRITES BLACK AMERICAN MUSIC
Bassist, vocalist, producer and composer has crafted an enduring career as an in demand collaborator and front woman. Since signing to Blue Note, her groove heavy, thoughtful, emotive music has reached a new audience – and garnered 2 well deserved Grammys (she’s been nominated 11 times in her career).
NO MORE WATER
Jazz has always been a form of social history, and Meshell Ndegeocello’s latest record opens a vital new chapter, inspired by a towering figure in American literature – James Baldwin. Singer and broadcaster Jumoké Fashola has the story.
NUBYA GARCIA’S JOURNEY TO SELF BELIEF
Nubya Garcia has taken her time for her sophomore album “Odyssey”. The London-born and bred saxophonist speaks to Jane Cornwell on the genesis of the new material, the necessity for an artist to step out of hustle culture, and the importance of self-belief.
EXPLORING THE MYSTIQUE OF THE HARP – A CONVERSATION WITH BRANDEE YOUNGER
Harpist Brandee Younger effortlessly fuses the worlds of jazz, hip-hop, RnB and classical. It’s no wonder considering her musical journey ranges from marching band to caretaker of Alice Coltrane’s harp.
STAFF PICKS
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO
“NO MORE WATER” (BLUE NOTE)
2024 saw the centenary of writer and activist James Baldwin, and it feels like we need his philosophy of love, tolerance and honesty more than ever. Meshell Ndegeocello has taken Baldwin’s ethos as well as his words as the foundation for a beautiful, profound and deeply soulful record that’s brought to life by a band so tight they make it sound effortless. Check out my favourite track “Love” which I’ll be listening to for a long time to come.
HIROMI
“BLUE GIANT SOUNDTRACK” (UM JAPAN)
Japanese musician Hiromi Uehara was given the daunting task of composing the soundtrack for Blue Giant, a film adaptation of the manga about an obsessive young sax player plotting to emulate his jazz heroes, create new sounds and conquer the genre like an elite sportsman. She rises to the challenge magnificently, employing a deft array of styles to musically represent the passion of the comic.
ALICE COLTRANE
“JOURNEY IN SATCHIDANANDA” (IMPULSE!)
The definitive blueprint of 1970s spiritual jazz, with deep Indian and African influences and brilliant contributions from saxophonist Pharoah Sanders.
NINA SIMONE
“WILD IS THE WIND” (PHILIPS)
I picked this album because I absolutely LOVE it! For me, it has every element of Nina Simone’s monumental talents – vast waves of melody, anguish, tenderness and above all that special force that is Nina Simone. You feel the growing pain in the stories of “Four Women” and the need for escape in “Lilac Wine.” She is a masterful commentator, poet, wrapping that all in amazing music. Wild is the Wind is both wild and gentle and it all fits effortlessly together.
ASTRUD GILBERTO
“LOOK TO THE RAINBOW” (VERVE)
The soundtrack to sultry summer beach samba which always takes me to another part of the world and back to one of the coolest parts of the 1960s during the bossa nova gold-rush. When gentlemen looked sharp in tailored suits and women wore fitted dresses with Jackie O sunglasses. One of Astrud’s best albums, with arrangements by Gil Evans and produced by Creed Taylor.
AROOJ AFTAB
“NIGHT REIGN” (VERVE)
I’m a big fan of Arooj Aftab and was very much looking forward to this new album. It didn’t disappoint. Her smoky voice and Eastern vibe are very alluring, conjuring her love of the night perfectly here. The collaborations fit fantastically – my favourite is the hypnotic “Bola Na,” with Irreversible Entanglements, Moor Mother (could listen to her all night!) and the ethereal sounds of Joel Ross’ vibraphone. Lots of great melodic and moody tracks on this album – get yourself a whisky and dig in!
BOBBI HUMPHREY
“FANCY DANCER” (BLUE NOTE)
Flautist Bobbi Humphrey ‘s 1975 release on Blue Note 1975, the flautist’s third collaboration with forward-looking producer Larry Mizell. A great mix of upbeat dancefloor and laid back tunes featuring synth bass lines, harp and funky rhythm section.
CASSANDRA WILSON
“BLUE LIGHT TIL DAWN” (BLUE NOTE)
Cassandra Wilson’s deep voice and luxurious vibrato is at home in many styles of jazz – but her blend of blues, folk, jazz, and the gothic in “Blue Light Til Dawn” is pure atmosphere. The collection of songs: standards – “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” soul classics – Ann Peebles; “I Can’t Stand The Rain,” and Wilson’s own, original songs still feel as well curated and individual as when they were released, over 30 years ago, and Wilson’s influence on a subsequent generation of singers is clear. Read more about this album in Andy Thomas’ story.
DOROTHY ASHBY
“THE RUBÁIYÁT OF DOROTHY ASHBY” (CADET)
Join Dorothy Ashby on a mystical journey from Detroit around the world. This eclectic album sometimes feels like a call to prayer, other times like the soundtrack of your favourite late-night jazz bar and then the closing scene of a Bond film. The harp takes centre stage, but Ashby’s use of the Japanese koto is especially impressive. An excellent travel companion.
BETTYE LAVETTE
“BLACKBIRDS” (VERVE)
This 2020 album is packed full of powerful songs, with a blues leaning, which compliments LaVette’s deep-gravel-toned powerful soul voice. It also features one of the most soulful and stirring versions of Lennon/McCartney’s Blackbird. Superb throughout.
DINAH WASHINGTON
“GREAT WOMEN OF SONG: DINAH WASHINGTON” (VERVE)
Featuring some of Dinah Washington’s most popular songs like”What A Difference A Day Made”, this record is a vocal Jazz evergreen.
NORAH JONES
“COME AWAY WITH ME” (BLUE NOTE)
Norah Jones’ 2002 debut on Blue Note with sensitive originals as well as well-chosen cover versions: Hank Williams’ “Cold, Cold Heart”, and Hoagy Carmichael’s ‚”The Nearness Of You” which are both given the magic touch. Takes me back to my university days when it felt like it was everyone’s album of choice.
MELANIE CHARLES
“Y’ALL DON’T (REALLY) CARE ABOUT BLACK WOMEN” (VERVE)
Charles, a Soul/RnB singer (and flautist) reimagines some classics on this album, which should have made more noise when it was released in 2021. If you’re especially into the Verve Remix album series you will love this album.
BRANDEE YOUNGER
“BRAND NEW LIFE” (IMPULSE!)
After seeing Brandee Younger live at last year’s London Jazz Festival, I’ve got really interested in her blend of jazz harp, R&B and hiphop. The EJ team also discovered recently that Brandee is the caretaker of Alice Coltrane’s gold harp! Watch Jumoké Fashola’s interview here. I’d recommend this album for a chilled weekend morning or to block out a stressful commute.
NUBYA GARCIA
“ODYSSEY” (CONCORD)
Garcia’s exciting second album as a leader fuses contemporary groove-based London jazz with influences from dub and afrobeat.
LIANA FLORES
“FLOWER OF THE SOUL” (VERVE)
Her debut album on Verve features wistful vocals that intertwine Bossa and Samba nods whilst giving Fleet Foxes timbres. It’s a wonderful listen whilst strolling on a brisk Spring morning as it draws you to the summer to come.
SAMARA JOY
“PORTRAIT” (VERVE)
A bona fide vocal gymnast whose prodigious technical abilities are wrapped up in bags of charm and huge sense of her own artistic vision – Samara Joy’s 2024 follow up to the smash hit “Linger Awhile” is proof that this talented young singer is going to be around for a long time. Believe the hype.
ELLA FITZGERALD
“THE MOMENT OF TRUTH: ELLA AT THE OAKLAND COLISEUM” (VERVE)
Ella’s never released before live recording of her concert in 1967. Featuring a beautiful performance as well as some lovely interactions with the crowd, this record is extremely well recorded and makes you feel like part of the audience.
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO
“THE OMNICHORD REAL BOOK” (BLUE NOTE)
Epic yet deeply introspective, sprawling yet cohesive, Meshell’s first release for Blue Note takes the Omnichord and the famous Real Book as just the starting point for a journey through her mind via fractured grooves, ethereal sounds and some fantastic collaborators.
AMY WINEHOUSE
“FRANK” (VERVE)
“Frank” is Amy’s debut album and was released in 2007 when the singer was 24. It features some great Jazz tunes, and you can hear influences from some of the greatest jazz vocalists such as Nina Simone and Dinah Washington.
JUTTA HIPP
“AT THE HICKORY HOUSE” (BLUE NOTE)
Jutta Hipp has a fascinating story which makes this live album all the more interesting and important to be heard. A talented pianist, she recorded 3 albums for Blue Note then dropped out of music. EJ’s Stephan Kunze has written a brilliant story all about it: “Jutta Hipp: How to Disappear Completely”.
BLOSSOM DEARIE
“BLOSSOM DEARIE” (TBC)
Walking bass lines, stories of love and her unmistakable soulful but meek-sounding voice makes the self-titled album from Blossom Dearie a head nodding, foot tapping must-listen. The album features three songs sung in French and her first-class piano playing.
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