Jazz recommendations for a beginner?

I won't even get into the discussion of what is and isn't Jazz. Simply judging by the fact that you like Krall and Barber and did not care for Miles I would DEFINITELY go for Eva Cassidy as others have recommended. I like Songbird and Imagine and Live at Blues Alley.

Also no one's mentioned Jacintha. Try "Here's to Ben" and "Autumn Leaves"

Barber's "Modern Cool" would also be a good pick.

Holly Cole's fantastic album of Tom Waits tunes titled "Temptation" would be another great choice.

Marco

Yes, I was thinking female vocals too Jorge. Two of the very best instrumental jazz albums I've purchased over the past year that you might enjoy are:

"Achirana" on ECM usually listed under Vassilis Tsabropoulos

"Detail" by Marc Ducret on Winter & Winter

The latter is rather progressive and edgy improvisational jazz guitar and is a wonderful recording if you like that kind of music.

Marco

PS OK, I'm editing my post after coming home and listening to cuts 2 and 11. I do enjoy both those cuts as well and would strongly suggest the Achirana CD I mentioned above. The Ducret is just a bit more edgy and if you prefer the more traditional it may be more hard to swallow. I love it, but realize it is not for everyone. To add to those two after listening to the cuts you liked I'm also reminded of another recent favorite that is rather unusual and hypnoticly melodic in a similar way to the cuts you mention, but a bit more sedate: Anouar Brahem "Le Pas du Chat Noir" on ECM also....just gorgeous!