How women, both American and internationally, have affected jazz.

As I watched Ken Burns history of jazz, it was no secret that women were rarities in the jazz world until the 1970s when things began to open up a bit, especially in Brazil. And I must admit i am a big fan of Brazillian jazz. 

There have always been women's presence in singing, however. Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, and Ellla Fitzgerald, just to name a few. Astrid Gilberto was the first Brazilian singer I heard (on the Jonny Carson Show) and I immediately fell for her whispering breathy voice.

I would like to throw out an American singer as my first offereing. I am smart enough not to make it Patricia Barber or Diana Krall, both of whomn are excellent jazz pianists, because I've already seen how most "serious" jazz afficianados dismiss them right off the bat. Instead, I will submit the name of Cassandra Wilson.

I have been listening to jazz most of my life, and I have gone to many live jazz concerts. With that background, I consider Cassandra Wild to be a true innovator in jazz singing. I have recently purchased three of her albums. I have never heard any other singer like her. If you have not heard her, I would suggest "New Moon Daughter." If you have a turntable, there is a fantastic AAA album reissue. I can't stop playing it.