Good Jazz/Vocal Reference CD Recommendations?

Concur with the suggestions above, and would also add some of Diana Krall's CDs, such as "Steppin' Out" and "The Look of Love". Some great turn-out-the-lights-and-u-r-there whisky sippin' music.

For vocal jazz, I would add the different, yet excellent disc by Susanne Abbuehl entitled "April" on the ECM label. Interesting selection of well-recorded tunes by a singer with a stunningly pure alto voice. Very nice.

Also on ECM, any of the last few discs by the Dave Holland Quintet, really great music performed by excellent musicians. Great recording quality.

Hmmm, I seem to be fixated on the ECM label, 'cause I would also recommend Keith Jarrett for piano-based jazz, either solo or his 'standards' trio with Jack DeJohnette and Gary Peacock. The ECM label has a reputation for paying attention to the sound quality of its recordings.

You must listen to "Josh Groben", absolute, must have CD from Reprise Records Warner Music Group. Let me know what you think?

You should check out Jane Monhiet. Amazing voice. Easy on the eyes as well.

Listen to Slipknot1...he's dead on with his recommendations.
Of those I would suggest that you start with Eva's "Live At Blues Alley" and Patricia Barber's "Modern Cool." The latter is amongst the very best recorded of all my CDs, and I have the redbook version as opposed to the SACD. Waltersalas is right about Cassandra Wilson, too. I would recommend "New Moon Daughter" as a first choice. The Josh Groban CD is gorgeous, but for his singing as opposed to the recorded quality, which I would give a B or B- at best. But do get it. Another lovely voice recording is Jennifer Warnes' "Famous Blue Raincoat"...strong in both performance and sound. For classical try Orff's "Carmina Burana" on Telarc. It's an aural feast.