More female vocals

Patricia Barber

I have just recently found Nina Simone.

Patty Larkin
Jennifer Warnes
Natalie Cole
Bonnie Raitt
Eva Cassidy
Holly Cole
Etta James
Cesaria Evora
Patricia Barber
Dinah Washington
Shemekia Copeland
Macy Gray
Phoebe Snow
Della Reese
Norah Jones

Shirley Horn
Cassandra Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Betty Carter
Abbey Lincoln jane Monheit
Sarah Vaughn Carmen Lundy Lizz Wright
Ella Fitzgerald Etta Jones Rosenna Vitro
Nnenna Freelon Dianah Washington Carmen McCrae
Karen Francis Micki Howard
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Make sure you sample before you buy. Some artist will make a great LP then an average one. But I can't remember
Shirley Horn making a bad album ever.

There are many many more. Dee Dee Bridgewater will amaze you. Live in several places.

Happy hunting.
Not jazz but you have to check out Eva Cassidy.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Diane Shuur. Perhaps the greatest jazz vocalist I know (Ella on steroids). I 2nd Diane Washington and Shirley Horn. I have many CDs by Shirley Horn but this is the best one http://www.amazon.com/You-Wont-Forget-Shirley-Horn/dp/B0000047BK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1270340064&sr=8-2