Need help with Jazz


Hi. I'm a veteran audio nut with a decent bit of kit; mostly Musical Fidelity separates piped through some of Albert Von Schweikert's finest. I have a very eclectic taste in music, but I've never been drawn to Jazz until recently. I'm looking for recommendations for Jazz with good female vocals, and with an "upbeat" tempo: you know, the kind of music that tends to exploit one's awesome components! For example, I've tried Patricia Barber, and she's just a bit too dark. I do enjoy Diana Krall, but I'd like something with more brazen instrumentals. All suggestions welcome! Thanks.
klipschking
Agree with the Flora Purim.

Try Annie Sellick "No Greater Love" w/ Joey DeFrancesco. Non-threatening but lively with excellent sound.
Check out Dianne Reeves--she's been the award winning jazz vocalist many times over.
Quiet in the Storm
Go on Amazon.com and check out her music. The recordings are excellent--great clarity, dynamic, punchy bass.
I dont go much for female vocal jazz, but Sarah Vaughn is very cool. Her music is normally more upbeat.

Also, I picked up Mabel Mercer Sings Cole Porter. I think its more "cabaret" than the typical female jazz stuff suggested here regularly.
Some up-beat jazz singers that might interest you. Amongst some of the contemporary singers I really enjoy are ReneMarie, Mary Stallings, and Laverne Butler. They have each recorded several CD's for MaxJazz. Great stuff to my ears.