Recently, I have begun to expand my musical library to include an even wider range of genres than what I already have. Perhaps being in a somber mood helped me compile the list of artists and songs I have for you today. Besides being inspired by these singers/songwriters, I felt that it was appropriate to begin today’s post with some powerful quotes that complement today’s theme: Jazz.

“Jazz is a feeling, more than anything else. It isn’t music, it’s language…” -Enos Payne

“Jazz music is the power of now. There is no script. It’s conversation. The emotion is given to you by musicians as they make split-second decisions to fulfill what they feel the moment requires.” -Wynton Marsalis

Some of the artists I chose today are classic jazz singers that you will all recognize and some are more contemporary. Regardless, these singers bring a passion, a story, and genuine emotion to each one of their songs.

Ayoe Angelica – Never Drown & Dr. Jekyll. Ayoe Angelica, a Danish/Ethiopian 2o year old, released her album in Spring of 2008. A more contemporary jazz artist, Ayoe has combined jazz, minimal electronic beats, and bass into her Jazz-Pop songs to give it a more lounge-like sound.

Never Drown is a somber, yet sultry song about struggling to stay above water (metaphorically) in the face of hardship and heartbreak, while refusing to be consumed. YouTube Link

“When life won’t dance with me, I still breathe,  I could never give in, never give in like this. My barefeet in water ill become, The water surrounding me ill become, Youre the surface when I come up for air I become, I could never drown, never drown like this.”

Dr. Jekyll is another song off Ayoe’s album, which is a little more playful than Never Drown. As Ayoe sings about the dual personality of this so-called “Dr. Jekyll,” you feel her pain as she tries to understand this love entanglement.

“Your character is fading out the image I have made of you, All colours in your signature that used to be now they’re all blue, An eye for an eye turn the other cheek Dr. Jekyll what you want with me,Could you really love someone like me”

Melody Gardot – Worrisome Heart She’s a jazz singer, writer, and musician. From her 2008 album Worrisome Heart, this bluesy song accompanied by piano and bass will draw you deep into the jazz world. Her Eva Cassidy-like sound is comforting & therapeutic. Link on Last.fm

“I need a hand with my worrisome heart, I need a hand with my worrisome heart, I would be lucky to find me a man, Who could love me the way that I am, With this here worrisome heart, I need a break from my troubling ways”

Nina Simone – I Put a Spell On You Known as the “High Priestess of Soul,” Nina Simone was an inspiration to the jazz world. If you like this one try: Feeling Good, Little Girl Blue (Postal Service Remix), and Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat’s Heavenly House Mix) Link on Last.fm

Billie Holiday – Summertime (Organica Remix) She wasn’t the first artist to record Summertime; however, her version was one that would create an unmatched standard of excellence in this genre, making this song memorable to all. Link on HypeM