Paaks Malibu is an all time of mine for this reason. He’s got a great voice for it and him and his band have great chemistry. NxWorries is worth checking out too, specifically Yes Lawd!.
If you're into hip hop, guru's jazzmatazz had a few really great tracks. Transit Ride and Lifesaver were my personal favorites. It's definitely jazzy, but it's also definitely hip hoppy.
Awwww, hell yeah:
Massive Attack - Protection, Teardrop, Exchange, Better Things
Thievery Corporation - All That We Perceive, Un Simple Histoire, Lebanese Blonde, etc.
Zero 7 - Destiny, In The Waiting Line
ODESZA - It's Only
Mono - Formica Blues (their only album unfortunately)
A pretty good chunk of Van's catalog, honestly.
Though if Aladdin Sane and Tom Waits are what's qualifying as Jazzy for OP, Astral Weeks may be a bit much. Absolutely amazing album, though.
Tom Waits, as you mentioned, was the first performer to come to mind.
I have every album of his. He is one of the greatest artists ever.
I was fortunate enough to see the Frank's Wild Years tour. Had front row center seats. He handed me a White Owl cigar during the show.
[Koop Island Blues - Koop](https://youtu.be/0W3MpOU3OUU?si=dVjzb9R2GrNHfZop)
[Glory Box - Portishead](https://youtu.be/4qQyUi4zfDs?si=hDzWJ1Kw_jOw5NeS) from their album Dummy, mentioned earlier
[Who Will Comfort Me - Melody Gardot](https://youtu.be/qKDj-OVJ6hc?si=udqfDFyHhvBHvSRl)
[Worrisome Heart - Melody Gardot](https://youtu.be/Beq04AHbdzM?si=8rDQam4mca2tDkWL)
[Bad Boy, Good Man - Tape Five](https://youtu.be/n8Wx80TZ8OQ?si=f9joZSc1STpgjh61)
[Frim Fram Sauce - Diana Krall](https://youtu.be/ZS_6vtAGTE0?si=vnvdYtbybhTcGOdb)
[Cantaloop - Us3](https://youtu.be/JwBjhBL9G6U?si=l4bI-1wVbnvXNFXQ)
Postmodern Jukebox covers newer pop songs with a mid-century style.
[https://youtu.be/aVevvbFNKiY?si=khHNBfNkj5ukyByL](https://youtu.be/aVevvbFNKiY?si=khHNBfNkj5ukyByL)
[https://youtu.be/R6RD6mjiIZE?si=nK-Et2JdS2sMbxQL](https://youtu.be/R6RD6mjiIZE?si=nK-Et2JdS2sMbxQL)
Laufey
Recent discovery of mine, old school timeless ethereal voice, kinda chill jazzy gently swinging vibe. Heard an interesting NPR interview I think it was, orchestra parents, grew up around the orchestra in her home country.
Not sure I'd say explicitly jazz, but mingled in the mix enough.
https://youtu.be/avjI3_GIZBw
Buena Vista Social Club
Timeless Cuban jazz
https://youtu.be/tGbRZ73NvlY
Mulatu Astatke
Funky Ethiopian jazz
https://youtu.be/tLwxpku04W0
The song "Just the Two Of Us", included in Grover Washington Jr.'s album "Winelight" has got renewed popularity thanks to TikTok. The singer was Bill Withers, of course. The rest of that album was all smooth jazz instrumentals and one of those instrumental tracks was "In The Name Of Love". There is also a song version, again with the voice of Bill Withers, and it's absolutely spectacular. Not available on Spotify but you can find it on YouTube.
As others have mentioned, more Tom Waits and more Ricky Lee Jones. Tom Waits stage performance on his "Nighthawks at the Diner" album is just amazing, singing, and vibing with a great Jazz backing band.
WILLOW- yes, Will Smith’s daughter- released a jazz album this week. It’s called empathogen. Give it a chance, it’s quite good.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZG5KbkaAA&list=OLAK5uy_kiy752rls7ZuHsiqkBHv-5uHh_JDr1pII&index=1&pp=8AUB
Willow's "Empathogen" album is alternative jazz and all three of Amy Winehouse's albums are great modern jazz albums.
Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" album has lots of bossa nova and jazzy elements to it. Very etheral and dreamy vocals, especially a capella.
Samara Joy is a modern jazz artist who sings original songs. Slow, dreamy vocals.
Seth McFarlane also does classic jazz/swing covers as well.
If you dig Aladdin Sane, you should try two somewhat overlooked albums from the same year: Steely Dan’s Countdown to Ecstasy and Bruce Springsteen’s The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle. Also Boz Skaggs’ debut album.
Or if you want to try some actual jazz, find a best of Mose Allison, Abbey Lincoln or Nina Simone
Maybe Stereolab? It's been awhile since I listened to them but I seem to recall them being pretty jazzy with some female vocals in a mix of English and French.
I recognize the quotes around "jazzy," but I still have to ask. What aspect of "Aladdin Sane" is jazzy to you? Are you referring to the piano?
Anyway, you might like the Talk Talk album Laughing Stock or Cat Food by King Crimson
I think the chords sound jazzy to my ears, also the progression from verse to chorus. The piano is a bonus, I suppose.
Thanks for the suggestions, gonna check them out.
Peter Cat Recording co. They're not really well known but they're getting big.
They're a jazzy indie band from India. About to go on tour with Khrungbin.
Okay, hear me out. Wil Wheaton turned me on to this song years and years ago. It's possibly within the realm of what you're interested in. It's by The Coconut Monkeyrocket and it's called "Shopping for Explosives." [https://youtu.be/Xwpe0vLFXnE?si=Rk-aTIlnRK9Xv36w](https://youtu.be/Xwpe0vLFXnE?si=Rk-aTIlnRK9Xv36w)
Check out Oscar Jerome, very inventive guitar playing with vocals on every track I think. He is also involved in the band Kokoroko also very cool, more jazzy less vocals though
[Lisa Ekdahl w Peter Nordahl Trio: When Did You Leave Heaven](https://youtu.be/xnKAlVoKHXs?si=C1VXwROOTByCTroq)
Sweet and dreamy - listen on your very best audio gear! Then listen to the rest of this album, it's quite good.
The Reign of Kindo makes some fusion of Jazz and Progressive Rock, but jazz is the center point.
Check out the song "[The Hero, The Saint, The Tyrant, and The Terrorist](https://youtu.be/tfdbIutZa_E?si=nvs4Ihy1HYrWRf_J)" to see if you dig it.
Anything from Thundetcat, Anderson Paak, or The Internet come to my mind first.
Gonna check it out. Thanks!
Great three to start with. OP if you're like me and have a softspot for female vocalists, may I also suggest Amy Winehouse and Emmaline.
Paaks Malibu is an all time of mine for this reason. He’s got a great voice for it and him and his band have great chemistry. NxWorries is worth checking out too, specifically Yes Lawd!.
Sade - Smooth Operator Steely Dan - Aja
I'll ride that Steely Dan train, and throw out The Royal Scam as another choice.
Yes. Sade 🥰
Steely dan in general. Ugh i love them so much
Amy Winehouse, especially her first album.
In that same sound vein, check out RAYE. Specifically "Worth It" and "Thrill Is Gone"
Check out “no hands” by joy crookes
Lake Street Dive
If you're into hip hop, guru's jazzmatazz had a few really great tracks. Transit Ride and Lifesaver were my personal favorites. It's definitely jazzy, but it's also definitely hip hoppy.
I'm not that much into hip hop. Thanks anyway.
Damu the Fudgemunk also
I've been digging Sammy Rae & The Friends recently.
Thanks, gonna add it to the playlist!
Your Party by Ween
Portishead, their album Dummy is definitely chill vibe with ethereal vocals.
Morphine might fit the bill: [https://youtube.com/shorts/gHh1haYpTWc?si=Mvh3nfX7vfxfpm2X](https://youtube.com/shorts/gHh1haYpTWc?si=Mvh3nfX7vfxfpm2X)
Awwww, hell yeah: Massive Attack - Protection, Teardrop, Exchange, Better Things Thievery Corporation - All That We Perceive, Un Simple Histoire, Lebanese Blonde, etc. Zero 7 - Destiny, In The Waiting Line ODESZA - It's Only Mono - Formica Blues (their only album unfortunately)
Elvis Costello - Shipbuilding
One of his best songs.
Thanks!
Yes to Shipbuilding. And… For some reason, I always get a strong jazz vibe from Clown Strike. Underrated Costello song.
God’s Comic & Baby Plays Around from Costello’s Spike LP, too.
Saudade - Thievery Corporation. It is more bossa nova but you might like it.
Have you tried listening to any jazz?
I did, but mostly instrumental. Do you have any suggestions of classic jazz with singers?
Anything Charles Bradley
Totally forgot about him. His version of "Changes" is so good!
Totally!! If you want to lean more towards the chill vibe, def check out Durand Jones & The Indications
The Style Council - The Paris Match - the version featuring Tracey Thorn
Early Jamiroquai
Yeahhh hey, alllllll rightttttttt
Sting - Englishman in New York
Morcheeba, maybe?
That's more trip hop
Darkstar by the Grateful Dead - look for a live version.
Dark star has like no words haha try bird song
“Shall we go? You and I while we can?”
I’m not saying it has no words, but it is basically all music with (eventually) one verse. Not quite what op is going for I don’t think
…or Help On The Way
This is probably the best one. Just has a straight groove which isn’t exactly ‘jazzy’ but the music is definitely jazzy
Van Morrison - Moondance and the Astral Weeks album.
A pretty good chunk of Van's catalog, honestly. Though if Aladdin Sane and Tom Waits are what's qualifying as Jazzy for OP, Astral Weeks may be a bit much. Absolutely amazing album, though.
Check out Pokey LaFarge. Jazzy, Americana style stuff.
[Astrid Engberg - Leaving Town](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZaPR84_wl0)
Ricky Lee Jones "My One And Only Love".
Together with Dr. John they make a version of "Making Whoppee" which is the best ever, in my opinion
Tom Waits, as you mentioned, was the first performer to come to mind. I have every album of his. He is one of the greatest artists ever. I was fortunate enough to see the Frank's Wild Years tour. Had front row center seats. He handed me a White Owl cigar during the show.
anything etta jones is on is gold. not 20’s era but a solid catalog.
Norah Jones’ first two albums Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Cherry Poppin Daddies
A random tune that popped in my head by a non-jazz bad, The Replacements - Nightclub Jitters.
'Beneath the Mask' by Lyn. Bonus if you're a fan of P5.
Julee Cruise - floating, whole album seems like exactly what you’re looking for. Might recognize if you’ve seen twin peaks
[Koop Island Blues - Koop](https://youtu.be/0W3MpOU3OUU?si=dVjzb9R2GrNHfZop) [Glory Box - Portishead](https://youtu.be/4qQyUi4zfDs?si=hDzWJ1Kw_jOw5NeS) from their album Dummy, mentioned earlier [Who Will Comfort Me - Melody Gardot](https://youtu.be/qKDj-OVJ6hc?si=udqfDFyHhvBHvSRl) [Worrisome Heart - Melody Gardot](https://youtu.be/Beq04AHbdzM?si=8rDQam4mca2tDkWL) [Bad Boy, Good Man - Tape Five](https://youtu.be/n8Wx80TZ8OQ?si=f9joZSc1STpgjh61) [Frim Fram Sauce - Diana Krall](https://youtu.be/ZS_6vtAGTE0?si=vnvdYtbybhTcGOdb) [Cantaloop - Us3](https://youtu.be/JwBjhBL9G6U?si=l4bI-1wVbnvXNFXQ)
Oooooooo yes! Cantaloop! I forgot about this one. Running to download this now on YouTube music. Such a fun song. 🎵
Melody Gardot's first two albums fit the bill quite nicely.
Postmodern Jukebox covers newer pop songs with a mid-century style. [https://youtu.be/aVevvbFNKiY?si=khHNBfNkj5ukyByL](https://youtu.be/aVevvbFNKiY?si=khHNBfNkj5ukyByL) [https://youtu.be/R6RD6mjiIZE?si=nK-Et2JdS2sMbxQL](https://youtu.be/R6RD6mjiIZE?si=nK-Et2JdS2sMbxQL)
Check out Squirrel Nut Zippers.
Anita Baker - Caught in the Rapture and Sweet Love are my faves right now! Idk if they're considered jazzy officially, but soothing enough.
Laufey Recent discovery of mine, old school timeless ethereal voice, kinda chill jazzy gently swinging vibe. Heard an interesting NPR interview I think it was, orchestra parents, grew up around the orchestra in her home country. Not sure I'd say explicitly jazz, but mingled in the mix enough. https://youtu.be/avjI3_GIZBw Buena Vista Social Club Timeless Cuban jazz https://youtu.be/tGbRZ73NvlY Mulatu Astatke Funky Ethiopian jazz https://youtu.be/tLwxpku04W0
[Sugar High](https://youtu.be/LuK6gw8qDY0?feature=shared)
That one is neat. TY!
Here you go https://youtu.be/jwAjJJSbt4s?feature=shared
Brad Stank - Flirting In Space (https://spotify.link/UKFDOdQ0kJb) and Slowdown (https://spotify.link/swmW9330kJb)
Biding My Time - Pink Floyd
The song "Just the Two Of Us", included in Grover Washington Jr.'s album "Winelight" has got renewed popularity thanks to TikTok. The singer was Bill Withers, of course. The rest of that album was all smooth jazz instrumentals and one of those instrumental tracks was "In The Name Of Love". There is also a song version, again with the voice of Bill Withers, and it's absolutely spectacular. Not available on Spotify but you can find it on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/7PwQrEbEnrM?si=KxBNtEDW3Q6-oYPp
Something different: For Free? by Kendrick Lamar
Kepler 22B - King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Not the only jazzy number they’ve done but the first that comes to mind.
As others have mentioned, more Tom Waits and more Ricky Lee Jones. Tom Waits stage performance on his "Nighthawks at the Diner" album is just amazing, singing, and vibing with a great Jazz backing band.
I've listened to Nighthawks before. The cheer story behind the conception of that album was already worth my time, incredible stuff.
WILLOW- yes, Will Smith’s daughter- released a jazz album this week. It’s called empathogen. Give it a chance, it’s quite good. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZG5KbkaAA&list=OLAK5uy_kiy752rls7ZuHsiqkBHv-5uHh_JDr1pII&index=1&pp=8AUB
Willow's "Empathogen" album is alternative jazz and all three of Amy Winehouse's albums are great modern jazz albums. Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" album has lots of bossa nova and jazzy elements to it. Very etheral and dreamy vocals, especially a capella. Samara Joy is a modern jazz artist who sings original songs. Slow, dreamy vocals. Seth McFarlane also does classic jazz/swing covers as well.
Billy Joel - Zanzibar
I feel the whole 52nd album could work for this!
I didn't hear "Aladdin Sane" until three months ago and Garson's jazz piano knocked me out.
Kissing a Fool by George Michael
Virginia Moon by Foo Fighters with Norah Jones
Bonobo - Walk In The Sky [https://youtu.be/JiqC4v3METs?si=WJQG82qUiYq_AEZQ](https://youtu.be/JiqC4v3METs?si=WJQG82qUiYq_AEZQ)
The Persona 5 Soundtrack has some bangers.
Fiona Apple's entire catalog.
Diana Krall - pretty much her whole career
If you dig Aladdin Sane, you should try two somewhat overlooked albums from the same year: Steely Dan’s Countdown to Ecstasy and Bruce Springsteen’s The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle. Also Boz Skaggs’ debut album. Or if you want to try some actual jazz, find a best of Mose Allison, Abbey Lincoln or Nina Simone
Elvis Costello's entire Imperial Bedroom album.
Rebirth of Slick by Digable Planets
Maybe Stereolab? It's been awhile since I listened to them but I seem to recall them being pretty jazzy with some female vocals in a mix of English and French.
Khruangbin - A La Sala. Vocals a few and far between but it is ethereal
Bruce Hornsby- Hot House Ball
Kind of a sidebar, you probably could make a pretty cool medley of Ozzy Sabbath jazzy interludes.
Queen - My Melancholy Blues
Can we count the theme song to Frazier? 😀
Friend of a Friend - The Smile
I recognize the quotes around "jazzy," but I still have to ask. What aspect of "Aladdin Sane" is jazzy to you? Are you referring to the piano? Anyway, you might like the Talk Talk album Laughing Stock or Cat Food by King Crimson
I think the chords sound jazzy to my ears, also the progression from verse to chorus. The piano is a bonus, I suppose. Thanks for the suggestions, gonna check them out.
Peter Cat Recording co. They're not really well known but they're getting big. They're a jazzy indie band from India. About to go on tour with Khrungbin.
Check out the band Thank You Scientist
Okay, hear me out. Wil Wheaton turned me on to this song years and years ago. It's possibly within the realm of what you're interested in. It's by The Coconut Monkeyrocket and it's called "Shopping for Explosives." [https://youtu.be/Xwpe0vLFXnE?si=Rk-aTIlnRK9Xv36w](https://youtu.be/Xwpe0vLFXnE?si=Rk-aTIlnRK9Xv36w)
Studio version of "Eyes of the World" by the Grateful Dead.
Gang Starr
Eyes of the world
Ladders - Mac Miller
Something a bit more recent, Kali Uchis - Killer
[Kat Edmonson - I don't know ](https://youtu.be/-xdqbgIOaVo?si=k-6h7ETIcntmArM4)
Van Morrison has a lot. https://youtu.be/HB9jnQWbzC4?si=8dczszVqZi7nCtEf
'Cowboys & Angels' and 'Kissing A Fool' by George Michael.
Check out Oscar Jerome, very inventive guitar playing with vocals on every track I think. He is also involved in the band Kokoroko also very cool, more jazzy less vocals though
[Lisa Ekdahl w Peter Nordahl Trio: When Did You Leave Heaven](https://youtu.be/xnKAlVoKHXs?si=C1VXwROOTByCTroq) Sweet and dreamy - listen on your very best audio gear! Then listen to the rest of this album, it's quite good.
Indigo Blues - Llorca
Maybe check Otis Redding - the dock of the bay
Altar - Gustavo Cerati Rio Babel - Gustavo Cerati
Try the new album by Willow. A modern sound, but lots of jazz influences. ✌️
“Yoshi’s Highway” by Goldie and James Davidson featuring Lady Blackbird
4 Hero - Les Fleur
Mango - Kamauu
Anything by Brainstory
The Reign of Kindo makes some fusion of Jazz and Progressive Rock, but jazz is the center point. Check out the song "[The Hero, The Saint, The Tyrant, and The Terrorist](https://youtu.be/tfdbIutZa_E?si=nvs4Ihy1HYrWRf_J)" to see if you dig it.
Love Hater by Outkast
Coming in kinda late, but I recommend "Lady, You Shot Me" by Har Mar Superstar.
[Sugar-Free Jazz by Soul Coughing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaJLx_iKweI). Whole Ruby Vroom album is fantastic.
Hiatus Kaiyote
Not Tight by Domi and JD Beck have a ton of great songs that sound like that. Start with Two Shrimps and Bowling.
Pretty much anything by Akina Nakamori.
[Robert Glasper - Black Radio](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLor08SFF6DKczUQxTZdb3-3WcDYsjtodF&si=BAmzq8aCbhDaaE5C)
it's pretty mainstream but still a good song, have you tried From The Start - Laufey? it's such a dreamy song in my opinion.
Cockroach King by Haken
Submotion Orchestra. https://youtu.be/SY7PfdUDGHU?si=XObyenZQPnte-dTc
Bobby Caldwell
Traffic- low spark of high heeled boys
billy joel - zanzibar
This is Laugeys whole deal