Bessie Smith’s blues moan. Billie Holiday’s searing rendition of “Strange Fruit.” Abbey Lincoln’s riveting directness and, on We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite, her screams. Ella Fitzgerald’s definitive bebop scat. Betty Carter’s extension of that language. Shirley Horn’s whisper. Cassandra Wilson’s blend of country feel and cutting-edge intent. Throughout jazz history, women’s voices have...
