Breaking into the jazz vocal world is no easy feat. Aspiring singers often find themselves angling for crumbs of attention in this overcrowded field, and having a pleasant voice doesn't count for much anymore. Originality in approach, a proclivity for picking songs that stretch the definition of jazz and an elastic understanding of the voice's role in this music have become increasingly important for those looking to make their mark in this domain, and newcomer Nicky Schrire deserves high marks in all three areas.

The London-born, South African-raised, New York-based vocalist bursts onto the scene with this dazzling debut, but she didn't simply materialize out of thin air. This worldly woman has been honing her skills at the Manhattan School of Music and studying with the cr��me de la cr��me of the jazz vocal world, including