Christy Baron

Devilishly sexy, Christy Baron's torchy renditions of songs recast Julie London as a kitten raised on 1960s and '70s soul. Though she embraces a few choice standards, Baron has a knack for finding modern pop songs that turn out to fit jazz perfectly. Songs by Stevie Wonder, the Beatles and Prince gain new life and stand up to close scrutiny when placed back to back with accepted classics. Her smoldering version of the Zombies "She's Not There" removes the song's famous hook, yet Baron doesn't let it lose its grip on you. Baron's backing band take on small group jazz, pop and dreamy Post Bop to equally good effect, and jazz fans and adventurous rock fans alike should flock to Christy Baron's modern take on jazz singing. Easy on the eyes, Baron is also an actress and starred in the purposely overripe, comedic melodrama Pants on Fire (1998).