Cassandra Wilson stands out front in the list of today?s great jazz vocalists. A jazz singer for a new generation, her distinctive and daring style has earned her world-wide recognition, chart-topping albums, a Grammy and countless other accolades.

Her Mississippi roots run deep and strong and can be easily and pleasantly detected in her work. Cassandra Wilson was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She began recording widely in the 1980s, at first, with Steve Coleman and Henry Threadgill's New Air. By the mid-90s, she had recorded with many New York musicians including Mulgrew Miller and Greg Osby. Blues pioneer Robert Johnson was an influence and her style occasionally recalled the late, great Nina Simone.

Then in New York City, Ms. Wilson found another musical catalyst in producer Fabrizio Sotti, who helped finish the album. As Mr. Sotti put it, "I've worked with a lot of singers in the past, but with Cassandra, I felt she brought much more. She's got the whole package?she's a total musician."

On Blue Light 'Til Dawn, released in 2003, Wilson sings two Robert Johnson covers and several rock compositions from Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell, as well as blues pieces.

Her album Glamoured features a trademark mix of first-rate originals from diverse artists including Muddy Waters, Sting, Abbey Lincoln and Willie Nelson. Her 14th album as a leader, Ms. Wilson assembled longtime cohorts guitarist Brandon Ross and percussionist Jeffrey Haynes, as well as harmonica player Gregoire Maret, bassists Reginald Veal and Calvin Jones, and drummer Herlin Riley.

Wilson's eclectic sound goes beyond jazz. "Down South, musicians have to be able to play in many different circumstances, and in many contexts," she explains. "They have to play jazz, they have to integrate blues, rhythm and blues, and they have to know a little country. And the lines are blurred sometimes, because that's what everybody wants to hear."

Blue Light 'Til Dawn (Blue Note, 2003)