Jane Monheit is one of the most highly regarded of the new generation of jazz singers. Combining a sultry, full-voiced charm with graceful elegance and a subtle sense of swing, Monheit has been impressing musicians and jazz fans alike ever since winning the first runner-up prize at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition in 1998.

Five years later, the vocalist has taken her nuanced phrasing and stunning good looks to garner a wide audience of admirers. Highly influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Monheit has established herself as rising star in the jazz world despite some detractors accusing her of a derivative style and delivery. The singer performs a mix of jazz standards and contemporary pop tunes that can be heard on her most recent effort, Home, which came out in 2010 through Emarcy/Universal. Celebrating the tenth anniversary of her recording career, the collection represents a passionate return to her roots as a jazz musician and may be her most mature, heartfelt album yet.

Jane Monheit
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 19-20, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sun.) $28
Yoshi's Oakland