On Modern Cool, she mostly sings downbeat songs at slow tempos. All but three songs are her own originals, and they deal with such subject matter as a "homage to beauty" that seems to connect painting one's face with prostitution, loneliness, mindless conformity, the "postmodern blues" and other depressing topics.

"Sonically, Modern Cool is one of the best recordings ever made by a jazz singer with a small acoustic ensemble."
DownBeat