Introduction. Diva -- A status report on the contemporary scene -- Remebrance of things passé: Jill McManus recalls the frustrations of the Jazz Sisters in the 1970s -- Several successful contemporary young women musicians talk about their inspiration and commitment -- Pianists Renee Rosnes and Rachel Z, rising to the top in the 1990s, ruminate about their worlds -- A view from the business women -- The instrument is the image -- Kit McClure, big-band leader: "You did the right thing" -- Tracy Wormworth, bassist: "Doors just opened" -- Emily Remler and the guitarists -- Focusing on trumpeter Rebecca Coupe Franks, alto saxophonists Virginia Mayhew, Carol Chaikin and Sue Terry, french horn player Stephanie Fauber, oboist Kathy Halvorson and saxophonists Laura Dreyer and Paula Atherton -- Trumpeters Laurie Frink and Stacy Rowles -- Flautists Elise Wood and Ali Ryerson -- Carol Sudhalter, a role model -- Jane Ira Bloom, soprano saxophonist and experimentalist -- Terry Lyne Carrington -- Cindy Blackman and Sylvia Cuenca -- Percussionist Carol Steele -- Individualists _ Shirley Horn: "I got older and bolder" -- Joanne Brackeen lives and plays without any dos and don'ts -- The wily miss Dorothy Donegn, mistress of fiery medleys -- Marian McPartland: "...Something you really need in life, someone to encourage you" -- A few words about love, marriage and motherhood -- A view from the west coast by Frankie Nemko