I really like the sound of the Swing Out Sister album Private View. It has that nice, warm, "real" sound I've been searching for. It was recorded in a studio, but live, so I think there is less mixing involved.
It reminds of my youth when I used to hang out at the jazz club at the piano bar, and listened to live music. I was friends with the band.... dated the singers' daughter, went on fishing trips with the drummer, and the bass player once offered to teach me the bass. I should have taken him up on his offer. That line from Dire Straits comes to mind - "I should have learned to play the guitar", lol
If you know of any live studio recordings from other bands, (any kind of music, not just jazz), please post.