Best female vocals on CD

What a coincidence, Dalelogix! After pleasantly sitting through an hour or so of Krall's latest, I happened upon Fi magazine's sampler, and played Janis Ian's "Breaking Silence"---couldn't believe it was her! Wonderful lyric, magnificently sung. Now you've got me interested in finding the album...but where? Curiosity led me to dig out a Chesky vocal disc of a few years back (for the Liv Taylor cut), and I stumbled upon the tune by PEGGY LEE. Her complete mastery and flair really took me aback. I happened to have an older friend over who has 40+ years of jazz-listening experience, so when I told him I barely remembered the "White Owl Cigar" TV ad he laughed---and regaled me with stories of Ms. Lee's abilities with a song. So I found that Chesky Peggy Lee CD (on eBay), and am now marveling at what this chanteuse (who's voice is well past prime) can still do. Krall, Barber (isn't she great?), Pigeon, Upshaw, are all apprentices by comparison. Enjoy!

...and now for something from left field: JEAN DANTON is a Boston-based soprano who cut a disc on Albany called AMERICAN DREAMERS: about 25 songs from Foster through Ives, Kern, Gershwin, Bernstein (inc. a couple of premieres), recorded at Jordan Hall (more intimate acoustic than Symphony Hall) with Stumpf on their Steinway D. Her simple and honest stylings are a refreshing change from overproduced fair, and the recording is magnificent, with LOTS of ambience. Lemme know if you can't find a copy. Similar to Dawn Upshaw's artsong outings but with less coyness or preciousness!

Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill is a shockingly well-done reissue (Sony MHK 60647). She amused and melted me last night as I turned the Half-Century in the big chair.
Enjoy!