Best female vocals on CD

Rayhall; Aretha Franklin (early) is truly one of the best, and glad to see we agree on her. Craig

Lisa Gerrard(Dead Can Dance).Otiginal and powerfull.Not for kids.

Audiogon is the only place that I have contributed to any discussion and I must say that I am glad I did. I usually avoid chat groups because of the personal and often vituperative attacks that are so charecteristic of them. This particular thread is distinguished by its thoughtful and civil exchanges - Thank you all for making this so pleasant. Redkiwi, your statement regarding what we jazz lovers look for in our music expressed very neatly what I was unable to articulate in my posts. Thank you.

Hi, What a great thread. It really has taken off since I first visited it. I'm glad to see Ricky Lee Jones made it, what a phenomenal artist! Many great picks people, and a few new ones for me to check out. Thanks for the info-. I just have to get in on the Diana Krall discussion. Please keep in mind these are only my opinions in case I come off to strong as I wouldn't want to offend anyone. To me, music is not suppose to be an Olympic event. Being a musician my entire life of 42 years of age has taught me this. You strive to aquire technique (chops, musicians lingo) while learning your instrument, but as you mature as a "musician" you have to learn your technique is not what music is about. Your chops are only a tool you use to communicate emotion. To my ears, Diana Krall is a great technician in the sense that she is a great messenger of emotion. Her instrument (voice) has a very refined pure sound, her sound in of itself shows great creativity. The fact that she doesn't have a wide vocal range and has a limited number of note choices compared to some others and still is able to deliver such great emotion and a connection to the song is proof of her creativity. I'm a drummer, it's harder for me to say something creative on one drum then ten. You have less sounds to work with. Do you think that Miles Davis or Billy Holiday were consider great technicians in the conventional sense? They were great musicians and technicians in the sense of being able to bring their emotion and thoughts (creativity) to who ever cared to listen. To me Diana Krall sounds like she has been singing for a hundred years, her sound is so natural and unforced. She is not trying to razzel dazzel you in a chop display. I know it's hard, but I think we have to try and drop our preconceptions of what certain types of music should sound like. I don't like to label musicians or types of music. A good musician will make any type of music groove, swing and just plain happen if they have BIG EARS and a opened mind. So Garfish please continue to enjoy Diana Krall and don't feel like your missing the boat on what a "jazz" singer should or should not be. I do however feel her last 2 outings were over produced as the record label markets her talent and is only concerned on making a buck and stunting her growth as an artist. Only Trust Your Heart and All For You were just great in my opinion. Her charm for me came from the simplistic arrangements (less is more) of these recordings, the two latest recordings are just over done and contrived in my view. To Rayhall and Srama, from reading your taste I would like to recommend a cd from Carmen Mcrae and Betty Carter called Duets. It's a live recording and they are both just singing and swinging their hearts out. Pretty good sonically also. Well to each their own. Take care and ENJOY! Tom P.S. Garfish, I'm glad you enjoy the ML360s as much as I, Diana Krall sounds just wonderful through it!

Hi Tom; I enjoyed your post and thanks for the support-- well stated for the "music is emotion" believers. And it means more coming from a muscian. I wasn't able to respond very effectively to Rayhall's questions because quite frankly, I don't take an analytical approach when listening to music. Another recommendation: Etta James "Love, Life, and the Blues". Yes, the ML 360S is a great DAC and a major upgrade for me, but I don't know where I posted it? Cheers, Craig.

Hi Craig, I'm glad you appreciated my input on Diana Krall. To me it's like trying to compare Frank Sinatra to Stevie Wonder. Why? Aren't they both good but different? You and I both responded to someone who was asking if they should upgrade their ML36 to a ML360s. I just bought a pair of Eidolons, you got to hear how intimate she sounds over these speakers. Man am I lucky! Thanks, Tom

Because nobody has mentioned them: Beth Orton, if you don't get chills when you first hear "She Cries Your Name", you may want to go to the doctor and see what's wrong. Also enjoy Liz Phair. How about Karen Carpenter? Her voice is one of the most spooky-beautiful I've ever heard.

Hi Troyhyde, Karen Carpenter had a great voice! She also had a nice feel on the drums. It's a shame we lost her at such an early age. Great pick and 5 stars for your ears. Tom

Karen Carpenter sang a song titled "Crescent Noon" that never became very popular but is absolutely beautiful. Sometimes I put the ol' CD player on infinite repeat and listen to it for half an hour at a time. She's one of my choices too. Tom; Robert Harley owns and loves the Eidolons also, (I'm sure you know that) and from his descriptions "they are so real it's spooky"-- you are lucky. Thanks, Craig.

Enjoyed the entire thread, particularly the comments re: DK. Those of you who tossed in Joni Mitchell ("Both Sides Now" latest) should hear her smoke a couple of standards on the Herbie Hancock Gershwin CD. Every jazz lover I've had listen to her "Summertime" that didn't know the CD had no idea it was Joni. Jazz was her first love and it's obvious it's still her thing, regardless of what she's done over the years in other areas. And yes, Shirley Horn is special. And so is Cassandra, and so is... Enjoy!

Hi Gino, I have both of those cd's, Joni's "Both Sides Now" and Herbie's "Gershwin" cd. This is a perfect example of the point I was trying to get accross. Joni has obvisiouly lost some of her voice over the years, and yet I feel she is singing better than ever! To me she sounds more musical and emotionally captivating. What a wonderful artist. Thanks and enjoy, Tom

Basia - Time and Tide on gold CD, Jennifer Warnes - The Hunter, Rebecca Pidgeon - The Raven also on gold CD, Bette Midler has an incredible voice but all the albums I have of her on CD are absolutely horrible recordings... damn it! Linda Ronstadt on gold CD, great voice and a very good recording. Her material is not my favorite though.

Check out Maura O'Connell

I haven't seen Maria Muldaur mentioned here. I saw her live about a year ago and she still has a powerful and seductive voice.

Lisa Garrard is tops right now. Unbelievable range. Their recordings are also the best. Has anyone see a live show of Dead Can Dance?

Hey, has anyone mentioned Aretha Franklin? She gives me goose bumps. That's a good thing, if someones sound can do that for you.

I see after going through this thread that Garfish has mentioned Aretha earlier. Her song Freeway of Love is awesome, has a fine sax solo with Clarence Clemons.

To Snook2.You got it man.

That's my pick...

Good discussion, but I don't think anyone has mentioned Dusty Springfield - "The Look of Love" on the Casino Royale disc and "Son of a Preacher Man" on Dusty in Memphis. Granted, we are only talking about two songs, but what a great pair of songs they are.

I took your advice and listened to the Cowboy Junkies' Margo Timmins - I still want to marry Jennifer Warnes but a few nights with Margo might be interesting.

If I had to pick a favorite, I guess it would be a tie between Thelma Houston(Sheffield Lab Pressure Cooker) and Lisa Gerrard(Dead Can Dance or solo).

I like many of those already mentioned, but I have to add my favorite--Toni Braxton, any of her albums, latest "The Heat" is outstanding. (nice to look at and listen to!)

Thanks Joe for starting this essential thread. I recognize many greats, but only recently discovered Eva Cassidy. She is a remarkable artist with clarity and power. Her posthumous album, "Time After Time," released this month will last long in my CDP and even longer in my heart. Oh, and favorite vocalists of mine deserving mention: Weslia Whitfield (jazz/cabaret and outstanding backup), Kate Schrock (Shunyata!), Susannah McCorkle (great jazz/cabaret singer), Mary Black (Irish folk and pop), and Indigo Girls (they count as two). As for those already mentioned, I second: Laura Love (she makes music), Sarah McLachlan, KD Lang, Jennifer Warnes, Lisa Gerrard, Shirley Horn, and most definitely Diana K and Aretha. But if you haven't heard Eva Cassidy yet, treat yourself to this great soul asap!:-))))

Might be interesting to start another thread following up on this one, maybe call it the "Damn shame" thread and list all the people with incredible vocal gifts that have wasted them with bad choices of material and arrangement. Could start off with Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey ana Leann Rimes. Any other contenders?

I don't know the music of Leann Rimes well enough to comment, but I absolutely agree with Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as being in the "damn shame" category. Here are two women with outstanding vocal instruments and very few memorable songs between them. Hopefully as they mature they will achieve a better perspective brought about by concern for their "place in history". Although it looks like Whitney has more worldly problems to worry about now.

I love most of the Jazz singers mentioned so far, but I feel I need to toss in a couple other genres to make things fair. First of, Bjork really has done some amazing work. Second, I don't know the lead singers name, but Sneaker Pimps is great female modern techno/pop. Also Poe is pretty great. Let me just mention Holly Cole again. Also I saw Natalie Cole for Unforgettable but I think I like Stardust even more (they both are great). I also that Mrs. Big (I think that was her name) who sang the female part in Meatloafs 'I Can Do That' on Bat out of Hell 2 was great.

--Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth (especially on "Dirty" and "Washing Machine") --Tori Amos (especially on "Choirgirl Hotel" and "Venus Orbiting") --P.J. Harvey (especially on "To Give You My Love" and "Is This Desire?")

Since my last reply got blown away during the outage and I'd like to keep this thread going: Mary Magdeline from the orginal Jesus Christ Super Star recording. "I don't know how to love him" and "Everything's alright." Very sweet is this Hawaiian girl (Yvonne Elliman). No career afterwords, but she's HOT! Marry me.

I strongly agree In their order of my preference) with Shirley Horn, Sara K, Rebecca Pigeon & Barbra Steisand. I haven't heard D.K. but, my cousin was telling me how good Diana K. is. However, I told him to get Jacintha's "Here's to Ben" in XRCD and the last time I talked to him, he was amazed with Jacintha. This might amaze you guys too.........

Too many to list in Damn Shame.Has anyone heard Mandy Barnett?"Ive got a right cry " is a collection of mostly old "stndards" in the Patsy Cline style that is very enjoyable.I love all kinds of music,but cant stand over produced fodder like Maria ect.Love the real song writers from Rickie Lee to Lucinda Williams,to Emmylou,to Loreena McKennit, even Macy Gray. Katie Webster is my favorite blues singer and I appreciate many of those mentioned above. Heres a real curve: Iris DeMent. Check her and others out singing duets wiht John Prine on "In spite of ourselves". Bags of fun. Keeping an open mind (ear) holds its rewards.

If you like Iris DeMent, Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris I'd strongly recommend you try Gillian Welch. She has a voice that is startling at first but one of the most compelling I've ever heard after repeated listening. Try her 'Revival' CD or her version of 'Hickory Wind' on the 'Return of the Grevous Angel' Gram Parsons tribute album.

Just bought 4 of Margo(Cowboy Junkies) cds -she is great -Thanks . Another great one-Lisa Ekdahl with the Peter Nordahl trio-sounds so sweet

A new voice to be on the look out for is Shana Morrison. She is the daughter of Van the man. Check out her debut album, titled Shana Morrison Caledonia. It's great, she has website www.shanamorrison.com .

Philefreak, thanks for the tip about Shana Morrison. I've been forcing people to listen to her back-up singing on Van's "Days Like This" CD for a couple of years and wondering when it would be possible to hear her solo. I've seen Van Morrison live several times and listened to his CD's hundreds of times and hers is the only voice or instrument that can hold its own with him. Anybody who can listen to the two of them sing "You Don't Know Me" with dry eyes is a cold MF.

Sfar, I couldn't agree more,I still get teary when I listen to "You Don't Know Me".

Kinda ptrtial to Sarah Brightman myself.

Check out this very talented Philadelphia recording artist: LAURA MANN! She has 2 Independent releases that can be obtained through her web site www.lauramann.com Both recordings are well done and offer something that is truely special in an artistic sense. These will certainly be more entertaining than that AWFUL DRONE OF Famous Blue Raincoat. Jennifer Warnes sings as though her goal is to drive the listener to suicide !

Roseann Cash " 10 Song Demo" Nancy Griffith " Other Voices, Other Rooms" Lucinda Williams- anything

Looks like I got into this thread a bit late... :-)} But I would *HAVE* recommend you find Mary Black - Looking Back. Mary is a very well known Irish singer, and in fact her entire family performs. (I didn't know of the other members of the family till a recent Disney World vacation when we were in line with a family from Ireland). We use a lot of female vocals to voice different speakers, and show off DAC's. Check out Mary Black and you will be pleasantly surprised. :-)

My votes go to, in no particular order: Mary Balck,Blondie ie Debbie Harry, Pretenders ie Chrissie Hyndes, Fleetwood Mac 2 there, Rebecca Pigeon, Jenifer Warnes, Annabelle from Bow Wow Wow, Dusty Springfield, Enya, Clannad ie Enya's Sister Maria, The Wilson sisters in Heart, Mae Moore, Abba, etc,etc,etc I give up, I have to many that I enjoy, and I have not even started on the Blues singers yet.

LOL if you want but I wanted to marry ( and still do. I am already married with two kids)the lead singer(I have trouble remembering her name!)of Dixie Chicks singing songs from WIDE OPEN SPACES. I kid you not. The sound just explodes! Although the second CD from them was not that impressive. And I do listen and enjoy very much to Margo Timmins of Cowboy Junkies. Pat Barber sounds great. Valentina Kusarova is very impressive.Janis Ian I like. Sara K I dig.Diana krall I enjoy. BUT I want to marry the Dixie Chick. Could any one explain that?

This may not be your cup of tea, but I find Bright Red/Tightrope by Laurie Anderson a very interesting work. The final cut, "Same Time Tomrrow" is stunning on my system. I know what is coming but I still jump every time. Best enjoyed late at night, listening alone, in the dark.

Sometimes what is most enjoyable about any singer, male or female..is a sence of style. Chet Baker was not a great singer or trumpet player...but he could put emotion and style in a song.....and he became popular. There has been some Diana Krall bashing above....and, I believe her success is great for the world of vocal Jazz. Yes Ella and Sarah.. may have had greater voices..but they are no longer with us. Is it better for Jazz to die in their absence...I think not. There have been many highly trained singers and players..that have failed..because their technical playing was without the emotion and spirit that us humans are drawn to. This is why a June Christy, Rosie Clooney, Nancy Wilson and many more are such a joy to listen to....style and emotion. Perhaps it is much like sports cars....for many years the world has been drawn to sports cars from Italy and England....that are anything but reliable...but they have soul..and you become attached to them. The last sports car I had from Japan was totally reliable, but without soul or style...and I was never attached to it. So it goes with music...without spirit and soul...it might as well be from a computer......actually, I guess much of todays pop/rock is.

As a P.S. to my above...Rosanne Cash was mentioned by a previous person.. An excellent example of a woman putting emotion and her own style into a song...rather than the endless string of manufactured female singers in what has become of Country Music.

Try Rachell Farrell (First Instrument). She will have a new CD out this month. Absolutely breathtaking. I also like Joni Mitchell's "Mingus" CD.

I was knocked out by KD Lang's ternary; "Even Cowgirl's Get The Blues", "Ingenue", and "All You Can Eat". Although, much if her music is overproduced, having seen her live has helped me appreciate her range and emotional expression. Roseanne Cash's "10 Song Demo" is surprisingly beautiful. Whitney Houston is someone I hear solely on HBO, but her voice is remarkable. As far as great musical experiences few can top Janis Joplin. Total heart and soul(ass-kicking drugs, too) run through this woman's veins. Indigo girl's self-titled CD is great from beginning to end. PJ Harvey is one ball buster, and I get off on her ass-dragging delivery and lyrics. Grace Jones has demonstrated ripping vocals that mesh so well with her hard driving bass lines. Great fun to listen to. Yvonne Elliman, Clapton's "Slowhand" back-up and voice of the original Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar" has a lovely voice. In Jazz, Sara Vaughan, Helen Merrill, Abbey Lincoln Ms. Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, Dinah Washington lead the pack. Contemporaries, Randy Crawford, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, etc., offer much, but I am not nearly as moved. I know nearly nothing of the Diva world, but realize the best must be within this genre.

Cesaria Evora!!!!! You just have to hear it!!!

Try Natalie Merchant / Tigerlily. It's great!

You would not believe Vanessa Williams "The Sweetest Days". "Constantly" is also an amazing solo demo track (#11). Her other CDs I don't really care for, but this one is incredible with smooth sexy ballads as well as fun spunk.