exceptional voices of female singers (non-classical)


What I'm talking about here is what critics of classical singing refer to as "the instrument": the exceptional beauty or uniqueness of the timbre of the voice qua voice.  For the moment, put aside preferences w.r.t. repertoire, interpretation, performance, style, delivery, etc., and just consider the *sound* of the voice.  We're *not* talking about favorite female artists here, because that kind of preference is based on a whole amalgam of factors.

I suspect some of the top figures in the category I've tried to define often aren't very popular among audiophiles, because of those many other factors.

My first three nominations: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Eva Cassidy.

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Showing 2 responses by guswatte

Should add that Celine Rudolph is German jazz singer based in France who has training in African and Brazilian music in addition to jazz. Check out her legant vocals on her album with remarkably talented jazz guitarist Lionel Louke titled Obsessions. The music is beautiful, intimate, and playful.

Maria Bethania is a singer, a mega-star, from Brazil; her music spans styles from samba to bossa nova to jazz. Check out Santa Barbara, the first track from her 2009 album Encanteria. Gorgeous vocals. Beautifully recorded.

G