Many thanks to @jfrmusic for this awesome thread. BTW you are spot on with your Katie Melua comments. About 5 years ago as I was dipping my toe (ear and credit card ) back into audio I was captivated and fell in love listening to female vocalists. More so on the jazz side of the spectrum but its broadened from there. Its my sweet spot and whether cooking or having a glass of wine with my wife we tend to listen to these artists. Over the past 2 years we have heard Melody Gardot live at the Montreal Jazz festival and also Diana Krall and Samara Joy at live performances.
This thread has given me numerous new artists to search out and listen to. I am a bit surprised that Melody Gardot has barely been mentioned. Lets keep this going -Its like discovering new authors with a series of fantastic books!