Who is the World's Best 'New' Female Vocalist


It has to be Renee Olstead--she's remarkable, with talents that literally dwarf other female artists. Before you think of who is better, let me explain.
For me, it's about the voice first...I have to love the texture, totally personal here...a love it hate it kind of thing. For example, for many years including this one, I've felt that Karen Carpenter had about the most beautiful voice, I suppose, just in terms of texture, that I'd ever heard. Perfect pitch, (without pitch correction I believe) beautiful pronunciation, diction...all the components for my taste.
What was lacking was that 'style' that special vocalization that some performers, who are musically gifted have...think Clifford Brown's trumpet versus practically everyone else. Chris Botti emulates him, but isn't quite there...excellent but not really a Clifford.
Renee, does things with her voice, a 'cry' in her voice at times, going into her 'head' voice (falsetto in males) with ease...a probably 4 octave range...SHE'S remarkable.
Buy her albums!
Her first album is remarkable, and maybe better, (more a function of what music you prefer, as she matured some in the interim).
As a frequent poster on Audiogon, I think we have a responsibility to one another to make suggestions which have helped us find the 'magic'...this girl has the magic.

Good listening.

Larry
lrsky

Showing 9 responses by albertporter

Lrsky
I'm the guy who, in 1962 at age 13 listened to Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley with my turntable (suitcase jobbie) set on repeat, all night for weeks.

and Isochronism
Yeah, Nancy Wilson is an "ALL TIME" favorite of mine!!!!!

Please note my recommendation for Rachael Price and notice the comment from none other than Nancy Wilson on the web site:
“"I think she´s brilliant, I love her.… There´s so much that´s good: the body, the depth, the warmth, and the enunciation!” - Nancy Wilson

I agree with Nancy.
Anyway, it's not a contest. I understand the love for all these new artists, what would our collection be with only one LP?

I wish Rachael Price was on LP, so far only digital and I've communicated with her manager and others about releasing on vinyl to no avail.

As young as Rachael and Renee are it's possible they never listened on a turntable.
Phaelon,

Her website and press coverage mention the CD All About Jazz

Appears it can be ordered at Amazon but they are either out of stock or using the word CD to tempt us to download? Rachael Price Amazon

But missing is the LP I desperately want by her.
Rafr
Look at Katie Melua, Soviet Georgia born and raised in Ireland. Great variety of styles.

Buff
Agree with Katie Melua - her music is incredible.

I posted about Katie Melua in Feb 2006 when she was an unknown. I guess I did not consider her as new since I've been listening to her so long.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?gmusi&1139026764&read&keyw&zzmelua
Agree and perhaps I missed the point that Katie was new to others in this forum.

I was quick to list her when I first heard her music. The reaction at that time appeared members were not all that excited about her sound. That being said, I bought all her albums and enjoy her very much.

I think staying power is a true sign of talent, an artist that is no longer new to you but still enthralls you when you listen.

Kate Bush and Fiona Apple can still get to me and they have been in my library forever.
anything with a skirt and a smile :)

Are you sure "anything with a skirt and a smile?"

I've been to Flicker and some fitting that description are not female, also suspect they sing poorly :^).
Wasn't me that said anything with a skirt and a smile. That was your quote.

I admit female vocalist are high on my list when it comes to singers. I probably have twice as many female artists as male.

The male artists tend to be Jazz, old favorites like Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra but I have some pop and blues guys too.
Cyclonicman
China Forbes

Have you ever listened to her 2008 album '78?

Listen to that album version of "Eugene" followed by the Pink Martini album of the same name.

I think the collaboration with Pink Martini really brought out the best in China Forbes.