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 7 responses by isochronism

Larry, I found two examples of her on you tube. "Is you or is you ain't my baby" and "Skylark" Very nice! Her performance almost seems more mature than her appearance. A compliment to her!! I think are developing a crush.
My post somehow left out "YOU"+crush. (maybe Freudian slip) Yeah, Nancy Wilson is an "ALL TIME" favorite of mine!!!!! w/Cannonball is EXCELLENT!!! If I were only two years younger, I could go for Renee!
Albertporter: "it's not a contest". No truer words have been spoken here! Each other is the best gift that we get in this world. Music is the truest art form.
Larry, You dirty old man! Anyway, I took your advice. I had just received my disk of your favorite "girl"! I opted for the Skylark album. The recording quality is very fine. Her choice of songs are more than interesting to me! The accompanying musicians are top notch, jazz vein(!), very impressive. Good call!! Now stop being a perv... :)