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
Being the letch that I am, I can only say with regard to the best legs comment:
If you go a bit north, to the mountainous region...Renee has MOST of the girls, uhhhh, 'topped' shall we say.

Being a mountain rather than southern hemisphere guy...I'll take the peaks. lol

Good listening.

Larry
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... :)
Renee Olstead is a wonderful vocalist, like Krall, who covers other artists songs. So, is she a great cover singer: yes. Is she in the same league as artists such as Adele, Grace Potter, Alicia Keys, Kate Bush and Fiona Apple, who write their own songs and compose their own music?

Mark
Adele Adkins
Listen to "Live At The Royal Albert Hall"
Her voice is pure, straight with incredible nuances which goes straight to the heart. What a career in such a short time...

Here is a tune from the "beginning" 2011
Unplugged
BTW, Renee Olstead is fabulous. Thank you for bringing her to my attention. I am listening to her right now.

Mark
Any Eden Atwood fans? I also love Jacintha!! I have an SACD featuring both and their voices are stellar!
Jessica Sanchez from American Idol?

Only 16 (brand spanking new) but technically chops that would seem to match just about anyone.
Another vote for Esperanza Spalding here. What a remarkable talent!

Melody Gardot is also fantastic.
I'm with Joncourage. Esperanza Spalding's new release is fantastic, and I also love everything Melody Gardot has done including her new release. I'm a big fan of Bossa Nova so her new ones special to me. You've got my taste in music.
Brittney from the ,Alabama Shakes,gets my vote,this young girl and her band are a welcome breath of fresh air!They have videos on youtube
Mark,
You are MORE than welcome...one of the greatest parts of this sometimes insane hobby, is sharing artists and recordings which we find to be spectacular.

As a repeat...for anyone who doesn't own Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley...it's a must own.
Old Capitol....she's a very young Nancy...wonderful.

Larry