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
OK,
I realize that the choice of a favorite female vocalist is probably just as personal as picking a girl out at a dance, to flirt with...very much personal taste--up to a point. I 'like' this or 'that'...then comes the reality of what is her level of talent.
I don't think I was able to convey, beyond personal taste, how much further Renee is, 'talent wise' than all the girls I just checked out here. Frankly, she's in a different league altogether.
Maybe its because I'm a musician and I look for the whole package, pitch, intonation, enunciation, tonal quality, as well as musical ability. She excells in all areas.

At least check her out...just sayin'.

Best to all,
Larry
...and another artist to consider.....

Sophie Milman who won 2008 Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for Make Someone Happy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snE9cDt-xPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeBLcZkgDfA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3xZRlP9kBU

Happy Listening!!
I have Renee Olstead's self titled album. While she does have a pretty good voice, I really don't have much interest in listenting to it at all these days. I think I'm just not digging the arrangements.

For my vote, I'll go with Melody Gardot.