Best female vocals on CD

I agree with the Allison Krauss fans above -- her voice is simply incredible. As my dark horse pick, I would nominate Bonnie Raitt. Although she may not have the purest voice, she has to be one of the most distinctive female singers out there.

For jazz fans, I would strongly second Rayhall's recommendation of Dee Dee Bridgewater -- Live at Yoshi's. And if you like Bridgewater, try Mary Stallings, Live at the Village Vanguard. However, there's still no one more powerful than Billie Holiday.

For a newcomer, Garbriella Anders is amazing.

Eva cassiday brings goosebumps everytime i listen. To bad there will be no new recordings due to her passing.

I am absolutely in love with Jacintha! JVC's releases of her albums "Autumn Leaves" and "Here's to Ben" on XRCD2 are stunningly gorgeous. The only other singer that comes close to capturing my heart is Diana Krall.

Susana Baca, Peruvian singer/musicologist, latest is "echoes de sombros" or something like that. She's a wonderful singer, has great material, ideas, and it's well recorded.

I love Abbey Lincoln's record "Wholly Earth." She's a real acquired taste. In her 70's now, and gets more idyosyncratic by the minute. But she's a gem, I reckon, and this record features her w/a superb ensemble (including the great vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson). Not everybody's cup of tea, but worth checking out. With its sneak intro and gorgeous playing, her rendition of "If I only had a brain" is charming/heartbreaking/funny.