Best female vocals on CD

Gillian Welch - I'm now a big big fan. Check out "Revival". Not only a great voice, there's some incredible bass playing.

I would have to agree w/ the other people submitting Over The Rhine's Karin Bergquist/Detweiller. The latest called Drunkard's Prayer is recorded in such an intimate way. It is like you sitting in the parlor and they are playing right there. Karin's voice is sincere, and pure w/ a great range.

One of my current favorites is Louise Taylor. Her most recent CD "Written In Red" has fabulous sound, complex soundstage, dynamic instrumental passages, and very expressive vocals. Try to listen for her inhale at the end of the title cut.

Holly Cole has the voice and original style, try: "Temptation" (Tom Waits songs), or "It Happened One Night".

Tracie de Jong from New Zealand

She's way better than most I have heard raved about.
She has 3 CD's.
"Turning In" is my favourite.
You can hear them all and view lyrics at:
http://www.traciedejong.com/