This thread has had a good shelf life! I probably replied some years ago, but can't be bothered to search. In any case, tastes change. If the limit is three recordings max, I'd have to go with the following. One caveat: I listen to a lot of Dylan, so there is not one CD/recording that I listen to more than others. Otherwise:
Bach: Goldberg Variations (Murray Perahia)
Eva Cassidy: Live at Blues Alley
Jakob Dylan: Women and Country
Bach: Goldberg Variations (Murray Perahia)
Eva Cassidy: Live at Blues Alley
Jakob Dylan: Women and Country