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
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