Best female vocals on CD

All good choices Craig...though of these Ella is my favorite, followed by Sassy Sarah.
A newer one to look into is Melody Gardot, I've mentioned her on A'Gon before...let us know what you think.

Larry

Although this might be an acquired taste, I think Holly Cole's Temptation CD from the mid 90's is really great. Spare production, good sonics and engaging interpretations of some of Tom Wait's best material.

I gotta go with the Holly Cole citation. There are some tracks I have that are absolutely wonderful.

Give Brazil some consideration .

Bebel Gilberto
Sabrina Malheiros
Marcella Mangabeira
Rosalia De Souza

for starters

Bebel is amazing. I also love Nara Leao and Monica Salmaso.