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exceptional voices of female singers (non-classical)

What I'm talking about here is what critics of classical singing refer to as "the instrument": the exceptional beauty or uniqueness of the timbre of the voice qua voice.  For the moment, put aside preferences w.r.t. repertoire, interpretation, performance, style, delivery, etc., and just consider the *sound* of the voice.  We're *not* talking about favorite female artists here, because that kind of preference is based on a whole amalgam of factors.

I suspect some of the top figures in the category I've tried to define often aren't very popular among audiophiles, because of those many other factors.

My first three nominations: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Eva Cassidy.

128x128twoleftears
richmon
241 posts
 

Jacqui McShee (from Pentangle and John Renbourn group) has a heart melting voice ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yRAi4miyvQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3S2brPXjEM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxFxQjWK44I

chrisoshea
377 posts
 

And as relates to female voice recommendations, a poster to analogplanet.com turned me on to this album; Billy Childs-Map To The Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro- This one is on CD or download only (as far as I know) and is very moving; https://www.amazon.com/Map-Treasure-Reimagining-Laura-Nyro/dp/B00LQ90UZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517591186&sr=8-1&keywords=%27Map+To+The+Treasure%3A+Reimagining+Laura+Nyro%27%3F

 

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,396 posts
 
@2channel8 good call on Nicole Atkins.

Beth Ditto ....... of Gossip
Beth Hart
Nanci Griffith
Patty Griffin
Patti Labelle
Brittany Howard ...of Alabama Shakes
Lisa Hannigan
Julia Stone
Tanita Tikaram
Marketa Irglova
Gladys Knight
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russmaleartist's avatar
russmaleartist
52 posts
 
We all have our favorites based on so many reasons: technique, timbre, phrasing, type of music, tone, interpretation, etc. I believe there are cords that reach the human soul and vibrate sympathetically to our personal experiences, our physiological hearing, a message that is delivered . . . but it is a very personal experience; therefore, one may appreciate the strength and power of one voice, the sheer beauty of another . . . but they each fulfill some aspect of satisfaction in one's own soul that no one else can reach or satisfy. I will say one thing with regard to singers in general . . . what passes for talent today certainly in many, but not all case, fall short of the mark of dedication, working one's craft, and paying one's dues to achieve a status of respect, lasting reputation, and one that is totally unique in their own right without sounding like carbon copies of another. The aspect of instant success or being a “hit” or celebrity is given away much to easily and cheaply to many in my opinion . . . and their voices as well as their popular flare that burns hot for a short while soon cools to an ember and burns out to forgetfulness . . . therefore, time is still the test of quality and lasting endurance. I will also say this: for the few that make it into so-called stardom, there are thousands, even millions, who are never recognized for their talent or get the break they truly deserve . . . while many who get there, one has to scratch one's head as ask “WHY?”
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