Billie or Ella? Maria or Renata? Technique or feeling?

Excellent post, stuartk. You wrote much of what I was about to write. You are exactly correct re the role of listener bias. For me an even more interesting question is why, when considering artists in the admittedly very small group at the very top level of excellence, some listeners feel the need to declare one or the other “the best” as if that opinion is some sort of objective truth. It is instead, and as you point out, at least in part a reflection of the listener’s bias. Moreover, to not keep a more open mind to this reality doesn’t enhance one’s acumen as a listener; it limits it instead.

I couldn't say anything about the ladies mentioned due to lack of familiarity. But as to the difference between "Technique or feeling?" I'll vote for feeling. Computers/synthesizers/drum machines may do things with precision, but will never replace the human element needed to relay expression.

Goes without saying, sls141,  but the problem is that technique is equated by some to mean absence of feeling. Why? Technique in the “hands” of a great artist opens possibilities of expression not available to an artist with limited technique.

No feeling/emotion? Gimme a break!

Feeling. Callas all the time. Listen to Sumi Jo for technique and no feeling. However it is possible to achieve both together - Schwarzkopf, Gruberova Norman or, Netrebko.

chockwan: "They do say that the fastest way to empty a room at a hifi show is to put on some opera." Perhaps, but the friends I attend with ask for opera rather than pop music.

I’m a great admirer of Billie Holiday’s singing and have most of her recordings. I would like to acquire some Ella Fitzgerald jazz recordings as well. Most of what you most commonly see of her work are the the "Songbook" type recordings like the Cole Porter or Gershwin songbook or recordings like Porgy and Bess with Louis Armstrong.

There must be outstanding straight jazz Ella Fitzgerald albums you might recommend that I could search out. Nothing against the above mentioned recordings, which many of you must enjoy, they’re just not to my individual taste. Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike