Modern day female jazz recommendations

I'll gladly nominate two vocalists that should be put on any list: Flora Purim and Joan Armatrading. Purim's effortless improvisations on Chick Corea's "Return to Forever" are inspired and deft. Armatrading, likewise, excels with vocals that are spot on in terms of power and intonation. Anyone who enjoys good music and performance that is professionally wrought and competently handled should give these two songbirds high marks for agility, song-craft, and for putting soul back into the music.

Jazz: Flora Purim, Joan Armadrading
Rock: Grace Slick, Chrissie Hynde
Classical: Kiri Te Kanawa, Beverly Sills
Avant Garde: Laurie Anderson, Cyndi Lauper

Geeze, guys, this is one tough nut!

Winterplay.

Luciana Souza. The first Brazillian Duos is a favorite. I haven't heard the third

For the chronically depressed neurotic nerdy intellectual nothing will ever beat a Jungr, Barber, or Wilson :)