The Donkey Walker's Favourite Female Vocalists

[Sand Dancin Donkey Walker]

Don't wanna sound ungenerous....great vocals, super-cool band and hip song selection BUT that finger-clicking that she often does can get really irritating at times, 'specially as it's quite forward in the mix.
Or is it just me?

Hi Simon

Your not being ungenerous at all. I just took it as the artistic content of the song, never really bothered me. Since you've mentioned it, it is bound to be much more noticable to me from now on . No worries.

Will have to play it now and see what I think.

Andy - SDDW

[Simon]

Hi John and Andy,

It's kind of got me thinking about these interjections - or style accoutrements whatever.

Yes it's not uncommon particularly for bluesmen - Albert Collins comes to mind - or jazzers to kind of ad-lib along while playing.

More relevant to this discussion, one of the things I get uncomfortable with about female vocalists is the false vibrato very widespread amongst (lesser) American pop singers (the ones that can't hold a note?) and the insistence on 'emoting'.

I find this a really tedious practice so, in light of what you said John, I suppose a few finger clicks is pretty acceptable in comparison.

New Moon Daughter - I think it's called, haven't played it for quite a while - is a great album if memory serves.

[stonetostone]

John you have a lot to answer for, i have been listening to a lot of beth hart on youtube and i cant get la song from live at paradiso out of my brain. I might even order this one as well.
steve

[John]

John you have a lot to answer for, i have been listening to a lot of beth hart on youtube and i cant get la song from live at paradiso out of my brain. I might even order this one as well.
steve

Its always great when you hear that got someone turned onto new music. Beth is amazing Live

[Barry]

Female Vocalists

Following on from the somewhat ‘dry’ list of female vocalists I gave in an earlier posting and answering a request that a fuller discography be given, along with suggested titles for those that might be interested, I have now ‘fleshed out’ my previous listing.

These are all artistes that I enjoy and have examples of their work. Obviously it is in no way complete and far from definitive, and of course the choices and opinions are quite personal. In the few cases where I have both vinyl and CD versions of the same title, reference numbers for both are given, along with an indication of which version I prefer.

The list is in strict alphabetical order and pays no attention to musical genre. Within each artiste’s listing the titles are listed in chronological order of recording (although this may not be reflected in the recording number).


Laurie Anderson

Influenced by modern classical music and pop music, Anderson uses electronically modified instruments (as well as her voice) to create a unique ‘performance art’ sound, which will not be to everybody’s taste. Moreover, Anderson does not sing as such, rather she tends to ‘talk in tempo’- an acquired taste.

Big Science, CD (1982), Warner 3674-2, Europe 257 002


Lily Allen

Allen sings about life as seen by a twenty-something: family concerns; nightclubbing; past boyfriends; bad sex and female competition, in an often dry but very witty way. Her lyrics are intelligent and are sung in delightful no-nonsense ‘Estuary English’.

Smile, CD (2006), EMI 94636 588001
Alright Still, CD (2006), EMI 94636 70282 (recommended title)


Joan Armatrading

Singer songwriter Joan Armatrading’s work lies predominantly within the pop genre, but there are clear influences of blues, folk, reggae and jazz.

Joan Armatrading, LP (1976), A&M SP-03228 (recommended title)
Me Myself I, LP (1980), A&M AMLH 64809
Very Best, CD (1991), Polygram 397 122 2
Classics (1975 – 1983), 2CD (2004), Universal 928 3506


Joan Baez

Folk singer, singer-songwriter and one time girlfriend of Bob Dylan, Baez sings about social issues, and political protest as well as performing traditional folk songs. A soprano (with apparently perfect pitch), her beautifully pure voice also lends itself to more ‘classical’ pieces such as Villa Lobos’s ‘Bachianas Brasilerias’ (from Joan Baez/5)

Joan Baez /5, LP (no date), Fontana Vanguard STFL 6043
Joan Baez in Concert, LP (1963), Vanguard SVRL 19017
Farewell Angelina, LP (1965), Fontana STFL 6058
Any Day Now (cover versions of Dylan songs), 2LP (1968), Vanguard SVRL 19037/8 and CD (1968), Vanguard VMD 79741 (recommended title) (Remastered CD preferred)
Baptism, LP (1968), Vanguard SVRL 19000
David’s Album, LP (1969), Vanguard SVRL 19050
Come From The Shadows, LP (1972), A&M AMLH 64339
The Best of Joan C. Baez, LP (1977), A&M AMHL 64668


Edie Brickell

Originally the lead singer with ‘The New Bohemians’, Brickell’s work is probably best placed in the folk-rock genre.

Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars, CD (1988), Geffin GFID 19268 (recommended)
Picture Perfect Morning, CD (1994), Geffin GFID 19332


Elkie Brooks

Former singer with ‘Vinegar Joe’, Elkie Brooks has had a successful solo career singing pop, rock, jazz and blues.

Shooting Star, LP (1978), A&M AMLH 64695 (recommended title)
Pearls, LP (1978), A&M ELK 1981


Kate Bush

Idiosyncratic pop singer-songwriter with a ‘helium-filled’ voice and an eclectic style, Kate Bush may not be to everyone’s taste.

The Kick Inside, CD (1978), EMI 0777 7 46012 2 1
Never for Ever, LP (1980), EMI STAO 6476 CD (1980), EMI CDP 7463602 (recommended title) (no preference on format)
The Whole Story (a compilation), LP (1986), EMI KBTV1 (also recommended)


Eva Cassidy

Eva Cassidy is a folk singer and acoustic guitar player with a wonderful beguiling voice. Cassidy tends to sing traditional country folk songs and cover versions of songs written by others. Despite that, whatever song she sings, she seems to make that song her very own. Died at a tragically young age.

Live at Blues Alley, CD (1988), Blix St. Records G2-10046
The Other Side, CD (1992), Blix St. Records G2-10066
Time after Time, CD (2000), Blix St. Records G2-10073 (recommended title)


Tracy Chapman

American singer songwriter, Tracy Chapman performs songs that often express strong social conscience and liberal politics.

Tracy Chapman, CD (1988), Electra 960 774-2 (recommended title)
Crossroads, CD (1989), Electra 7559 60888-2
Matters of the Heart, CD (1992), Electra 7559 61215-2 (also recommended)
New Beginning, CD (1995), Electra 7559 61850-2
Let it Rain, CD (2002), Electra 7559 62386-2
Where you Live, CD (2005), Electra 7559 813803-2


Judy Collins

Folk singer, Judy Collins, sings cover versions of songs written by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Jacques Brel, as well as her own self-penned songs.

Wildflowers, LP (1967), Elektra EKS-74012
Whales and Nightingales, LP (1971), Elektra EKS-75010 (recommended title)
Both Sides Now, LP (1981), Pickwick SHM 3061


Shirley Collins

Singer with the Albion Country Band, Shirley Collins has also worked with her sister Dolly Collins.

(with The Albion Country Band)
No Roses, LP (1976), B&C Recordings CREST 11


Mary Coughlan

Saddled with a disadvantaged background, Mary Coughlan sings about the darker side of life, exposing society’s underbelly with brutal, but refreshing, honesty.

Under the Influence, CD (1987), WEA 2292-42185-2 (recommended title)


Randy Crawford

Black soul singer and soul balladeer, Randy Crawford has a beguiling voice.

Randy Crawford, LP (1980), Warner WB 56 791


Sheryl Crow

An American singer songwriter, Sheryl Crow combines country, rock and folk into her work.

Wildflower, CD (2005), A&M 9884801 (recommended title)


Sandy Denny

Singer songwriter formerly with ‘The Strawbs’, ‘Fairport Convention’ and ‘Fotheringay’, Sandy Denny also had a successful solo career as a folk and folk-rock performer. Died at a tragically young age.

(with Fairport Convention)
What We Did on Our Holidays, CD (1969), Island IMCD 97
Unhalfbricking, LP (1969), Island ILPS 9102 (recommended title)
Liege and Lief, LP (1969), Island ILPS 9115

(with Fotheringay)
Fotheringay, LP (1970), Island ILPS 9125

(Solo artiste)
The North Star Grassman and The Ravens, LP (1971) Island ILPS 9165 (recommended title)
Sandy, LP (1972), Island ILPS 9207 (also recommended for the track ‘Quiet Joys of Brotherhood’)


Duffy

Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy sings songs influenced by soul, Motown, and Phil Spector. She has a strong, but slightly adenoidal sounding voice that is not universally appreciated.

Rockferry, CD (2008), A&M 175 642-3 (I understand the vinyl version is much superior for it’s lack of compression.)


Lesley Duncan

Singer-songwriter Lesley Duncan’s work covers pop, folk, folk-rock and soul ballads.

Earth Mother, LP (1972), CBS 64807
Everything Changes, LP (1974) GM Records GML 1007 (recommended title)


Marianne Faithful

Marianne Faithful’s distinctive voice (now sounding a little like Marlene Dietrich) lends itself well to the sometimes-dark subjects about which she sings. Her first commercially successful record, ‘Broken English’, is direct and aggressive in its approach. Her later output sees her revisiting some of her early ‘60s pop songs and the singing of traditional folk songs with an ever increasingly husky voice.

Broken English, CD (1979), Island CID 9570 (90 039-2) (recommended title)
Faithless, CD (1989), Castle CLACD148


Mimi Fariña

Sister of Joan Baez, Mimi Fariña sings with her late husband Richard Fariña, songs that have a strong social comment.

Memories, LP (1968), Vanguard SVRL 19047
The Best of Mimi & Richard Fariña, 2LP (1971), Vanguard VSD 21/22 (recommended title)


Ella Fitzgerald

Jazz singer and a singer of traditional ballads, Ella Fitzgerald had a prolific output and was heralded not only for the purity of her voice but also for her consummate skill in the phrasing and improvisation of songs. Said to have invented ‘scat’ singing.

(with Louis Armstrong)
Ella and Louis sing Gershwin, CD (1998), Verve (PolyGram) 539 679-2

Two Jazz Ladies (Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday), CD (1994), (The Sunday Times Music Collection), Prestige Records ST8
Ella Fitzgerald Sings Sweet Songs for Swingers , CD (2003), Verve MG VS-6072


Astrud Gilberto

Brazilian jazz singer Astrud Gilberto sings songs in samba and bossa nova style. Her most famous song is probably ‘The Girl from Ipamema’.

The Essential Gilberto, LP (1984), Verve VRV 6


Françoise Hardy

French chanteuse, Hardy rose to popularity in France in the early ‘60s. Her, often melancholic, songs are sung in a voice that is at times almost a whisper.

Francoise Mon Amour, LP (1966), Marble Arch MAL 1267
Les Chansons d’Amour, CD (1996), BMG 74321 415 023
The Vogue Years, CD (2001), BMG 43218 22322 (recommended title)


Debbie Harry

Formerly lead singer with the folk-rock group ‘Wind in the Willows’ and later with the punk-rock ‘Blondie’, Debbie Harry has had a successful career ‘post-Blondie’.

(With Blondie)
Parallel Lines, CD (1978), Columbia 72435-33599-2-8


Chrissie Hind

Lead singer with ‘The Pretenders’, a punk band of the 1980’s

(With the Pretenders)
The Pretenders, LP (1980) WEA 56.774
Learning to Crawl, LP (1983) WEA 92-3980-1
The Singles, CD (1987), WEA 22924 22292 (recommended title)


Billie Holiday

Jazz and blues singer, Billie Holiday, whilst not having the most beautiful voice has one of the most expressive ones. Some of her songs have become classics: ‘Strange Fruit’; ‘God Bless the Child’ and Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’. Her difficult life was ably portrayed by Dianna Ross in the film ‘Lady Sings the Blues’.

All of Me, CD (1995), Marshall Cavendish (Part work ‘The Jazz Greats) CD001
The Very Best of Billie Holiday, 2CD (1999), Verve Records 547 494-2 (recommended)
The Collection, CD (2008), Universal UMC WITUN1022


Marilyn Horn

Marilyn Horn was the voice behind the character ‘Kate’ (played by Dorothy Dandridge) in Otto Preminger’s 1954 film musical ‘Carmen Jones’; a resetting of Bizet’s opera ‘Carmen’, (with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II).

Carmen Jones, (highlights from the original sound track), EP (no date recorded), HMV 7EG8177


Janis Ian

Born Janis Eddy Fink, Janis changed her name at age 13 when she started her singing and writing career. Her first song: ‘Society’s Child’ about a mixed race relationship, that was banned from ‘air-play’ by many US radio stations at the time, as well as being rejected by Atlantic Records, shows the precocious abilities of the young Ian. Her early Verve recordings are in my opinion her best.

Janis Ian, LP (no date), Verve Forecast FTS 3017, later released on Polydor PD 6058
For All the Seasons of Your Mind, LP (no date), Verve Forecast FTS 3024
Present Company, LP (1971), EMI Capitol Vine VMP 1014
Between the Lines, CD (1973), Cooking Vinyl COOKCD 271
Present Company, LP (1971), EMI Capitol VMP 1014 and CD (1975), BGO BGOCD 165 (recommended) (LP preferred)


Norah Jones

Norah Jones is a jazz singer, but with folk, country and soul influences. Formerly a lounge singer, her first recording ‘Come Away with Me’, has a clear soul and jazz influence. Her second album is more strongly influenced by country music.

Come Away with Me, CD (2002), Blue Note 7243 5 32088 2 0 (recommended)
Feels Like Home, CD (2004), Parlephone 7243 5 98366 0 7


Ricky Lee Jones

An iconic singer, with a unique vocal style, Ricky Lee Jones often ‘slurs’ her words, in a way similar to John Martyn. Her voice is a good test of the resolution and articulation of a system. My favourite track: ‘Last Chance Texaco’, taken from her first album, uses the image of a worn out car on its last legs as a metaphor for a woman’s lack of success in relationships.

Rickey Lee Jones, LP (1979), WEA K56628 CD (1979), Warner 7599-27389-2 (recommended title) (Remastered CD preferred)
Pirates, LP (1981), Warner P-10900W
Girl At Her Volcano, 10" LP (1983), Warner 92-3805-1
The Magazine, CD (1984), Warner 7599-25117-2
Flying Cowboys, CD (1989), Geffin 24246 (also recommended)
Pop Pop, CD (1991), Geffin 24426
Traffic from Paradise, CD (1993), Geffin 24602
It’s Like This, CD (2000), Artemis 499582 2


Janis Joplin

No other vocalist can change so quickly from an intimate cooing to rip-roaring, foot-stomping, belting out of R&B, as Janis Joplin. Her whisky soaked voice is not the most beautiful, but goodness, is it powerful and heart-achingly emotional.

(With ‘Big Brother and the Holding Company’)
Cheap Thrills, LP and CD (1968), Columbia 492863 2 (LP preferred)

(With ‘Full Tilt Boogie’)
Pearl, LP and CD (1970), Columbia COL 492865 2 (LP preferred)


Jo-Ann Kelly

Sister of Dave Kelly (‘The Groundhogs’ and later ‘The Blues Band’), singer songwriter Jo-Ann Kelly has a wonderful blues voice and has been compared to Janis Joplin and Bessie Smith. Can white men sing the blues? – Wouldn’t know, but this girl certainly can.

Jo-Ann Kelly, LP (1969), CBS 63841


Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox has enjoyed a successful career both as a singer with ‘The Eurhythmics’, as well as performing solo. Her CD ‘Bare’ is a very personal album of self-penned songs.

(with Dave Stewart as the ‘Eurythmics’)
Ultimate Collection, CD (2005), Sony BMG 82876748412

(Solo artiste)
Bare, CD (2003), BMG 8287652405-2


Yunchen Lhamo

Yunchen Lhamo is a Tibetan singer with a remarkable and haunting voice.

Coming Home, CD (1998), Realworld CDRW 72


Kirsty MacColl

Daughter of folk singer Ewan MacColl, Kirsty MacColl, followed her own path, either individually or as backing vocalist for ‘The Smiths’, or with Shane MacGowan of the ‘Pogues’. A singer-songwriter of considerable talent (‘Tropical Brainstorm’), she is probably best remembered for her cover version of the Kinks’ ‘Days’, Billy Bragg’s ‘A New England’ and for ‘A Fairy tale of New York’ with Shane MacGowan. She was killed in a tragic boating accident.

Tropical Brainstorm, CD (2000), EMI WR1009872 (recommended title)
The Best Of, CD (2005), EMI CDV 3008 094633 3795 2 7 (good as an introduction)


Melanie

Former hippie singer-songwriter Melanie has enjoyed some success, most notably with her songs: ‘Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)’; ‘What Have They Done To My Song, Ma?’ and the cover version of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Ruby Tuesday’.

Melanie, LP (1970), Polydor 2318009 (recommended title)


Joni Mitchell

A singer-songwriter of inestimable importance for her contribution to 20th century popular music, it is difficult to encapsulate Mitchell’s output in a few words. Suffice it to say that her work ranges from folk songs; folk-rock; jazz experimentation and works that show the influence of ‘world music’. All her work is self-penned and employs an evocative poetry that, in my opinion, is second only to that of Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. (Her (soprano) voice is of course much better).

Song to a Seagull, LP (1968), Reprise RSPL 6293 (renumbered Warner K44051) CD (1968), WEA 7599-27441-2 (recommended title). (CD preferred, unless you can find a good pressing)
Clouds, LP (1969), Reprise RSPL 6341 (renumbered Warner K44070)
Ladies of the Canyon, LP (1970), Reprise RSPL 6376 (renumbered Warner K44085) and CD (1970), WEA 7599-27450-2
Blue, LP (1971), WEA 44128 and CD (1971), WEA 7599-27199-2 (also recommended) (remastered CD preferred)
For the Roses, LP (1972), Asylum AS 53007
Hissing of Summer Lawns, CD (1975), WEA 7559-60332-2
Hejira, LP (1979), Asylum AS 53 053 and CD (1976), WEA 7559-60331-2 (LP preferred)
Mingus, LP (1979), WEA K53091
Wild Things Run Fast, LP (1982), Geffen GHS 2019


Alanis Morisette

Canadian singer-songwriter, Alanis Morisette’s work covers pop, rock, grunge and later electro-pop. Her songs deal with feminine ‘issues’ and wry observation of life with clever lyrics.

Jagged Little Pill, CD (1995), Warner 9362-45901-2 (recommended)
Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, CD (1998), Warner 9-47094-2
Under Rug Swept, CD (2002) (also recommended)
MTV Unplugged, CD (2002)
Feast on Scraps, CD (2002), Maverick (Warner) 9362 48409 2
So Called Chaos, CD (2004), Maverick (Warner) 9362 48773 2
The Collection, CD (2005), Maverick (Warner) 9362 49490 2


Kate Nash

In many ways similar to Lily Allen in her style, singer-songwriter Kate Nash’s subjects are about the experiences and concerns of a young woman in her twenties. Her songs are witty and are sung in flat ‘Estuary English’.

Made of Bricks, CD (2007), Polydor (Fiction) 1743143


Nico

Nico was the singer with ‘The Velvet Underground’, but produced a number of solo albums. Nico turns her haunting voice to cover versions of work written by The Doors, Velvet Underground as well as to self-penned work.

The Marble Index, LP (1968), Elektra EKL 4029
The Blue Angel, LP (1985), Aura Records AUL 731 (recommended)


Laura Nyro

Singer-songwriter of the ‘Brill Building’ school, Laura Nyro’s work ranges from joyous up-beat soul-funk numbers to more tender and deeply emotional songs. She wrote many hit songs for the likes of ‘Fifth Dimension’, ‘Three Dog Night’, ‘Blood Sweat and Tears’ and Barbara Streisand.

New York Tendaberry, LP (1969), CBS 63510
Impressions, LP (1980), CBS 31864
Time to Love The Essential Masters, CD (2000), Columbia Legacy COL 499942 2 (recommended)


Hazel O’Connor

Hazel O’Connor came to prominence through the film ‘Breaking Glass’, about the life and times of the (fictitious) eponymous new-wave/punk group. Based on the success of the film, O’Connor did in fact perform with a put-together group called ‘Breaking Glass’, and later with her group ‘Megahype’.

Breaking Glass, LP (1980), A&M AMLH 64820 (recommended)
Sons and Lovers, LP (1980), Albion Records ALB 104


Madeleine Peyroux

Sounding uncannily like Billie Holiday, Madeleine Peyroux first CD has good cover versions of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Dance Me To The End of Love’ and Dylan’s ‘You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome’.

Careless Love, CD (2004), Rounder records (Universal) 06202498235836


Édith Piaff

French chanteuse of the 30’s and 40’s, Edith Piaff is best known for her strong vibrato style. Of her work, the song: ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ is probably the best known.

The Great Piaff, EP (date not recorded), Columbia SEG 8220
No Regrets/Exodus, 7” 45rpm single (1961), Columbia DB 4642


Dory Previn

Singer, songwriter and lyrist, Dory Previn’s work combines personal and sometimes bitter themes with wry social observation. Not the easiest singer to listen to but one of the most interesting.

On My way to Where, LP (1970), Media Arts 41-1
Mythical kings and Iguanas, LP (1971) United Artists UAG 29186
Reflections in a Mud Puddle, LP (1971), United Artists UAG 29346
Dory Previn, LP (1974), Warner K 56066


Corrine Bailey Rae

Came to prominence with her debut eponymous record. Owing to personal difficulties Corinne Bailey Rae has taken some ‘time out’ and has yet to produce a follow up recording.

Corrine Bailey Rae, CD (2006), EMI 009463 54117 2 0


Eddi Reader

Eddi Reader is the vocalist with the pop-folk group ‘Fairground Attraction’.

The First of a Million Kisses, LP (1988), RCA BMG PL 7169
Ay Fond Kiss, LP (1990), RCA BMG PL 74596


Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt is a country rock and pop singer.

Hand Sown Home Grown, LP (1969), EMI Capitol E-T 208 (recommended title)
Silk Purse, LP (no date), Capitol ST 707
Hasten Down The Wind, LP (1976), Asylum7E-1072
Simple Dreams, LP (1977), Warner K 53065


Sade

Sade Adu is a singer-songwriter in the soul, jazz and R&B genre. None of her work is demanding and could almost be classified as ‘easy listening’, were it not for the sense of opprobrium that this classification suggests.

Diamond Life, LP (1984), CBS Epic EPC 26044 (recommended)
Promises, LP (1985), Epic EPC 86318
Lovers Rock, CD (2000), Epic 5 099750 076620


Sainkho

Hailing from the former Soviet republic of Tannu-Tuuva, now known as Tuva, Sainkho mixes electro-pop with traditional Tuvan folk songs, some of which involve the demanding technique of single voice overtone or ‘throat’ singing. May not be to everyone’s taste.

Out of Tuva, CD (1993), Cramworld/Crammed Discs CRAW6


Buffy Sainte-Marie

A Canadian Piapot-Cree Indian, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s considerable output spans the genres of folk, folk-rock and in her later work, the use of electronics and synthesisers. Many of her songs are social protest and express her understandable and justified bitterness over the (historical and continued) treatment of native North Americans. Buffy Sainte-Marie has also made covers of several Joni Mitchell songs. Her strong use of vocal vibrato is, in my opinion, sometimes overused, but this should not prevent anyone from investigating her work.

Many a Mile, LP (1965), Vanguard VSD 79171
Fire & Fleet & Candlelight, LP (1967), Vanguard VSD 79250
It’s my way!, LP (1969), Vanguard VSD 79142
Little Wheel Spin and Spin, LP (1971), Vanguard VSD 79211
I’m Gonna Be A Country Girl Again, LP (1971), Vanguard VSD 79280
Illuminations, LP (1971), Vanguard VSD 79300 and CD (1971), Vanguard VMD 79300-2 (CD preferred as LP can suffer poor ‘end of side’ distortion on Side 2)
She Used to Wanna be a Ballerina, LP (1971), Vanguard VSD 79311
Moonshot, LP (1972), Vanguard VSD 79312
Coincidence and Likely Stories, CD (1992), Ensign CCD 1920 3219202 (recommended)


Carly Simon

A singer-songwriter, Simon’s career started in the early ‘70s and continues to this day. Her songs (of the pop and rock genre) use intelligent lyrics to express personal relationships and events in her life.

The Bedroom Tapes, CD (2000), Arista 07822 14627 2


Nina Simone

Nina Simone’s output covers the broad range of jazz, blues R&B, soul, gospel and folk. Known for her ‘feisty attitude’, singer-songwriter Simone sings with a passion about civil rights issues as well as covering songs by George Gershwin, Jacques Brel and Billie Holiday. Her output from 1958, right up to her death in 2003, is considerable, so the best suggestion is to try one of the several compilation albums that have been released.

Gold, 2CD (2003), Universal 9808087
My Baby Just Cares for Me, 2CD (2003), Black Box BB 258


Grace Slick

Formerly with ‘The Great Society’ and later with ‘Jefferson Airplane’, rock singer Grace Slick has had a solo career, however I think her best work was with either of the afore mentioned groups.

(With The Great Society)
Conspicuous Only in it’s Absence, LP (1968), Columbia CS 9624
Collectors Item, How it Was, LP (no date), Columbia CS 9702

(With Jefferson Airplane)
Worst of Jefferson Airplane, LP (1971), RCA SF 8164
The Best of Jefferson Airplane, CD (2001), BMG 74321 841022


Bessie Smith

An iconic blues singer of the 1920s, ‘Empress of the Blues’ Bessie Smith greatly influenced both Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin.

Nobody’s Blues But Mine, LP (2000), Past Perfect Silver Line 904386


Patti Smith

Patti Smith combines punk rock with spoken poetry. Most of her work is self-penned but she has produced an iconic cover of Van Morrison’s ‘Gloria’ as well as ‘Because the Night’, co-written with Bruce Springsteen.

Horses, LP (1975) Arista ARTY 122 and CD (1975), Arista 07822 188272
Easter, LP (1978), Arista SPART 1043 (recommended)
Set Free, (12” single, 1978), ARIST 12197


Dusty Springfield

One of Britain’s best-known popular vocalists of the last century, and former singer with ‘The Springfields’, Dusty Springfield’s career really started after she went solo. Singing a mixture of soul, folk and Motown, as well as songs written by Bacharach and Davis, Carol King, and Jacques Brel, Springfield could claim to be the first white soul singer. Her considerable output is best approached through any one of the several compilation albums available.

Dusty, CD (1998), Mercury 538 345-2


Siouxse Sue

Siouxsie Sue was singer with the punk/goth-rock group ‘The Banshees’. The individual (and punning) spelling of her first name hints at her aboriginal North American lineage.

Hyena, LP (1984), Polydor SHE HP1


Tanita Tikaram

A singer-songwriter in the pop-folk idiom, her debut album ‘Ancient Heart’ has, in my opinion, been difficult to follow.

Ancient Heart, CD (1988), WEA 243877-2 (recommended title)
The Sweet Keeper, LP (1990), WEA 9031-708001


Margo Timmins

Singer with ‘Cowboy Junkies’, the only example I have is their album ‘The Trinity Session’. This is an amazingly atmospheric (if slightly mournful) recording, made in a church, using a single Ambisonic microphone. Their work is a mixture of blues, folk, rock, country and jazz. Other titles are not so mournful sounding, and are well worth checking out.

The Trinity Session, CD (1988), BMG Cooking Vinyl COOKCD 011


Ruby Turner

Ruby Turner sings soul and R&B. Whilst she has a good voice, the accompaniment reminds me of the anodyne style of 1970s jazz funk. One of her best tracks is her cover of Etta James’s ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’.

The Best of Ruby Turner, CD (1992), Jive Records CHIP 119


Tina Turner

Now rightly lauded as a rock and soul diva, Tina Turner has had a long and successful career, which can be divided into two phases: pre- and post- her collaboration with her former husband Ike Turner. With a powerful contralto voice, Tina Turner can certainly belt it out.

(As ‘Ike and Tina Turner)
Feel It, 2CD (1997), Carlton Double 7210237

(As solo artiste)
Private Dancer, CD (1984) (recommended title)
What’s Love Got To Do With It, CD (1993)


KT Tunstall

Notable for the clever sampling of her own guitar, KT Tunstall’s work covers folk, rock and pop. The only title I have is ‘Eye to the Telescope’ and of that, the tracks that I prefer are the up-tempo: ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’ and ‘Suddenly I See’.

Eye to the Telescope, CD (2004), EMI 0724386024626 / CDRELX06


Susanne Vega

Singer-songwriter, Susan Vega is, to my mind, second only (and possibly equal) to Joni Mitchell for her use of intelligent and poetic lyrics. It is difficult to classify her work, lying somewhere between folk and rock. The subject matter for her songs is quite often unusual: child abuse (Luka); the enigma of Kaspar Hauser (Wooden Horse); divination and destiny (Days of Open Hand) as well as songs reflecting personal relationships and general social observation.

Susanne Vega, CD (1985), A&M 395072-2/CD 5072 (recommended)
Solitude Standing, CD (1987), A&M 395136-2
Days of Open Hand, CD (1990), A&M 395 293-2
99.9Fº, CD (1992), A&M 540 012-2
Nine Objects of Desire, CD (1996), A&M 540 583-2
Songs in Red and Gray, CD (2001), A&M 493 111-2


Dionne Warwick

Dianne Warwick is most famous for singing the songs composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David

The Bacharach & David Songbook, CD (1994) Music Club MCCD 169


Cassandra Wilson

It would be unfair to classify Cassandra Wilson as a conventional jazz singer, as her repertoire shows her going beyond such a category. Her ability to bend notes, elongate syllables and change the timbre of her voice from smokey sultry tones to shorter hollow tones, makes her voice sound more like an instrument of its own - ideal for relaxing late-night listening.

Travelling Miles, CD (1999), Blue Note 7243 8 54123 2 5


There is a large group of female artistes that have not been mentioned, these being classical or opera singers. I have not included them as I suspect that they are very much a minority interest to members of this forum, and I am not qualified to discuss them in depth. I have in mind singers such as:

Janet Baker
Maria Callas
Maria Ewing
Kathleen Ferrier
Tiri Te Kawana
Jessie Norman
Joan Sutherland.

If there is some interest, then this could be the subject of a separate thread.

I have of course omitted many artistes of whom I am interested but do not have any of their material in my collection.

So apologies for any overlap, duplication or repetition of any artiste or material mentioned in any other postings, and again all opinions expressed here are purely personal.

Barry

[The Grand Wazoo]

Wow, that’s a list & a half!!

I’d like to add some thoughts on a selected few of your submissions, if I may:

Elkie Brooks
I was once the passenger in a car that almost ran her over in Brighton – sorry Elkie – I was distracting the driver!

Judy Collins
Did a great cover of ‘Who Knows Where The Time Goes’ by Sandy Denny

Mary Coughlan
Superb Irish-stylee cover of The Stones’ ‘Mothers Little Helper’

Sheryl Crow
I can’t seem to ‘get’ Sheryl Crow – she always seems to sound like she’s reading the words, rather than ‘living’ them

Sandy Denny
What an amazing voice - ‘Who Knows Where The Time Goes’ is perhaps the best. Also truly great are: ‘Crazy Man Michael’ (Fairport) & the cover of ‘The Ballad of Easy Rider’

Ricky Lee Jones
My favourite track too: ‘Last Chance Texaco’

Janis Joplin
Unequalled – can’t say any more

Joni Mitchell
See also ‘Court & Spark’ – if you like ‘Blue’ you’ll like this

Alanis Morisette
Quite liked ‘Jagged Little Pill’, but after that the wordiness seemed to get too much.

Hazel O’Connor
The single ‘Will You’ made me realise what an amazing instrument the sax is.

Grace Slick
My fave – ‘After Bathing At Baxter’s’ (“no man is an island – he’s a peninsular”)

Bessie Smith
This is pretty much where the recorded blues started (& therefore, most popular modern music)

Patti Smith
Everyone should own ‘Horses’ & ‘Easter’ – also the single ‘Frederick’

Dusty Springfield
My recommendation is ‘Dusty in Memphis’ – if you think you know what Dusty Springfield is about, then get a copy of this – it will make you reconsider. (4 Men With Beards pressing is fantastic).

[Barry]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your comments. My responses are as follows:

Judy Collins - Agreed, that track is on her LP 'Both Sides Now'.

Mary Coughlan - Is that from her second title? I found the second CD a bit depressing.

Shery Crow - Yes, I know what you mean, almost a female crooning rather than singing. However I do like the CD and the one of hers that has a yellow cover ('Sunshine' ?).

Sandy Denny - Agreed, Agreed. In a number of cases I was temped to recommended many titles by a particular artiste, but thought I ought to restrict the recommendations to two at the most.

Ricky Lee Jones - Yes, 'Last chance Texaco' is probably my favorite track out of all RLJ's work.

Joni Mitchell - Thanks for that, I'll check it out. I was hoping that the post might prompt further recommendations.

Alanis Morisette - Again I know what you are saying; I fell in love with her as she seemed to be just that bit 'different' and basically went overboard and 'completionist' with her work. I do like 'Under Rug Swept' a lot.

Hazel O'Connor - Again agreed! Having been into jazz for quite some time I knew all about the sax, however the impact of its use in 'Will You' is approached in my opinion only by the sax in Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street'. Many years ago I experimented with stacking Quad electrostatics. I used 'Will You' as a test piece. The sheer palpable presence made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up - when the sax comes in for the second time after the 'Eastenders'-like roll on the tom toms - quite devistating!

Bessie Smith - Well, what can I add; the blues was/is my first love and I have about 100 blues CDs and a similar number of LPs. I notice that there is a blues thread but I am reluctant to contribute; this posting took me two weeks to compile!

Patty Smith - Agreed, agreed.

Dusty Springfield - Again thanks for that' I'll also check it out. As a daughter of Sappho, it's amazing the effect Dusty Springfield's singing had/has on most men.

There are a number of glaring omissions: Dianna Ross, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, Gladys Night and of course Aretha Franklin. I did not discuss these, as I only have samples of their work on various Motown and Altantic compilation albums. Perhaps someone could suggest some recommended titles to me?

Finally, I should like to thank the Sand Dancing Donkey Walker for starting the thread; it had me pulling out records and CDs and listening to a lot of stuff that I had not played for a good while, so whilst being dilegent over catalogue numbers got to be tiresome, listening to the music was not. Just as it should be.

Regards
Barry

[Barry]

I am interested in listening to the following female vocalists:

Madelene Bell (of 'Stone the Crows')
Beverley Knight
Bette Middlar
Bridget St John
June Tabor
Vashty Bunyan
Juliet Turner.

Does anyone have recommended titles by these singers they can suggest?

Thanks
Barry

[The Grand Wazoo]

I am interested in listening to the following female vocalists:

Madelene Bell (of 'Stone the Crows')

Does anyone have recommended titles by these singers they can suggest?

Actually, it's Maggie Bell.

I've got two of her solo albums - Queen of the Night (which is really good). You can see why some people thought she could be another Janis Joplin.
and Suicide Sal, which I don't know (other than the cover of Free's 'Wishing Well') because it's only just arrived yesterday!

I've also got 'Teenage Licks' by Stone the Crows - again it's great blues rock.

I went to see her last year, playing with Dave Kelly from the Blues Band.

[Barry]

Actually, it's Maggie Bell.

I've got two of her solo albums - Queen of the Night (which is really good). You can see why some people thought she could be another Janis Joplin.
and Suicide Sal, which I don't know (other than the cover of Free's 'Wishing Well') because it's only just arrived yesterday!

I've also got 'Teenage Licks' by Stone the Crows - again it's great blues rock.

I went to see her last year, playing with Dave Kelly from the Blues Band.

Thanks for that. BBC4 have recently been showing a series on the blues and the British blues scene. That was where I was reminded of her. I'm just bloody useless at remembering names.

Regards
Barry