This is an area that many audiophiles focus on. Why? Simple. You hear female vocals every day. The ability to reproduce these is difficult and you know when a system (and room) are performing properly. Any issues in the bass will muddy up the vocals.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. Patricial Barber - Modern Cool on Mobile Fidelity. The 45 RPM version is fabulous. The bass on Post Modern Blues are really incredible. A great system will deliniate this distinctly from the vocals beautifully without allowing the bass to muddy up the vocals.
2. Janis Ian - Breaking Silence on Analog Productions. Engineered by Doug Sax on an all tube system. Wonderful warmth and dynamics.
3. John Rutter - Requiem on Reference Recordings. Pie Jesu vocal is stunning. You get a clear sense of the size of the venue--large and cavernous.
4. Amanda McBroom - Growing up in Hollywood Town. The Rose is just wonderful. Her vocal clarity is astounding.
5. Eva Cassidy - Live at Blues Alley. Her album songbird may be a better "female vocal" album, but Live at Blues alley is such a great live recording. Really full without much compression gives you a wonderful live venue presentation of the entire music.
6. Lori Lieberman - Home of Whispers on Pope Music. Girl writing a letter is my favorite.
7. Sara K. Waterfalls on Stockfish. Terrific live album. The acoustic guitar and her voice are beautifully recorded.
8. Rebecca Pidgeon - the Raven on Chesky. Another just great folk type recording. Chesky has always made great recordings but this one is particularly clear.
A long list this month. Next month--you guessed it. Male vocals.
Well, as always I hope these recommendations are useful to you. Isn't this what it's all about--enjoying the music.
