Female Vocals can really test the imaging and midrange clarity of a system. We all know what a female voice should sound like, so there is an absolute reference, and our ear is most sensitive in this region.
Jacintha "Autumn Leaves" Groove Note. Her voice is so palpable you can almost reach out and feel her breath as she sings. Stellar recording.
Janis Ian "This Train Still Runs" off the Breaking Silence Album. There is a lot of instrumental music mixed with her voice. The sign of a great system is the deliniation of her voice projected in front of all the instruments with no blurring from any instrument.
Sara K. "Water Falls" Stockfish. These are some of the best recordings of Sara K. Very clean and I expect very little EQ. Great clarity.
Patricia Barber "Postmodern Blues" The 45 RPM Mobile Fidelity version is exceptional. This also has great low frequency instrumental mixed with her captivating yet slightly haunting style of singing..
Jane Monheit "Honeysuckle Rose" The upright bass her contrasts her voice perfectly. Probably my most favorite rendition of this great song.
Eva Cassidy "Stormy Monday"from Live at Blues Alley. This is just super blues--but somehow it feels fun.
So this is the short track list for great female vocal cuts. These are all quite different in nature. Each will test the system in slightly different ways. But not only are they great tests. I just love the music.
Enjoy.
