Part 45:
Femal Vocals

I'm a big fan of vocals, particularly female vocals. I've commented on many female vocals before, but I'm always buying and listening to more. So enjoy some new ones here.

1. Holy Cole, "Temptation" and "Helpless Romantic". The first album--listen to "Little Boy Blue". What a great rendition and I love the articulate bass with Holy Cole's vocals passing over. On the second album, the 45 RPM disc has "One Trick Pony". Superb bass, though probably boosted a little too high, gives a big system a challenge for keeping everything in line and not having the bass get muddy or go over Holy Cole's voice.

2. Ella Fitzgerald, "like someone in love". There are so many great EF albums it's hard to pick a favorite. Sadly, many of her recordings are not stellar. This one is a new 45 RPM from Acoustic Sounds and it is stellar. I was absolutely amazed at the quality. I wish all of her albums were at this stature.

3. Billy Holiday "Body and Soul". The 45 RPM version is very good. As with EF most of her recordings are not stellar. This one is not as good as the EF mentioned above, but if you are a Billy Holiday fan this is not one to miss.

4. Jane Monheit "Taking a Chance on Love" The first cut, Honeysuckle Rose has a great upright double bass and like the Holy Cole album her voice above that bass is just wonderful. A more classic and traditional style than Holy Cole's works. Great recording and the whole album is thoroughly enjoyable.

5. Patricia O'Callaghan "Real Emotional Girl" These are all covers but very interesting renditions. She does a number of Lenard Cohen songs. (Remind you of anyone with the initials J.W.?). "Hallelujah", the first cut, is wonderful. But don't thing it's all traditional. The second cut is "Better Man" by Pearl Jam. Fun Album.

As always, I hope you enjoy these and please e-mail me with any suggestions you have for me. I love finding out about more music.