KVC, just because I used DK in an example doesn't necessarily translate into "she is the best out there". Although this thread wasn't about female singers, I WILL bite and say that I tend to seperate vocalist into two groups; singers and stylists. Diana Krall, IMO, falls into the latter category. While I think she is okay and a consummate professional, I would much prefer a Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae, or Nina Simone. As for pure singers, I'll take a Sarah Vauhan or a Gloria Lynn (I'm Glad There is You). There are many other singers I like, but I was keeping it to females and jazz. I also love Janis Joplin and Joe Cocker because the soul was for real (as opposed to just having the pipes and musicianship to fake it). In fact, that would make an interesting thread; who has soul and who's faking it. This should include all genre's and past and present. We could also save some typing by just acknowledging say, James Brown and Luciano Pavrotti right up front, and maybe Mahalia Jackson and Edith Piaf. Although I'm not a fan of the style, I can still recognize that many Country singers have it. Who would some of your candidates be, on either side of the aisle (got it/faking it)?

chas

PS: if someone wants to try to define "soul" first, go right ahead.