Mark, here's my simple advice on how to hire the best singers and musicians in town: Get a gig first then hire the best talent you can. If you're paying at least the "going rate" in your area and the singer/musician is availble the date you need them they will probably take your offer. Now if you appraoch a professional or even a semi pro/hobbiest with " I'm trying to get a dou started- are you available to rehearse?" your not going to have much luck. Who has time for that?!?

So get a gig, call up Ms. Pro Singer, if she accepts have her email you a list of her tunes (with the keys she sing them in) Then you have to do your homework and work up her tunes and just show up to the gig and play.

Good luck!