Critics Picks Vocal Best of 2011!

Critics Picks / Jazz Vocals 2011

Having long said the best a critic can offer is perspective, an artist reminded me jazz vocalists are somewhat pushed aside when it comes time for year end "best of" lists and the point has tremendous merit! So, before this year of incredible music comes to a close there is still time to pay tribute to what I consider to be the best vocal releases either as a package or single track.  

In alphabetical order!

1. Amina Alaoui - Arco Iris

2. Aimee Allen - Winters & Mays
3. Karrin Allyson  - Round Midnight
4.Rick Braun - Sings With Strings
5. Shirley Crabbe - Home
6. Carmen Cuesta - Mi Bossa Nova
7. Elaine Elias - Light My Fire
8. Kurt Elling  - The Gate
9. Grace Kelly - Man With The Hat ( vocal tracks )*
10. Lizzy Loeb - ( Mitchel Forman & Chuck Loeb )*
11. Renee Marie - Black Lace Freudian Slip
12. Meshell Ndegeocello - Weather
13. Gretchen Parlato - The Lost and Found
14. Holli Ross - You'll See
15.Kathrin Shorr - Send Me Some Snow ( Christmas Release w/ Chris Standring)
16. Becca Stevens Band - Weightless
17. Tierney Sutton - American Road
18. Sachal Vasandani - Hi-Fly
19. Roseanna Vitro - The Music of Randy Newman
20. Deborah Winters - Lovers After All

*Lizzy Loeb - Top / Grace Kelly - Bottom