Besides Aiko, a couple of others just came to mind: Ute Lemper has done some dreck, but Ute Lemper Sings Kurt Weill (on London) is quite excellent. She has just the voice for it. June Tabor also really makes me sit up and listen. Don't know quite what to suggest from her oevure. I have a CD, still in print, called Anthology. It has an odd song selection, but you WILL be wanting more after hearing it! Dave

Hello, ....on the very accessible side of the street, I really like Madeleine Peyroux's record "Dreamland" that came out on Atlantic a few years back. It features lots of NY folks, including Ribot, Greg Cohen, K. Wollinson, James Carter, Vernon Reid, etc. It has a very bluesy, Billie Holliday kinda vibe, but it's also very contemporary in feel. Lots of covers, but my favorite thing on the disc is her self penned "Always a Use", where it's just her voice and acoustic guitar.

I'm also thinking of the McGarrigle sisters, Kate and Anna. Their "French Record" is probably my favorite from the two. Like the Peyroux, it's also very pleasant. For me, they are both great "Sunday morning" listens. I once works part time in a rather upscale rare bookshop, and would play both of the above recordings, getting positive reactions from customers aged 8 to 80.

On the "indie" side of things, I like both Barbara Manning and Lois. Jean Smith of Mecca Normal has a very unique voice that turns many people off, but I like her work quite a bit.

Regarding Diamanda, I like "The Singer". Haven't heard the stuff with John Paul Jones. I also enjoy her earlier Mute recordings, but they are "out" in a way that "The Singer" isn't. It's "scare the neighbors" type material.

I remain....

Joseph

NP: Shoji Hano- "Tayhei Nipon" CD NR: William H. Gass- "The Tunnel"

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