Dave, glad you enjoyed it, although personally I try to avoid 'rating' artists because of the subjectivity of music (and art) and the personal preferences that we (all) bring to an evaluation. I tend to divide jazz singers into two major categories; singers and stylist. Although some 'stylist' like Billie Holiday can bridge the gap, most tend to 'stay in their lane'. Ella and Sarah Vaughn and Mel Torme and Tony Bennett and (okay) Sinatra, are singers, Carmen Mcrae, Betty Carter, Shirly Horn, and this lady, Cecile Salvant, are stylists. Normally, I hate labels but sometimes when I think apples and oranges are being unfairly compared (my opinion only), I tend to speak out. For the record, I think it's perfectly ok, and even normal, to say I prefer this artist over this one, but often that is based on personal style preferences rather than the quality of the performance or artist, which is subjective at best.
BTW, this is in no way a rebuke of your post, Dave....it just triggered some thoughts on a subject I've thought about often in the past. Take care (and by all means listen to more jazz, it's therapeutic
).
chas