Best Local Vocalist

Not since Francine Reed settled here 25 years ago has a singer new to the Atlanta scene made such an indelible first impression as BERNADETTE SEACREST. The irony is that the jazz chanteuse is more popular in Europe than in her adopted city, but don’t expect that to last long. Seacrest sings torch songs with a fragile and haunting voice that is Billie Holiday cross-pollinated with Madeleine Peyroux. Both members of her two-piece band are alumni of Col. Bruce Hampton — former Aquarium Rescue Unit guitarist Charlie Williams and current Quark Alliance bassist Chris Dale. Seacrest, who moved to Atlanta from Albuquerque in 2006, didn’t even take up singing until six years ago. Catch her now before Atlanta finally discovers her. You’ll be struck first by her tattoos, then you’ll be captivated by her voice.

www.bernadetteseacrest.com

Mention the name INDIA.ARIE and you’ll conjure images of ever-changing hairstyles, sweet-smelling incense and colorful headwraps. But bug all that: The lady can sing, as she proves on her latest album, the recently released Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship. Employing a range that rivals Stevie Wonder, her deep, rich tone and complex — yet accessible — arrangements add soul to any tune she chooses to grace.
www.indiaarie.com.

Lately, HEATHER LUTTRELL, the lovely, heavily inked rock and blues performer, has been collecting quite a bit of printer’s ink for her appearance on CBS’ “Rock Star: INXS.” So she didn’t win the contest; she’s a rock star already and one of the best Atlanta performers around. And besides, why should she be stuck singing Michael Hutchence songs at some crappy dive when her own new Grits N’ Pulp album is so much better. The single may be “Anything But Me,” but when this fiery redhead launches into tunes with titles like “Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues (They Just Get Drunk),” she channels Janis, bests Bonnie Raitt and roars like the hyperactive lovechild of Ani Difranco and Social Distortion.
www.heathergrrrl.com.