Top 5 Favorite Women Jazz Artists

OK - In response to Tracy T.'s comment here I made a list of my favorite jazz musicians who happen to be women. While I was thinking about it, it occurred to me that (as often happens with my taste in jazz) there could easily be another list of "New Music/Avant Garde" artists as well. I should note that, despite the overwhelming prominence of women vocalists in the jazz tradition, there are only two on my list because, well, vocal jazz isn't my bag - these are favorites after all...

Jazz Favorites:

5) Robin Holcomb
4) Myra Melford
3) Cassandra Wilson
2) Abbey Lincoln
1) Mary Lou Williams

Other notables in my collection: Jane Ira Bloom, Geri Allen, Billie Holiday, Shirley Scott, etc.

Avant Garde/New Music Favorites:

5) Pauline Oliveros
4) Marilyn Crispell
3) Meredith Monk
2) Joel Leandre
1) Jay Clayton

Other notables in my collection: Ikue Mori, Aiko Shimada, Carla Bley, etc.