Great female voices

Iris makes nice records, though her voice might be more raucous than lovely (Atheists can come from a spiritual place, too, btw). For a really strong flavor in the Iris vein, check our Lizzie LaPrelle.

For the great Eva Cassidy, try "Simply Eva." The version "Wayfaring Stranger" found there is a reference track in my listening group.

+1 on Sarah Jarosz; her version of "Come on Up to the House" is another reference track, as it goes pretty low for the genre.

An obvious choice, but I'd not want to overlook Margo Timmons of Cowboy Junkies. Lovely voice, solid recordings. "Acoustic Junk" is a limited release to look for.

John

For lovely in a conventional way try Over the Rhine. For something a little different Mary Gauthier, especially The Foundling. For a Euro flavour try some Sophie Zelmani. The Wailin' Jennies and Be Good Tanya's also. There are so many.

+1 for Over The Rhine

Roc1444, Mary Gauthier is a recent discovery of mine, and I LOVE her! As with most great artists, her work is very personal. I gave her a listen (the Mercy Now album---fantastic!) because I saw that Buddy Miller had produced one of her albums, the one I'm next going to get.

I received "Tomorrow Is My Turn" along with "The Lost Basement Tapes" on which Giddens plays a large part. After a few listens I am a fan. Although I must say I was a bit of a fan all along but didn't know it as Rhianna is a driving force behind the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Listening to the new music prompted me to go back and listen anew to the CCDs. Quite a bit of fun going on there. Can only imagine them live.