Great female voices

Julie Miller +1

Definitely mannered, but if you listen to female vocal driven Americana, "Broken Things," is an excellent choice.

A very different off the beaten path voice is Shannon McNally

I have been listening an awful lot to Amanda Shires, Carrying Lightening. Don't know if her's is a great voice, but it is a lovely record. The album's gem, perhaps, is "Detroit or Buffalo," a cover of Barbara Keith, who is also very worth checking out.

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