Most underrated female recording artists..

Popularity is objective, artistic merit is subjective..... 

I would suggest Iris Dement and Maria Muldaur's album the " Love Songs of Bob Dylan" which is a  wonderful recording- not necessarily for stunning  vocals chops but for her interpretations of such amazing songs and more often than not making them much better that the original.

I too think this is a great thread. One of the main reasons I follow Audiogon is for artist recommendations and this thread is a corker(English for really really good) I have already ordered some CD, having listened to a number of singers on YouTube.

My own penny, sorry domes worth:

Jonatha Brooke: A great voice and self penned songs.

Judith Owen: A welsh artist, Jazz/SingerSongwriter

Kate Rusby  ) Two of the best English folk artists around at the moment

Cara Dillon   )  "    "    "  

I hope you enjoy.

I will be unpacking this thread for some time to come thank you all for your wonderful insight.

Laura Marling's latest solo offering "Song for our Daughter" for the folkies out there.