Women singers don't have to be 'girly'. As an antidote to KR try Frankie Armstrong's CD 'Lovely on the Water' (Fellside FECD151) - now there is a woman who can sing! Ms Armstrong is not afraid of trad. tunes either - she goes for the subtlest and most beautiful tunes and handles them with great skill and artistry. To my mind, this is what folk singing is all about.
Oh yes, and this recording is a fine introduction to the much neglected and much maligned English tradition. And before anyone accuses me of chauvinism or something - not better than anyone elses tradition but wonderful all the same and worthy of respect and thoughtful interpretation.