I had a feeling this might generate a few replies! Thanks for them. It's true I should go back and listen to "source" singers more. Can anyone suggest (easily available) recordings I should listen to? (Preferably female singers as I find it easier to relate.) I've been meaning to visit the sound library at CSH but of course it's only open when I'm at work.

As for accent and pronunciation, I struggle with the kind of generic folk accent many singers seem to adopt, and try to sing just as myself.