Just to say that because two of the singers you mentioned are your own personal favourites doesn't automatically make them good singers. One I have been listening to for many years and, while I agree with your assessment of her, I find her a limited singer because of the way she produces her voice. The other I find a totally indifferent singer - personal taste again.

But you aren't going to get very far persuading other people to share those personal tastes if you start by dismissing Jean Ritchie and Jean Redpath like that. (They're the two singers more than any others that got me interested in folk music).

Who do you think is better? I know you admire MacColl, who I wouldn't put in anywhere near their league as a singer.