I've re-visited this thread several times with growing interest at the polarity of opinions. I first became aware of Eva Cassidy about a year ago through a posting here on Mudcat. About six months later I picked up a CD of hers - I think, "Songbird"?? - out of curiosity.

Surprisingly, she just didn't turn my crank. Good singer, interesting material, but just didn't grab me. I am still wondering why? On the other hand, the first time I heard Joan Baez, and Mary Black, I was really moved.

I'm a 58-year old male, and I really wonder if certain sound timbre and frequencies register differently with age and gender?? For instance I, and several other men I know, find Alison Krause's voice sexy and pleasing. A number of women I know deride her "little girl" sound. Do you think there is a difference in the way males & females discern voice quality?