Joanna Newsom
A good friend of mine told me that “the last thing you sent me (the email notification of my last blog entry) sounded like a sick cat in heat”. He was referring to my post about Karen Dalton. I admitted that she had an unusual voice and that some songs on the album such as “How Sweet It Is” may not represent her best material. However, I felt that most of the songs were strong. In particular, I really liked the opening track.
He then challenged my assertion that her style would be familiar to contemporary audiences. I couldn’t quite put my finger on who reminded me of her, except that I detected a slight resemblance in Norah Jones. My friend objected that Ms. Jones is a much better singer, in his opinion.
I finally found the singer I had in mind (although, I believe there are others who also resemble Karen Dalton). She is Joanna Newsom. Here is a link to one of her songs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-xUpdO3g44
thebluze 
When I read you initial post, I thought of Newsom. I believe she also cites Vashti Bunyan, another forgotten folk singer, as an influence as well. If some find Newsom’s vocals off-putting, her 2011 triple album “Have One on Me” has less vocal quirks. I still find her initial 2004 release “The Milk-Eyed Mender” delightful.