Old friend looking for acoustic folk inspired music


So an old friend recently posted this query on his Facebook account. Any suggestions for this eloquent fellow?

" Really in the mood for some new, smart, beautifully written, acoustic folk inspired music from someone with a good set of pipes. A mash-up of Kelly Joe Phelps, The Wailin' Jennys, Harry Manx, and Shovels & Rope would be perfect. Does said lusciousness exist? Hit me with your rhythm stick. Thanks"
maxnewid

Tift is so relaxed and comfortable live, isn't she Slaw? Saw her at the Troubadour opening for Lucinda---good show!

One guy who "went" Folk after being in a Power Pop/Garage Rock band I liked a lot (The Plimsouls) is Peter Case. T-Bone Burnett produced his early albums, but I find him a little too self-conscious and deliberate, if you know what I mean. I feel the same way about Gillian Welch, though I acknowledge her talent.

Mary Gauthier can be considered Folk, and she's really something. Very personal, yet universal. I like her a lot.

tostadosunidos,
I came across Milk Carton Kids when NPR played some music during an evening session. They remind me of Simon Garfunkel. Very good music. I am looking more into older folk like Joan Baez, etc. This genre is fairly new to me. I also liked Hatful Of Rain that I picked up recently.
Tift Merrit is a real gem, but I have to admit, I was a "UGE" fan of the period when she performed with the band featured on the Home is Loud album. Saw them at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA. Not the best acoustics, but what a great combination of rockin’ out and ballads. She came out w her band and they had the lights up and after they turned them down she observed that it was "a little sexier, a little more rock and roll" and tore up the place.
None mentioned Doc Watson even folks from North Carolina, but I will.
He's a true spirit and sole of blue grass and great finger picker.


The line between Folk, Hillbilly, and Bluegrass is not real clear. It's hard to know what someone else is thinking of when they say Folk. At one time it even included Rev. Gary Davis, Leadbelly, and Mississippi John Hurt.