Mm,

I hope that crack about "eclectic" was not addressed to me. I run a group in Berkeley for people who like to sing traditional ballads, sing them myself and have many "traditional" or "source" singers in my collection of recordings. Having said that, I also write songs (You can find a few on Mudcat if you look). I also have talented friends who write fine songs (Carol Denney is one). I also sang in a church choir and retain a lot of choral music. And I loved Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez when I first heard them and was elated when I first heard Ewan MacColl.

Despite all that, I often fall on the side of purists. There are a great many singer-songwriters I do not care for and I never call myself one: I am a singer. Period.

If I go to a traditional session I sing traditional music, usually a capella. I save my own songs for the rare Open Mic, late night session at music parties abd when I am directly requested to sing them.

Sharyn