I don't have an objection to sound recordings, as long as they're unobtrusive and limited to just the singing. This is a social event where I go to relax and BS, and the glowing screen reminds me of work, my boss, and hey, is this going online where my boss might see it? Who knows.

I will ask him again to stop recording and see what happens.

I agree that the sound quality can't be great, and it's certainly nothing I would want to listen back to. Besides, no notes are allowed at the singing to enhance the "being in the moment" nature of the music. The glowing screen detracts from the feeling of all being there together sharing songs.