From the days when I was more audience than singer, the view I acquired was one that became more important and basic as I started to sing out, lead songs, perform:

It's not the singer it's the song.

Don't remember where that dictum came from, only that it was part of a list of parallel constructions of relative values - " it's not the------ it's the -------, it's not the------ it's the -------, " etc. I dearly wish I could find the rest of the list and the source.

NEVERTHELESS this ethic has served me well and informed my taste. It has led me to appreciate singers without "pretty" voices, and value what they have studied, researched, collected. It is also difficult to deal with the frustration when the songs from Peter Bellamy, Frank Harte, or The Copper family don't get much recognition or air play (in the US) until someone with a spectacular voice, like Ann Hills, Connie Dover or Karan Casey cover them. Then you also get the contemporary writers with little to say and precious little traditional song in their background being touted as " folk stars" on the basis of a great voice and/or guitar expertise.

I do not know if it is more difficult to let the song shine through when one has the skills and the voice, but I know I cherish it when I hear the likes of Deb Cowan, Cindy Mangusen, Archie Fisher or John McCutcheon. The brilliance of their playing is just a setting for the gem of the song.

Joanne in Cleveland