hi Jim

Many singers from almost all styles close their eyes a certain times when the sing.

McColl as you say used to sometimes. I never got to see him enough to work out if he closed his eyes at the same point(s) in the same songs where he did it.

I know I used to close my eyes at times. It wasn't deliberate it just happened. It wasn't for complete songs but only the odd line or two.

Interestingly when singing McColl's First Time Ever I saw Your Face Roberta Flack closes her eyes continually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go9aks4aujM&feature=related

regards

MikeL2