Don, I agree with you about people trying to sound and be something they aren't. I am a fan of Mike Seeger but I know that he will never be as authentic as a Doc Watson since it came to him second hand. He still is a stirring and exciting performer who communicates the "essence" of folk music whether or not he is part of the society that he brings to an audience through his music. So when I listen to someone like Mike, I don't care if he's the "real deal" or not. The same is true for Burl or Pete or anyone who brings to the music an understanding and sensitivity.

So, ya' gotta' be yourself and don't try to be someone you aint unless you're a very good actor. Even then, there is a difference between a stage-worthy characterization and the person who learned the style from his/her community at his parent's knees. Jean Ritchie is the "real deal" but I like hearing her sing with others who maybe aren't like Oscar Brand or as she demonstrates so beautifully on her CD's with trained singers that it fits artistically.

AS to classical training, if it helps someone become a better interpreter of folk song why not?

It has to be said that there are some not so hot authentic folksingers and folksongs out there. Just because it's folk doesn't mean that it's automatically great entertainment or great music.

I would rather hear Richard Dyer-Bennett than a real out of tune bad authentic folksinger singing doggerel that no one understands any more.

I realize that this is subjective too but I think that if you listen to enough folk music you can discern what's interesting and musical and reflects the integrity of the song and music.

A way to not do this is to play Banjo Patterson's Waltzing Matilda as a waltz.

Frank Hamilton



Frank Hamilton