Under-rated folk musicians/singers

Subject: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 03:59 PM

At the risk of irking some, I thought in response to the recent (& seemingly controversial) "most over-rated legend" thread it might be fun to start a thread on the opposite question - (I hesitate to ask who is "under-rated" so ...)any opinions as to who should be better known than they are? (needless to say - not including oneself!)

I'd be happy to start with a couple of suggestions : Personally I think that Jon Raven & Johnny Collins deserve to be household names - alas it rare to meet anyone that knows of them. (Of course, they may well be better known around these parts!) So any other suggestions?

Cheers J.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 04:14 PM

I think Alasdair Roberts is very under rated. Ignored, even. To my ears he's significantly beyond what anyone else is doing to / with the tradition right now.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 04:22 PM

I'd nominate Jon Loomes.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 06:37 PM

Kate Green, one of Sheffield's best-kept secrets.
Absolutely stunning voice and sings with real passion and understanding. She is easily good enough to be a headliner anywhere you'd care to mention. I would happily listen to her sing a phone directory (not to mention being willing to give up an arm to sing like she does). It is a real pity more people have not had the pleasure of hearing her.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: SylviaN
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 06:43 PM

I second that, Richard, Jon Loomes is great. I also nominate Hérétique, the group that he is in with Michael Beeke and Murray Grainger.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:04 PM

Tiny Tim was a terrific and totally unique musician/singer who got a lot of notoriety for oddball stuff like "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" and marrying "Miss Vickie", but who was seldom appreciated for the genuinely talented guy he actually was. And yes...I am being quite serious when I say that. He was under-rated by most people.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: oldhippie
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:07 PM

Off the top of my head....

The Clydesiders
Susan Urban

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Hesk
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:20 PM

I have never been able to understand why Mick Ryan hasn't become more famous, given his marvellous voice and composing and theatrical talents.
I do not mean to say that he is not well known, but rather that he has not become the headliner that he deserves.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:48 PM

Try out Kevin Mitchell (originally Derry, now Glasgow); Tom Spiers (formerly of The Gaugers and more recently Shepheard, Spiers and Watson); and Arthur Watson (see Tom Spiers!).
All are known within a smallish community which appreciates totally committed singing, but none are properly appreciated -- IMHO.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Young Buchan
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:57 PM

Jock Duncan. As fine a singer as John Strachan with the additional recommendation that he is still alive.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:04 PM

Dave Taylor.

Bob Kenward - highly regarded in Kent, but I suspect he's not known so much elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:35 PM

Thoroughly agree aboot Kate Green and Bob Kenward!

However, Ron Trueman- Border SHOULD be world famous!

AND, how cud we forget, wor very own 'My Guru Always Said'! The lass hez one of the prettiest and emotive voices aah've hord in a lang time! Aah cud listen tiv her aall neet lang even if she was singin' the TV times - Crack on Hils, me bonnie lass!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: LesB
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:38 PM

I saw Jock Duncan once at Whitby. I couldn't understand a word he said or sang.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:53 PM

The Clydesiders no longer perform as such, but a former Clydesider has his own band, i.e. Duncan McCrone. Fabulous band with, as well as Duncan, the multi-talented peripatetic Stevie Lawrence and Cy Jack.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 10:07 PM

I appreciate the plug for Susan Urban. There's just a lot of great performers/singers that don't get heard for a lot of reasons. Our friend Glenn Shubert writes some of the best songs I've ever heard, but you won't hear him unless you go to his house. Brighid Malone is great in the celtic field, but you won't hear her unless it's on short notice in the Chicago area. As far as performers who do tour that should be heard more, there's tons of them. I really like Tim Grimm, Hewson & Smith from Canada, Chico Schwall from Portland. There's a lot more.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 06:50 AM

Thanks to all who've made suggestions so far. Not sure that Alasdair Roberts is "under-rated" seems to be doing quite well though I agree he makes some fine music. Totally agree about Jon Loomes though. I checked out Kate Green - nice voice but didn't really "do it for me personally"
I never really "got" Tiny Tim but my partner is a big fan & I'd agree - he's certainly unique! I checked out Susan Urban & thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for that. Likewise Tom Spiers - again, totally loved it & will certainly be listening to more of both.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 07:01 AM

I also really enjoyed listening to the little bit of Jock Duncan that i could find here: Jock Duncan - Great stuff. I've heard a little of Ron Trueman-Border on Britfolk Radio before now & I agree he is quite interesting & worth having a listen to. So thanks to all who've made suggestions so far. Will be checking out more in due course. In the meantime here's someone who I think deserves a bit more recognition too :
Mark Dowding

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: I don't know
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 07:13 AM

There are so many hidden names that should be much better recognised for there musical/vocal talents. I think Emily Slade, Terry Emm, Jon Brindley & an American Matt Shenk are all worthy of a top spot.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 07:49 AM

steve turner

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 08:30 AM

Thanks for the mention Geordie Dear (cheque in post) *grin*
Hils

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: LesB
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 08:49 AM

I'll go along with both Mark Dowding & Jon Brindley. Here is Jon's 1st Vid. Jon Brindley Youtube He is just at home doing his own songs & trad & is a mean fiddler.
Although well known, I think Brian Peters is underated. He should be a folk superstar by now. (cancel that, I wouldn't be able to afford to see him then).
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:04 AM

I'd go with many of the above, and add Sharon King

Excellent singer and writer.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:05 AM

Dick Miles.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: DonMeixner
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:10 AM

Howard Stith
Mustard's Retreat

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:16 AM

Its ALL to do with Bums on Seats ! Brian Peters in his early days was NOT a Bums on seats booking despite his abilities , but has improved his Audience Contact skills and is certainly getting there now ! And there are SO many 'local' performers who for what ever reason DONT get out of their local patch .

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Suffet
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:00 AM

My top three nominees:

Ralph Bodington -- Singer and banjo player from Rhode Island. Very quiet and understated, but really accomplished.

Alan Friend -- Old-time musician from Brooklyn, New York. Another quiet and understated performer.

Sarah Underhill -- Singer who performs almost exclusively in the Hudson River Valley area of New York State.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Acorn4
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:15 AM

Thanks for the mention, Melodeonboy. Much appreciated.

I would suggest Trio Threlfall as deserving of a lot more billing than they get.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Fidjit
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:22 AM

And there's me.

Chas

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Deckman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:41 AM

I think my neighbor is pretty darned good ... problem is I can't remember his name!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 12:09 PM

Alan Bell, formally of the 60s-70s band the Taverners who were one of the 'biggest' bands in the NW, writer of many great songs and consumate performer as well, but don't ever lend him your guitar it'll be out of tune within seconds.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 02:08 PM

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Dick Miles - PM
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 10:16 AM

Adam Smith
   this post is nothing to do with me, i have not logged out. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 02:20 PM

All those who sing or play tunes at The Beech

L on his way to The Beech

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: I don't know
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 02:54 PM

The Unthanks.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 06:11 PM

Hey Dick, no it was me, and I wasn't taking the piss. I do think you're underrated. I reckon if you weren't quite such an *ahem* unusual character and, say, you had a more Famous surname, you'd be considered a far bigger cheese than you are.

I do think your music and singing is underrated.

I also think Kate Rusby is underrated. Sure, she's a big name and sells loads of records, but in the folk scene she's tended to be viewed rather disparagingly (perhaps for those very reasons) whereas I think she's a very good interoperate of traditional song - she really brings songs to life and imbues them with character.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 06:27 AM

Perhaps Dick would be a bigger cheese if he was Dick Stilton or Dick Wensledale, Dick Cheddar even Dick Canadian Red Cheddar or Dick Brie then he could sing French songs as well.

L in C#
Who will probably regret this

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 07:55 AM

Dick Cheese? I think that may hinder his chances more than help.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 08:10 AM

But Adam, their is a free market in cheese, but I guess you know that?

L in C#

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,David Ricardo
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 08:56 AM

It wasn't Adam Smith, it was me and it just seemed like it would be to your comparative advantage to change your name to something cheesy.
How about Dick Gorgonzola?

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: JHW
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 11:40 AM

just checking again

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: stallion
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 11:47 AM

It's the company that Kate keeps! Anyway, second Ralph Boddington. My nominees are Hissyfit, Wendy Arrowsmith, The Young'uns and Blackbeards Teaparty

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 11:57 AM

"Hissyfit, Wendy Arrowsmith, The Young'uns and Blackbeards Teaparty"

stallion knows his music! I agree with all of those.... Though I'm not sure The Young'uns are THAT underatted, they seem to be making real progess, which is a good thing.

I'd add OK Brandy, Anna Shannon, Brother Crow & Joe solo. And 2 Black Sheep & a Stallion of course!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 12:40 PM

Clive Palmer - though I think he probably slips under the radar because he doesn't seem to care that much about having a career as a musician...

I suppose it also depends what you mean by underrated... by who, for example? The general public? The mainstream media? The music press? Folk fans? On some levels the wonderful Bob Pegg is woefully underrated but in Spleen Towers - and I'm sure by many others on this forum - his musicis revered.

Also - and I take Clive Palmer as an example of this - can someone be considered underrated if they are not particularly career minded? Or if they are just known and appreciated by folks at their local singaround but have no plan to take their singing any further, no matter how good they are?

Finally, I don't know Ross Campbell and Sailor Ron's songwriting well enough to make a general comment on it, but what I've heard is easily as good as some of the best songwriting around. I'd particularly draw your attention to their absolute classic "Lost", which is probably one of the best songs I've ever heard and should be covered/ interpreted widely. American duo Pint & Dale have done a great version of it, here.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: breezy
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 01:35 PM

Ben Campbell from The Folk on the moor club near Ivybridge, Devon, Sundays

Good voice , good guitar , good performer, good audience raport good original songs.

Ben knows how to entertain

rarely seen beyond Devon.

I guess Vic Legg is out on a limb in Bodmin.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 04:37 PM

Definitely Anna Shannon truly amazing songwriter.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Mawnan smith
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 04:51 PM

I think Graham OCallaghan, Sean OShea and Charley Yarwood the finest voices in the tradition. MS

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 05:27 PM

Sorry Anna Shannon nominee was me!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 06:06 PM

Flaxenby - Sam Mcleod and Chris Buttery both underrated singers and song writers and fantastic fiddle from Andy
And of course MGAS.
I agree with the post about Mick ryan I have never understood why he is not mega big

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 06:08 PM

That song "Lost" is a very nice song. Tried finding some Bob Kenward to check out but though I found what seemed to be his website alas I couldn't find a single song on there to listen to You Tube didn't throw anything up either. Any ideas where I might find a sample track? Likewise Dave Taylor?

Thanks J.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Acorn4
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 04:30 AM

Dave Taylor websites:-

www.acorn4.demon.co.uk

go to "listen"

www.myspace.com/davetaylor4

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Sally Pasty Head
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 04:53 AM

Seth Lakeman

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Acorn4
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 04:55 AM

The linkmaker seems to be misbehaving at the moment - you might have to "cut and paste" those.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: theleveller
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 05:10 AM

Not being funny, but the problem with talking about underrated folk musicians is that no-one's ever heard of them. From time to time you come across people in folk clubs and signarounds who really impress you but, because they have no desire to perform to a wider audience, you probably never hear of again. But isn't that what's so great azbout folk music?

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 07:03 AM

Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre

Martin and Shan Graebe

Annie Dearman, Steve Harrison and Vic Gammon

Mary Humphreys and Anahata

All great singers and/or musicians who should be world famous by now!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Magrat Garlick
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 07:14 AM

How about Pierre Vincent and the wonderful Sally Ironmonger Trio. Both are excellent singer/songwriters who light up a room the moment they walk in.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Nobodys bard
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 07:34 AM

Thanks Acorn4 - you're right...Those links didn't work but finally got there - enjoyed listening to the four songs there - as an occassional baseball cap wearer myself not sure that I can fully endorse "Under The Baseball Cap" (though I don't have a Bull Terrier - or a mobile come to that ;-) "SongsofPraise" was very funny - some great lines (love the chorus!)

"theleveller" .. Regarding your point - true enough but one of the points of this thread was to perhaps introduce people (like myself) to some less known but wonderful singers who do have material available & I think it's succeeding in doing that. In fact, I have just ordered a CD by one of the singers mentioned above who was previously completely unknown to me (& if I had more disposable cash - I'd order several more)so, for me anyway, the thread is serving a purpose.

Got to agree with Shimrod re: Martin & Shan Graebe (recently bought one of their CD's too) upon discovering that Martin was the author of several songs that I absolutely love : "Peter's Private Army" & "Jack-In-The Green" to name but two) Also really enjoy everything I've ever heard by Vic Gammon.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: theleveller
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 09:55 AM

Fair enough NB, in that case, I'd heartily endorse Banjiman's recommendations, and Bob Pegg, and I'd also add The Old Dance School, Landermason and Ray Hearne.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 10:19 AM

From time to time you come across people in folk clubs and signarounds who really impress you but, because they have no desire to perform to a wider audience, you probably never hear of again.

Like Les, I've heard some truly stunning stuff at the Beech. I listen to Dave Bishop, Ann Cojeen, Alan Grace and Sue van Gaalen (among others) with wonder, admiration, gratitude and determination to learn their songs asap.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 11:11 AM

Vin Garbut! But it's probably only to do with opportunity! Look at it this way! He's funnier than Billy Connolly. He's a better singer than Billy Connoly. He's a better musician than Billy Connolly. If Michael Parkinson had decided to give Vin - rather than Connolly - air space, he'd be a superstar by now.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: I don't know
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 12:06 PM

Mike Silver, Johnny Coppin, Keith Donnelly, Les Barker, Richard Shindell, Megson, Faustas, Show of Hands, Oysterband, Elbow Jane, Pete Abbott, Elisa Carthy, Jim Moray, Adrian Nation. It real depends on an individuals taste & the opportunity presenting it self at the right time.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 12:23 PM

I've seen Colin Holt ( my space colin holt band )perform loads of times, and always think he should be more well known than he seems to be
He's more of a songwriter though, but really good

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 02:56 PM

Should have mentioned Donal McGuire in my last post - a singer and musician of great distinction.

"From time to time you come across people in folk clubs and signarounds who really impress you but, because they have no desire to perform to a wider audience, you probably never hear of again."

I would to 'third' that (if there is such a term?). In my little world at present there are some stunning singers.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: BobKnight
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 03:13 PM

I'm always looking for some opportunity to get my name into the frame - but no matter how I try I just can't get into this one. Trouble is, I'm not underated, because I'm not rated at all. I suppose that's my next ambition - to be an underated folk singer/songwriter.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 03:17 PM

Richard Buckner (before he went electric)....

Jim White does a few tunes that could be considered folk - in any event he's underrated period in whatever genre one chooses to pigeonhole him in. A truly unique artist (a title bandied about with too much frequency, but deserved in this instance).

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 03:56 PM

Julie Henigan

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 09:13 PM

Oh BobKnight, dinna under-rate yersel, as we who ken ye wud say yer sangs and her singin' are pure dead bruliiant!
Strikes me this is a' a wee bit geographical, frae yon man wha cudnae mind whit Jock Duncan was sayin' or singin' (guess Jock widnae ken whit ye were aboot either, LesB!) tae those wha to'ally ignored ma heids-up fur Duncan McCrone's band!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: BobKnight
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 09:15 AM

Thanks TB - a big kiss for you next time I see you. :)

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Nobodys bard
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 01:29 PM

Oops! Just checked out Duncan McCrone now - thanks. Not for me though - bit too smooth for my personal taste. Jock Duncan on the other hand - now yer talkin' - also really enjoyed giving the Jim Reid album "I Saw The Wild Geese Flee" a listen here :
I Saw The Wild Geese Flee

& if this is you Bob : BobKnight   Really enjoyed it. Great stuff mate!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Ian Gill
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 01:38 PM

Harriet Bartlett.
Check out her music.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: ollaimh
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 03:25 PM

last may day i saw mathew ord play at the cecil sharpe house. he may be too young to be underrated but he is one of the best folk guitarists i've ever heard and he is a fine singer as well. his cd is him and guitar and he nails every track, great arrangements of folk chesnuts. very gutsy for a kid to cover songs that are staples of the great performers but he puts his stamp on every one.

i've always had a liking for pat kilbride as well. a fine singer and instrumentalist

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: BobKnight
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 05:45 PM

Nobody's Bard: Aye that's me, thanks for the blue clicky and your kind words. You can get even more on www.youtube.com/bobknightfolk some traditional stuff, (5 songs) and the rest are my own. 21 songs in all.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 06:06 AM

Arn't the real people who are under- rated the organisers of folk clubs and the voulunteers who help at festivals. Hours of work for very little recognition.

Me - I'm quite happy if at the end of a band do someone says ( as they have)- I can't dance any more but I could have listened all night to the band; do you have any CDs for sale ( as happened to the old trout band the banstand showcase at Broadstairs this year ) or a repeat booking - as most of ours are. I don't think any of the band think of themselves as under rated by the people who matter to them.

Different, I know, if you are desperate to make a living from playing.
FloraG

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 02:27 PM

Time to add my twopennorth I guess. I would endorse a number of the names already listed above. But I believe, peering through the fog, there's a bit of clarification - OK, the definition and nit-picking - to get over first...

"Underrated" is very much a relative term, surely..

1. Some of the names thus far mentioned are already very well or highly rated in terms of reputation among those in the know on the/a part of the folk scene, but they may not be all that well-known in the wider context of the broader musical world. George Papavgeris, Barrie & Ingrid Temple, Hissyfit, Anna Shannon, the Young'uns, GU4, and Duncan McFarlane are some that spring to mind. All top-class performers, but (like the next categories) one has to be careful when & where tagging them as underrated. 2. Others who are (deservedly) very highly rated in the/a specialist category within the folk scene and get the commensurate billings within those areas, but whose names may not be common knowledge to the non-specialist: Brian Peters, Grace Notes, Maggie Boyle, Mary & Anahata, Alison & Geordie, Kevin & Ellen Mitchell, Mike Silver, Peta Webb & Ken Hall - these are just for instance, I could list quite a few more. 3. Others who are revered and appreciated by the folk connoisseur and always put bums on seats, but are inexplicably consistently underrated in terms of things like folk awards: like Jez Lowe and Steve Tilston. 4. Others, though, who would best fit my personal concept of the term underrated - in that literal sense as well as being underexposed (for whatever reason), and thus relatively rarely heard, would include, especially, Kate Green - absolutely one of the finest singers I know (hear hear, YY) - and also, each in their own way, the trio Finest Kind; Chris & Siobhan Nelson; Ray Hearne; Donal Maguire (to recall just four); and then 5. The final sub-category, which ties with 4 in my ranking as closest to the real meaning of "underrated" for me: those brilliant local-stage singers whom you hear once in a while (or perhaps slightly more frequently) at a singaround, say, but who never gain (or may not wish to reach) a wider appreciation for their interpretive talents.

Well there's a start. Cheers! MM

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 06:49 AM

Bob Knight

Please consider this communication as confirmation of your new status as an underrated folk musician. You have now been officially underrated.

If at a later date you wish to be reassigned as the next step up - 'cult genius'. You will have to re-apply. There is a small fee involved. make the cheque out to my offshore account in the Cayman Islands.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Pistachio
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 06:15 PM

Thanks for the mention MM, I agree with your concise list - and would add David Swann, a singing, songwriting Yorkshireman!
Regards
H.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: BobKnight
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 08:45 PM

Alan Whittle:I thank you most sincerely for my official status as underated folk musician. I shall wear the badge proudly.

I'm not too sure about the next step - isn't that usually a posthumous award?

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 10:00 PM

Excellent post, MM -- amen!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 03:51 AM

Well if I were you Bob, I'd stick in an immediate protest.

In my case, I'm definitely an exclusive cult. Several attempts have been made to underrate me, but I have always managed to fall below the crass superficial standards of the contemporary folk scene.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 03:55 AM

I've just thought of Tony Hall - the sort of melodeon player that other melodeon players go to see.
FloraG

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Hesk
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 06:50 AM

As nobody seems to agree with me about Mick Ryan, it seems he's under-rated on this thread, as well!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 08:35 AM

I've been a cult for years. Several people have told me I'm a cult.

I'd write more, but I must leave as I have an urgent appointment to have my hearing checked.




Steven C

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 08:28 AM

Have really been enjoying this thread -- especially the links to performances dug out by several contributors.
And what a reminder of the riches of our traditions!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Alan Day
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 08:47 AM

Even if you were not a "Cult" before Steven
You are now
Very funny
Al

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Acorn4
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 08:53 AM

I'd agree with Mick Ryan -it's just that he'd already been mentioned.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Cats
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 01:47 PM

Have to say that many of those named on this thread are really well known performers and as such would not come into my definition of under rated or they wouldn't be well known[ Does that make sense?] I would be looking to many of those performers who are the 'gems' we all spot in the local folk club or at many of the small festivals around the country.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Seaking at Sea
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 03:41 PM

Totally agree Cats.

Allie Byrne gets my vote.

Chris

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Jim Redfern
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 06:00 AM

Mawnan Smith;If you're talking about Sean O'Shea from THE CLAQUE,I totally agree;not that he's under-rated[he's not by those in the know]but that he is a great and creative singer in the tradition.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: ollaimh
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 08:24 PM

oh yeah , tressa doyle, from pei canada. one of the finest singers in folk. her jazz isaloso good but her folk albums are among the very best

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,martin
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 06:35 PM

hugh waller, paul pearson,
both sheffield lads,totally different but equally great
at what they do. i often travel from wythenshawe to sheffield if
either of these guys are in session

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Anniecat
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 07:37 PM

The very modest Amanda Diamond has the most beautiful voice (accompanied by husband Eddie Wheaton of course).

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Michael Nelson
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:20 PM

While searching for the words to "'Arpin' Fred Smith" I came across a reference you made to an evening with Diz Disley, Jon Isherwood and my late brother, Pat Nelson. I should loike to contact you to discuss some memories,if you don't mind. Thanks,

Michael

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 06:16 PM

The late Tom Dundee comes to mind. From Chicago.

There are plenty of youtube videos of Tom. The thing they're missing, though was his brilliance as a stroyteller in explaining the genesis of many of his songs. He passed in 2006 from a motorcycle accident at the age of 59.

Was privileged to co-produce and play on his first release entitled 'A Delicate Balance". I miss him alot though we'd lost touch over the years. A once in a generation talent.

Would encourage anyone to do a study of his songs. They never sound contrived, clever or 'songwritey' if I can coin a phrase. One would listen and be unaware of the genius in the simplicity until long afterward. One verse that I recall says:

"Oh baby I'm crazy 'bout you"
"She looked the other way and said, 'Oh yeah, well me too!"
They went down tryin', but what the hell
It was a short letter and a long farewell.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Bert
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:57 PM

Most of them.

There are dozens of Mudcatters who should be well known.

Other than that there is Oliver McElhone.