SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?

Subject: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: John Routledge
Date: 27 Nov 01 - 07:19 PM

Pray that you do not have to follow an 8 year old in a singaround!!

On Saturday afternoon an 8yo young girl sang a song which was word, note and emotion perfect - fully understanding what the song was about.

The audience were completely absorbed and when the girl sang the last verse starting

"Where have all the graveyards gone......."

the atmosphere was overwhelming.

For me the highlight of the Bedworth Festival.

There is still hope. Geordie John

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 04:13 AM

In my case following anyone is like being the man with the shovel and bucket following the Lord Mayor's Show.Then , of course, anyone following me has to wait for the audience to return. Probably the only way to cope with the situation as described is to change the mood: follow with a comic song, or, if following a great comic song, with a moving one.
RtS (who really moves the audience, several miles usually!)

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: lady penelope
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 05:10 AM

Yeah, never try to "one up". It doesn't matter what the age of the performer, but if you're an adult following a child, I'd try to do something as unchildlike as possible. (Well, something that can be sung in the presemce of children, any way.) I take it the song was "Where have all the flowers gone?", if so, we have a performer in the making, as she chose something that was perfect for her young voice. If it were me following her, I'd go for something bluesy ( or gutsy, whatever ) with a good loud chorus, for every one to join in.

Basically, just have fun after something like that, 'cos you're just not going to get near it. Doff a mental hat and keep going.

TTFN M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: alanww
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 06:36 AM

Yes, it is very disconcerting to follow a brilliant singer but its worse if they sing a song in the sort of thing you tend to you do yourself. But no matter how good they are, I, you and every individual is unique and can contribute something a bit different to a singaround. I agree with Lady P that the key thing is to sing something in a different style.

Perhaps Don't mind the wind nor the rolling sea ... followed by I like to rise when the sun she rises ...
Alan

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: Gervase
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 08:26 AM

You know, Alan, there have been times in the Middle Bar when the twig has gone from thee to me and I've muttered to meself: "Bugger - he's just done the song I was going to do, and he's done it better!"
§;^)

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 12:36 PM

It's real easy, "Pass". JohnB

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: John Routledge
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 01:52 PM

Yes M'Lady P "Where have all the flowers gone"

Got so carried away with the emotion forgot to mention song.

Fortunately for me the question was hypothetical but I am now prepared.!! I will also keep away from any youngster who looks even slightly likely to perform.

Thanks M'Lady P Your strategy is spot on. Hopefully I never have to use it :0) Happy singarounds to all Geordie

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: Morticia
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 02:05 PM

I once followed the cutest little four or five year old who lisped "Cockles and Mussels" in the sweetest and shy of little voices, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.Of course, I wanted to take her round the back and kick the crap out of her but I settled for a fairly bawdy parody instead a la Pens excellent advice.

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: Gervase
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 02:46 PM

I'm with JC and Morticia on this - "Suffer the little children". Preferably extremely violently and out the back out of earshot!

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: breezy
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 04:06 PM

mAKE 'EM sing another one, Oh heartless one! cant stand one hit wonders, but God bless 'em.No, make whoever is responsible for the little b to follow em, or have an interval.

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 04:56 PM

We have a club member who is a Collins - Mageean and Sid Kipper fan, so from an early age his son was singing "All God's critters got a place in the choir". And also, "Norfolk and good".

Subject: RE: SINGAROUNDS - Who not to follow?
From: Robin2
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 09:38 PM

Had a good friend that was playing solo banjo at a bluegrass festival. He had to follow a unbelievably hot banjo player, and when the first performer left the stage, the emcee looked at my friend, and simpered "follow that!", with a wink to the sound guys.
Just so happens my friend is an excellent classical guitar player as well,,,He ran back to the car, grabbed his guitar, and did a 20 minute performance of classical music! The crowd loved it, and he was a big hit!
The moral is...don't compete, just show what YOU are good at!