Dennis,

Oh, there are those still living who've contributed to my understanding of the craft of music. Some of them I don't know all that well, but think of as "a dear voice" Cindy Mangsen and Anne Lister are like that for me, and their songs have become important.

Dear voices, who're dear and known people - Margaret Nelson, now and always, my favorite female voice and crystalline viewpoint on things that matter in song, and performance, and life. Dick Swain, who inspired devotion to the music. Caroline Paton, who drew me into traditional music with such joy and humor. Cathy Barton, who in small doses, regularly applied at year or two intervals, has given encouraging critique. Judy & Dennis Cook (very alive and dancing regularly) who explore new OLD things with me nearly every week.

I know what you mean about being so much belonging to someone in your head - I imprint like a duckling. Music books, databases and cheat sheets aside, we get so much more from the "gurus" in our lives. Aural tradition is a wondrous thing.

Joanne in Cleveland